Thailand and Myanmar issue a joint statement on the official visit of the Myanmar junta leader to Bangkok

Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a joint statement on the occasion of the official visit of Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing to Thailand on 6 August. The following is the statement: Joint Statement by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand and the President of Republic of the Union of Myanmar on the occasion of Official Visit of the President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to the Kingdom of Thailand His Excellency U Min Aung Hlaing, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, paid an Official Visit to the Kingdom of Thailand from 6 to 7 August 2026 at the invitation of His Excellency Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. During the visit, the two leaders held warm and cordial bilateral discussion. The two leaders underscored with great satisfaction the longstanding ties of friendship, cooperation, and good neighbourliness between Thailand and Myanmar, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, for the shared prosperity and advancement of the two countries and the region. The two leaders stressed the importance of further strengthening and deepening bilateral cooperation in the following key areas: 3.1 Political and Security Cooperation 3.1.1 Both sides agreed to further deepen dialogue at all levels and exchanges of high-level visits to strengthen bilateral cooperation in all dimensions, including the convening of the Joint Commission (JC) at an early date. They welcomed and supported the strengthening of cooperation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, particularly through Political Consultations, capacity-building programme for Myanmar’s newly recruited and mid-level diplomats, and an exchange programme for diplomats of the two countries as well as closer cooperation between the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA) of Thailand and the Myanmar Diplomatic Academy (MDA). 3.1.2 Both sides welcomed the robust and longstanding partnership in defence and security cooperation between Thailand and Myanmar, and noted with satisfaction the continued progress achieved through relevant bilateral mechanisms, including the 38th Regional Border Committee (RBC) Meeting held in Kyaing Tong from 29 June to 1 July 2026. They looked forward to the 9th High-Level Committee (HLC), to be held in Bangkok from 19 to 21 August 2026. 3.1.3 Both sides welcomed the upcoming Security Dialogue between the Secretary-General of the National Security Council of Thailand and the National Security Advisor of Myanmar to strengthen security cooperation at strategic level. 3.1.4 Both sides expressed their joint commitment to achieve a peaceful and stable Thailand–Myanmar border, which will ensure safety, security and better livelihoods of the people on both sides. 3.1.5 Both sides agreed to step up joint efforts to combat transnational crimes, particularly online scams and narcotic drugs. They agreed to enhance coordination among relevant agencies to crack down on scam centres along the Thailand–Myanmar border through information sharing and joint efforts to disrupt the financial flows of transnational criminal networks. They agreed to build on existing cooperation between the anti-money laundering authorities of both countries, particularly through capacity-building programmes. The Thai side further expressed its support for Myanmar’s membership in the Egmont Group to facilitate financial intelligence sharing. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on prevention and suppression of narcotic drugs and related precursor chemicals. 3.1.6 The two leaders encouraged closer cooperation between the National Assembly of Thailand and the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw of Myanmar. 3.2 Economic Cooperation 3.2.1 With a view to achieving the bilateral trade target of USD 12 billion, both sides agreed to closely cooperate with each other to promoting and facilitating bilateral trade. The two leaders welcomed the 8th Joint Trade Commission Meeting between the two countries scheduled to be held in Thailand within 2026, with addressing regulatory barriers and issues to improve the trade flow between the two countries. The leaders also agreed to encourage their relevant authorities to explore ways to further facilitate legitimate cross-border trade and investment. 3.2.2 Both leaders welcomed the reopening of the border checkpoint at the Second Thailand–Myanmar Friendship Bridge (Myawaddy-Mae Sot), which plays a vital role in bilateral border trade. Both sides discussed ways to facilitate and expedite cross-border trade through the said border checkpoint, which will boost trade and connectivity between the two countries. Both sides also agreed to consider reopening of additional border trade posts / checkpoints, subject to mutual agreement and prevailing security situation on the ground in order to further promote border trade and connectivity between the two countries. 3.2.3 Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening connectivity through enhanced transport and infrastructure linkages. They underscored the importance of establishing a Joint Working Group on Enhancing Connectivity between the two countries to coordinate overall multi-modal connectivity plan covering road, maritime, port and cross-border linkages, and to facilitate greater coordination and, where appropriate, alignment of relevant policies, procedures and regulations, in accordance with the respective national laws of both countries. Areas for future discussion may include mutually beneficial maritime connectivity between Ranong Port and appropriate ports in Myanmar; the promotion of commercially viable coastal shipping services; improvement of the Ban Phu Nam Rom-Htee Khee–Dawei transport corridor; advancement of the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway Project, facilitation of cross-border transport and the exploration of suitable Special Economic Zones and logistics facilities along the border, subject to mutual agreement, relevant feasibility studies, and the respective national laws and procedures of both countries. These efforts are expected to enhance trade, logistics efficiency, facilitate trade and investment, and strengthen connectivity between the two countries and the broader region. Both leaders also welcomed the contribution of Thailand’s Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) to infrastructure development in Myan