Min Aung Hlaing and Thai PM agree on various points

Photo – Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (left) and Min Aung Hlaing (right) shake hands at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok today (August 6). (Photo – AFP/Chanakarn LAOSARAKHAM) Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing and Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met in Bangkok today (August 6) and issued a joint statement in the evening. The joint statement stated that they agreed to enhance cooperation in key sectors including politics, security, economy, border trade, energy, labor, environment, and regional cooperation. Politics and Security Furthermore, it was stated that they agreed to hold more mutual visits and discussions between the junta and Thailand, to hold the Joint Commission meeting as soon as possible, and to enhance diplomatic cooperation between the foreign ministries. Border Security and Crackdown on Online Scam Centers It is known that both sides agreed to exchange information and jointly crack down on online scam centers, drug networks, and transnational crimes to ensure peace and stability along the Myanmar-Thailand border. In addition, cooperation in combating money laundering will be enhanced, and Thailand's support for Myanmar's membership in the Egmont Group was expressed. Trade and Border Economy They agreed to cooperate to increase bilateral trade volume to US$12 billion. They welcomed the reopening of the border gate at the Myawaddy-Mae Sot Friendship Bridge II and stated that they would continue to negotiate the reopening of other border gates depending on the security situation. Transportation and Infrastructure It was stated that the two countries will form a joint working group to develop transportation by road, port, waterway, and cross-border transport. Discussions will continue on the Dawei corridor, the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project, and the development of border special economic zones and logistics centers. Energy They agreed to continue promoting cooperation in the energy sector, including natural gas projects, and to accelerate the implementation of existing projects and the process for future projects. Migrant Workers It was stated that a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on labor cooperation and an agreement on labor recruitment were signed between the junta and Thailand, and they agreed to enhance cooperation in the labor sector. Environment It was also stated that they agreed to jointly address transboundary haze, forest fires, and water pollution, and to quickly launch a joint working group for the management of water quality in border rivers. Tourism and Technology In addition to enhancing cooperation in tourism, education, health, agriculture, and small and medium-sized enterprises, they welcomed the plan to expand Thai Airways' Bangkok-Yangon flights and the agreement on Myanmar-Thailand space technology cooperation. Regional Cooperation Furthermore, the junta and Thailand agreed to continue strengthening cooperation within ASEAN, BIMSTEC, ACMECS, and the Mekong region, and reaffirmed Thailand's continued support for Myanmar's full participation in ASEAN mechanisms. Myanmar expressed gratitude for Thailand's role in normalizing relations with ASEAN. Peace Thailand reaffirmed its continued support for the peace negotiation process led by Myanmar. It was also analyzed that Min Aung Hlaing's current visit is aimed at further enhancing political, security, and economic cooperation between the junta and Thailand. Editor: Naung Naung