Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Srettha Thavisin and Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina have witnessed the signing of five important documents to enhance cooperation in various areas between Thailand and Bangladesh.

The signing ceremony took place on 26 April 2024 at the Inner Santi Maitri Building, Government House, on the occasion of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh’s official visit to Thailand, scheduled for 24-29 April.

The five documents are as follows:

1) Letter of Intent on Commencement of Thailand - Bangladesh FTA Negotiation between Ministries of Commerce of Thailand and People’s Republic of Bangladesh;

2) Agreement on Visa Exemption for Official Passport Holders of the Kingdom of Thailand and People’s Republic of Bangladesh;

3) Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation between Ministry of Energy of the Kingdom of Thailand and Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources of People’s Republic of Bangladesh;

4) Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation between Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Kingdom of Thailand and Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism of People’s Republic of Bangladesh;

5) Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters between Customs Departments of the Kingdom of Thailand and People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

On the same day, the two prime ministers also attended a joint press conference. Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke stated that, at the press conference, Prime Minister Srettha gave a briefing on discussions between the two sides to further strengthen bilateral relations through trade and investment, development cooperation, and tourism.

Concerning trade, Thailand and Bangladesh welcomed bilateral trade volume at 1.2 billion USD. The Thai Prime Minister encouraged Bangladesh to provide investment promotion schemes and ease of doing business measures, which will facilitate and attract more Thai investors. He was also pleased that Thailand and Bangladesh were committed to working together toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Both sides also aim to elevate cooperation in agriculture, in particular halal and food processing sectors. Thailand and Bangladesh will collaborate to make use of resources to ensure food security for their peoples.  

The two countries also attach importance to the improvement of infrastructure and connectivity. The commencement of direct shipping between Ranong Port in Thailand and Chittagong Port in Bangladesh will enhance maritime connectivity and help bolster economic activities. 

Regarding medical tourism, Thailand will continue to provide excellent medical services, at competitive prices for the people of Bangladesh seeking treatment in Thailand. The two prime ministers also discussed the possibility of cooperation in training and capacity building for Bangladeshi medical personnel.

On educational cooperation, Thailand proposed a collaboration on vocational education. The Thai government is glad to see a mutual commitment to foster work-integrated education to develop workforces of both countries.

Prime Minister Srettha said that Thailand will host the BIMSTEC Summit later this year, while Bangladesh will become the next BIMSTEC chair. BIMSTEC is a key driver of regional economic growth, and a mechanism to promote closer bonds between the two regions. With a combined total population of 1.8 billion people, there is huge potential for BIMSTEC to achieve much more.

Thailand also appreciates Bangladesh’s role in providing humanitarian assistance for displaced Rohingyas since 2017. Thailand has always given its support toward Bangladesh’s endeavor in order to achieve a sustainable solution to this issue.