State Administration Council Chairman and Thai Prime Minister jointly issue statement

During the official visit of State Administration Council Chairman U Min Aung Hlaing to Thailand, a joint statement between the State Administration Council Chairman and the Prime Minister of Thailand was released on August 6. In the joint statement, the leaders of the two countries expressed satisfaction with the long-standing friendship, cooperation, and good neighborly relations between Myanmar and Thailand. The statement further reiterated commitments to strengthen cooperation in various sectors that foster mutual interests for the mutual development and common prosperity of both countries and the region. In the political and security cooperation sector, both sides agreed to conduct discussions and mutual high-level visits more seriously and steadfastly at all levels to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including the early convening of the Joint Committee for Bilateral Cooperation (JC). Both sides expressed a joint commitment to promote peace and stability on the Myanmar-Thailand border to ensure the safety, security, and better basic livelihood needs of the people of both countries. Furthermore, both sides agreed to enhance joint efforts in combating transnational crimes, especially online scams and drug-related matters. They agreed to increase coordination among relevant organizations to crack down on online scam centers along the Myanmar-Thailand border through joint efforts to cut off and hinder the financial flows of transnational crime networks and information sharing. Thailand also expressed its continued support for Myanmar's membership in the Egmont Group to facilitate the sharing of financial intelligence information. The leaders of both countries reaffirmed their commitments to strengthen cooperation in preventing and combating drugs and precursor chemicals used in drug manufacturing. Additionally, the leaders of both countries urged closer cooperation between the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw of Myanmar and the National Assembly of Thailand. In the economic cooperation sector, both sides agreed to cooperate closely to promote and facilitate bilateral trade, aiming to achieve the bilateral trade target of US$12 billion. The leaders of both countries welcomed the reopening of the No. 2 Myanmar-Thailand Friendship Bridge (Myawaddy-Maesot) border crossing, which plays a crucial role in bilateral border trade. They also agreed to consider reopening the remaining border/trade crossings based on bilateral agreements and the ground security situation to further promote bilateral border trade and connectivity. Moreover, the leaders' discussions included promoting mutually beneficial maritime connectivity between Ranong Port and suitable ports in Myanmar, developing potential commercial coastal shipping services, developing the Phu Nam Ron-Thakhek-Dawei transport corridor, upgrading the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway project, facilitating cross-border transportation, and developing suitable special economic zones and logistics support facilities along the border, according to the statement. Both sides recognized energy security as a strategic priority and reaffirmed their commitment to enhance cooperation in the energy sector, particularly to increase exploration and production of natural gas to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply and promote sustainable economic development. According to the statement, both sides also welcomed the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding on Labor Cooperation and an Agreement on Labor Employment. Furthermore, the leaders of both countries welcomed the Myanmar-Thailand Economic Forum to be held in Bangkok on August 6, 2026, to promote networking and cooperation between the private sectors of both countries. They also urged closer engagement among private sector organizations, including the Union of Myanmar Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), the Thai-Myanmar Business Council (TMBC), and the Thai Business Association of Myanmar (TBAM), and direct cooperation among regional chambers of commerce in border areas. In the area of environmental cooperation, the leaders of both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in addressing cross-border environmental challenges, including smog, open burning, and water pollution. Both sides welcomed continued cooperation in forest fire prevention activities and emphasized the importance of close collaboration, continuous information sharing, and capacity building through the Tripartite Joint Working Plan on Transboundary Haze Pollution Control and bilateral cooperation. Additionally, the leaders of both countries welcomed the signing of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Joint Working Group on Border and Transboundary River Water Quality Management. They also tasked relevant departments to cooperate closely in the field of water quality management and to hold the Joint Working Group meeting at a mutually convenient time. In the cultural cooperation sector, the leaders of both countries emphasized that people-to-people exchanges are a fundamental cornerstone of the long-standing friendship between Myanmar and Thailand and expressed anticipation for the adoption of the Myanmar-Thailand 3-Year Development Cooperation Plan (2026-2028).