Resolution Reaches: The Blue Diamond Affair Ends as Saudis and Thailand Conclude Gemstone Dispute
Resolution Reaches: The Blue Diamond Affair Ends as Saudis and Thailand Conclude Gemstone Dispute. In an unprecedented resolution, the long-standing conflict between Saudi Arabia and Thailand, known as the Blue Diamond Affair, has finally come to an end. The 30-year conflict stemmed from a scandal involving stolen jewels, international crime, and a series of murders, one of which involved an elusive 50 carat blue diamond that was never recovered.
However, this resolution sees an important reinstatement of full diplomatic ties between the two nations, announced during a state visit to Riyadh by Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha. This is not just a diplomatic win, but also an economic one, reopening employment opportunities in Saudi Arabia for Thai workers, as well as rekindling collaboration in sectors like tourism and petrochemicals.
Background of the Blue Diamond Affair
In 1989, a historic event occurred that shook relationships between two important nations – Thailand and Saudi Arabia. This event, known as the Blue Diamond Affair, began when a Thai cleaner named Kriangkrai Techamong, employed by a Saudi prince, stole several precious gems. Among these valuable jewels was a rare 50 carat blue diamond, the central figure of this notorious affair.
The theft in 1989 by Thai cleaner Kriangkrai Techamong
Kriangkrai, without realizing the true worth of the precious gemstones, decided to sell them off in Thailand. Unbeknownst to him, his actions were about to ignite a long and complex diplomatic dispute.
The non-recovery of the 50 carat blue diamond
Among the jewels stolen, the 50 carat blue diamond took the center stage. Despite efforts, this rare gem was never recovered which further complicated the relationship between the two nations.
The murder of three Saudi diplomats in Bangkok post-theft
Adding to the tension, three Saudi diplomats were shot dead in Bangkok, following the theft. This unsavoury event led to more suspicions and exacerbated the already strained situation.
Thailand’s return of the stolen gems
In an attempt to mend fences, the Thai police made efforts to recover the stolen jewels and presented them to the Saudi authorities.
Thailand police’s presentation of recovered jewels
However, the recovered jewels, although valuable, did not include the elusive blue diamond. Despite this setback, the Thai police went ahead and presented the jewels to the Saudi Arabian administration.
Saudi Arabia’s claim of fakeness in the returned gems
Adding another twist to the unfolding drama, the Saudi Arabian officials claimed that most of the returned gems were fake. This allegation considerably worsened relations between the two countries.
Investigation and allegations of corruption
Amid these raging disputes, the investigation into the affair faced a multitude of challenges, including allegations of corruption implicating the highest level of the Thai police.
Jailing of Kriangkrai and one police officer
Despite an allegedly tainted investigation process, Kriangkrai, along with one Thai police officer, were the only individuals who were actually jailed in relation to the affair.
Allegations on Thai police regarding a ‘bungled investigation’
Apart from the allegation of fake jewels, the Thai police also faced accusations of bungling the investigation. This added to enlarging the gap between Thailand and Saudi Arabia.
Suspicions of the stolen jewels being acquired by senior officers
Fueling further speculation and scandal, there were rumors that the stolen jewels ended up in the possession of senior Thai police officers, which left a stain on both the police and the government in Thailand.
Impact of the dispute on diplomatic relations
The Blue Diamond Affair had a significant impact on the diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand.
Downgrading of relations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand
At the height of the dispute, relations between the two countries were severely downgraded. This was an unfortunate outcome of the Blue Diamond Affair and its repercussions.
The missing investigator and suspicious death of two Thais linked to the crime
As if the situation wasn’t precarious enough, a Saudi investigator mysteriously went missing and two Thai citizens linked to the crime were found dead under suspicious circumstances. This development added more challenges to the diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha’s visit to Saudi Arabia
Despite the rocky history, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha took a step towards mending ties by visiting Saudi Arabia.
Resuming full diplomatic ties
In a monumental development, full diplomatic ties were resumed between the two countries during Prayut’s visit. This marked a positive turning point in their relationship.
Prayut’s expression of regret over the tragic events
During his visit, Prayut expressed sincere regret over the tragic events that had haunted the relations between the two nations since 1989.
Economic impacts of the Blue Diamond Affair
The Blue Diamond Affair resulted in serious economic implications for both the nations.
Jobs lost by Thai migrant workers
Prior to the scandal, around 300,000 Thais were employed in Saudi Arabia. However, the dispute led to a significant loss of jobs for Thai migrant workers.
Estimated cost of the dispute in terms of trade
Analysts estimate that the feud cost both countries billions of dollars in terms of lost trade opportunities.
Current state of the Blue Diamond Affair
The Blue Diamond Affair has since concluded, with both nations attempting to repair their relationship.
Conclusion of the dispute
With the regret expressed by the Thai Prime Minister and resumption of diplomatic ties, a line was drawn under the notorious Blue Diamond Affair.
Implications of the resolution for both countries
As both nations move forward, the resolution of the affair holds a new promise of peaceful and prosperous bilateral relations.
Future collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Thailand
The resolution of the dispute has paved the way for future collaborations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand.
Resuming direct flights to Thailand by Saudi Arabian Airlines
In a positive turn of events, Saudi Arabian Airlines has announced its intention to restart direct flights to Thailand, reflecting its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
Potential reopening of employment opportunities for Thais in Saudi Arabia
With the resolution of past differences, there is renewed hope for the re-opening of employment opportunities for Thai workers in Saudi Arabia.
Contextual information on Blue Diamonds
Blue diamonds are not just a beautiful and rare gem but also imbued with a certain mystery and allure. https://mauragemsandjewellery.org/what-is-the-best-gemstone-to-buy-in-thailand/
Boron-induced blue color
Scientifically, the blue color of these diamonds is attributed to the presence of the chemical boron during their formation process.
Scarcity and value of blue diamonds
Their scarcity is another contributing factor to their high value. Their extreme rarity makes them highly sought after in the gemstone industry.
Unclear origin of the stolen Saudi blue diamond
However, the origin of the stolen Saudi blue diamond remains unclear. This missing link adds another layer of mystery to the entire saga. https://www.gia.edu/gia-bangkok
Community reactions and aftermath of the resolution
The resolution of the Blue Diamond Affair sparked a myriad of reactions from the global community.
Responses from the global gemstone industry
The global gemstone industry was particularly interested in this case due to the involvement of the rare blue diamond. The conclusion of the affair provided some measure of relief and closure to the industry.
Public reactions from Saudi Arabia and Thailand
Public reactions in both Saudi Arabia and Thailand varied greatly. Many were relieved to hear of the resolution, seeing it as a positive step towards improving relations between the two countries.
The closure of the Blue Diamond Affair marks an intriguing chapter in the entanglement between national geopolitics and the global gemstone industry. Its resolution is a testament to diplomatic resilience and the possibility of overcoming historic disputes for the advancement of bilateral ties.
