Thailand and Bangladesh are enhancing their bilateral relations following the arrival of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Thailand on April 24. Since her visit began, the two nations have signed five agreements and a memorandum of understanding, which are designed to boost cooperation in sectors such as trade, tourism, and infrastructure.

The agreements involve negotiating a Thailand-Bangladesh free trade agreement, a visa exemption for official passport holders, energy cooperation, joint tourism promotion, and mutual assistance in customs matters. 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed optimism about strengthened ties and the potential for expanded economic collaboration. Bilateral trade is currently valued at US$1.2 billion. The two sides have held a series of discussions to create a resilient supply chain and improve investment opportunities.

Both leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation in agriculture, halal food production, and food security. They discussed improving infrastructure and connectivity, notably establishing a direct shipping route between Thailand’s Ranong Port and Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port. The talks also covered cooperation in medical tourism, including training and capacity building for Bangladeshi medical personnel, with Thailand committing to continue offering competitive medical services.

The leaders also touched on vocational education, with a view to enhancing work-integrated education to develop skilled workforces in both countries. Thailand acknowledged Bangladesh's humanitarian efforts in hosting displaced Rohingya since 2017 and expressed support for a sustainable solution to this issue.