Bangkok: The Prime Minister held discussions with the Bangladeshi Ambassador to advance maritime and air connectivity, as well as food security, aiming to position Thailand as a bridge connecting ASEAN and BIMSTEC, creating opportunities and stability in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, His Excellency Mr. Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Ambassador of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to Thailand, paid a farewell visit to Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs. Following the meeting, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed the key points of the discussion.
The Prime Minister commended the Bangladeshi Ambassador for his significant role in promoting close relations and cooperation between Thailand and Bangladesh throughout his tenure. He viewed Thai-Bangladesh cooperation not only as bilateral but also as a crucial element in connecting economic cooperation and regional stability in the long term. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the governments of both countries would continue to work together to further advance mutually beneficial cooperation.
On this occasion, both sides discussed important issues of relationship and cooperation as follows:
Regarding trade and investment, both sides agreed to initiate negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and Bangladesh to promote trade and investment and increase economic opportunities between them, aiming for closer economic linkages.
Regarding logistics connectivity, both sides agreed on the importance of promoting transportation links between Thailand's Ranong Port and Bangladesh's Chittagong Port. Furthermore, the Bangladeshi side expressed interest in opening a direct flight route between Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, and Chittagong to facilitate travel and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
Regarding tourism, the Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction that Thailand would welcome more than 140,000 tourists from Bangladesh in 2025 and affirmed its readiness to facilitate travel for Bangladeshi tourists. Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi side reiterated its confidence in Thailand as a key health and wellness destination for Bangladeshi tourists.
Regarding food security, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in food security, particularly in the agricultural and public health dimensions, in order to sustainably enhance the quality of life for the people of both countries and the region.
Cooperation on Security and Combating Online Crime: Both sides welcomed the successful conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation between Thailand and Bangladesh, a key mechanism for promoting closer security cooperation between the two countries. Furthermore, Bangladesh commended Thailand's efforts and achievements in combating online scams and transnational crime, while the Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to seriously addressing these issues.
Cooperation under the BIMSTEC Framework: The Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand's full support for Bangladesh's chairmanship of BIMSTEC from 2025 to 2027. Thailand is ready to work closely with all member countries to drive common goals, including the concrete implementation of the "BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030."
Furthermore, the Prime Minister stated that Thailand views its role as a 'bridge' between ASEAN and BIMSTEC to strengthen economic connectivity, transportation, supply chains, and long-term security in the region. He emphasized that cooperation under the BIMSTEC framework presents not only opportunities for member countries but also serves as a crucial mechanism for achieving stability, economic growth, and security in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
At the end, the Prime Minister offered his best wishes and congratulations to the Ambassador of Bangladesh on his new appointment, emphasizing the continued bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Bangladesh based on their strong relationship and shared vision for promoting regional connectivity and stability.