The 2016 Rio Olympics is in full swing, with six more day to Sunday’s closing ceremonies. Watching the games from Bangkok is Gilberto Fonseca Guimaraes de Moura, Brazilian ambassador to Thailand.
Brazilian Ambassador Gilberto Fonseca Guimaraes de Moura. photo: Thiti Wannamontha
Given the political and economic uncertainties facing Brazil, he said the South American nation has managed to rise above the occasion to thus far organise what is turning out to be a memorable Olympics in which Thailand so far clinched two gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal. But the run-up to the games, as widely reported, was dogged by a string of obstacles, such as the Zika virus, safety issues, water/air pollution, infrastructure delays, to name a few.
As an ambassador, he said it was his duty to be transparent about the negative news his country has generated about the sports extravaganza, though it’s also known that this is hardly the first time the Olympics host had to face such problems.
“Ever since the Zika virus emerged a year ago, we have worked very closely with the World Health Organization to address this issue.
“Also all the venues where the Olympic Games are being held are closely being monitored round the clock. Any means by which mosquitoes can be bred are being plugged. All efforts are underway to eliminate the possibility of anyone getting affected to zero percent.”
“It is winter time in Rio, so the temperature is low, around 20°C, which means the chance of mosquitoes to breed is more unlikely. So the chances of a small mosquito bite is very marginal. However, we are doing everything in our power to keep the situation under control and not taking this issue lightly. Campaigns and research are ongoing to lessen any chance of anyone contacting the virus.”
On keeping criminals at bay, de Moura, who has been in Thailand for two years, reported that a record 86,000 police officers and soldiers have been deployed during the duration of the games to keep the peace.
The ambassador believes public safety issues have been blown out of proposition by the media.
“While I do agree that Rio has a high crime rate, it doesn’t mean that you will be mugged at the drop of a hat. I have never been mugged in Rio de Janeiro, but have been in Europe and North America, where it is supposed to be safe. So it is only fair to surmise that if you don’t draw attention to yourself and take safety measures, you are less likely to become a victim.”
During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, he said there were no major crime-related cases because not only did the country put its law enforcement on full alert, athletes and tourists alike were warned to take precautions when travelling alone.
“Like everywhere you go today, you have to be cautious. Visitors are told to not walk in deserted areas of the city, flaunt jewellery, valuables and money, which is customary to any place you visit, and opt for organised tour excursions instead of travelling alone,” remarked de Moura.
Brazil also has stepped up security for possible tourist attacks, said the diplomat. The country has been working closely with France, the US and other countries that are well versed in global intelligence.
On the work front, de Moura said Thailand is as strategic a bilateral trade partner as their neighbouring Latin countries, so fostering closer relations with the kingdom on all levels has always been prioritised.
In the remaining two years of his tenure, he said the focus will be on solidifying ongoing trade between both nations. He has worked closely with his counterpart in Brazil to bring about better awareness of each country’s bankable commodities to the respective business sectors.
“The Thai ambassador to Brazil and I share a close rapport, and so we are constantly inviting businessmen from each other’s countries to visit,” said the Brazilian.
“We hope to work together to not just improve the quantity but also quality of the products that are being exported. Personally, I would like to see a more equal trade balance in which we can have Brazilian manufacturing products here and a wider presence of Thai products back home. There is also great potential in encouraging joint ventures in such areas as science and technology, agriculture and more. In September, we will have the Brazilian minister of agriculture visit Thailand, which I believe should further strengthen bilateral ties between both our nations.
“I am hopeful that by the time I leave Thailand, Thais will know Brazil for not just our football team but also products.”
De Moura, whose diplomatic career spans three decades, described being in Thailand as one of his most memorable assignments. The local culture, kindness and friendliness of the people has made him feel right at home, he said.
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.