Millicent Cruz Paredes Ambassador of the Philippines to Thailand
In November of 2020, H.E. Mrs. Millicent Cruz Paredes, Ambassador of the Republic of Philippines to the Kingdom of Thailand and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, arrived in Bangkok. Ambassador Paredes received her credentials from the King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua in April 2021. At the spacious embassy office, Expat Life sat down with Ambassador Paredes to learn about her perspective on Thailand and discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Arriving in the midst of the second wave of Covid infections, Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes recalled, “I came directly from the Philippines with my 12 year old daughter and we were the only two passengers on the plane. The PCR test that we went through was administered by the Philippine Red Cross in the middle of a typhoon in Manila. I started to conduct virtual meetings and managed the embassy affairs during the 14 days quarantine in Bangkok.’’
Thailand is the second overseas posting of Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes. Her first and last posting prior to Thailand was in New York for six years. For the past 12 years, she served at the Home Office in Manila, in various capacities including Director of the U.S. Division, and head of Fiscal Management Office with responsibility for finances of the Foreign Service. She gained experience as Deputy to the Senior Official in the APEC office to handle the Philippine Chairmanship of APEC in 2015. Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes was also Assistant Secretary for the international economic office, Asian and Pacific affairs, internal audit in the Home Office, and then the Chief Coordinator of the Office of the Secretary before her assignment in Bangkok.
Ambassador Paredes was born and raised in Manila. She recalled, “My father was a professor while my mother was a medical doctor. I did not grow up wanting to be a diplomat. After my graduation in the University of Philippines, my first job was in the Philippines Congress. Followed by the recommendation from a family friend, I took the Foreign Service entrance examination and was admitted in 1995. It was fortunate that the following year, the Philippines held the APEC chairmanship for the first time in 1996, and there I got an intensive on-the-job training. I learned tremendously and was exposed to the values and guidance that have been instilled in me until now.”
On Thailand in the ASEAN context, she views that, “The Philippines and Thailand are among the founding fathers of ASEAN, we share many similarities, we have common values. Thailand is highly regarded in many international organisations. Bangkok is well positioned in terms of geography and the values of the people. I am very honoured that Thailand is my first ambassador posting.”
Ambassador Paredes further elaborated, “Being both in the Southeast Asian region, many would agree the similarities between our two countries are very close, such as family values, hospitality to foreigners, even cultural aspects in terms of magnificent churches and temples. Thailand has the national symbol “tuk tuk” while the Philippines possesses the “jeepney.” Both Thais and Filipinos are creative, artistic, spiritual. Even the happy and welcoming outlooks of both populations are very evident.”
Ambassador Paredes is a working mother of three, “My youngest daughter, 12 years old, is with me in Bangkok, while my husband is in Manila with my two other children. My eldest daughter is 22 and graduating from medical studies in the next school year. My 17 year old son is about to enter university. I feel very fortunate with the education that I obtained from my government, being a product of the University of Philippines from kindergarten to bachelor’s degree. I feel duty bound to give back and serve my country and people.”
Now that business sentiments are easing back to normal as Thailand is emerging from the lockdown, Ambassador Parades has started to become busy again, receiving a stream of visitors from the Philippines. She pointed out, “The Philippines opened our country a few months ahead of Thailand. We are fully open to vaccinated travellers and there are no requirements for PCR tests or insurance coverage. I am confident that the government will be able to continue managing daily infection rate with the people’s cooperation.’’
The Philippines and Thailand established diplomatic ties in 1949, and will mark the 75th Anniversary of the PH-TH bilateral relations in 2024. Ambassador Paredes highlighted, “We are already in the preparation mode as we work towards further enhancing the political, economic and cultural ties, especially during this post-pandemic era. I believe that everyone needs to accept more adjustments so we have a better opportunity to collectively gain from the growth of our bilateral relations.”
“In 1963, H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej visited the Philippines. Former President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Sr. visited Thailand in 1968. These two were the significant high level state visits between our two countries. I think it is high time for another possible visit at that level. In 2023, our embassy intends to work closely with Thailand to lay the foundations for a meaningful commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of Philippines-Thailand diplomatic relations in 2024.”
June 12 is Independence Day in the Philippines. June 14 marks the establishment of the PH-TH diplomatic relations. Ambassador Paredes shared, “June 14 is also the World Blood Donor Day declared by the World Health Organisation. As Thailand was under lockdown last year, our embassy heeded the call and organised a drive for blood donation from Filipinos to the Red Cross. We have made this activity a tradition and will continue this as our annual charity drive.”
Since her arrival, Ambassador Paredes has travelled to a few provinces in Thailand such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, Khon Kaen, Surat Thani, Krabi, Phang Nga, Udon Thani, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin. She candidly admitted, “I hope to visit as many places in Thailand during my years here. Over my days off, I enjoy exploring Bangkok with my daughter. We enjoy swimming and table tennis together.”
According to Thai official statistics, Ambassador Paredes stated that there are around 30,000 Filipinos residing in Thailand. Many are teaching professionals and working in the hospitality industries. She believes that Thailand is a favored destination for Filipinos, as adjustments are easier due to the similarities between our two cultures.
Recalling the fun moments since arriving in Thailand, “I had a memorable tour with an adventurous parasailing in Phuket; running a beach marathon in Krabi; beach cleaning and releasing turtles in Phang Nga; watching fireflies from a boat in Surat Thani; being brought back in time among the ruins of Ayutthaya; horseback riding on Hua Hin beach. Perhaps the highlight was my recent participation in the Thai Silk Exhibition.”
Now that the lockdown is no longer in place, Ambassador Paredes is looking forward to meeting more of her Filipino residents through consular outreach all over Thailand, and raising the engagement with Thai officials and business people.
As our interview drew to a close, Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes invited visitors to her beautiful country, “The Philippines has over 7,000 islands that each have different offerings, culture and geographical features that present unique experiences. There are mountains, beaches, volcanoes, caves and many adventure options. Our happy and friendly people are waiting to welcome all of you. As our tourism tagline says – It is more fun in the Philippines!”
