Major Issues Anticipated to be Resolved During the Visit of Thai PM

Major Issues Anticipated to be Resolved During the Visit of Thai PM

Thailand’s Premier Visits Cambodia

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Srettha Thavasin, is set to hold discussions with his Cambodian counterpart during his visit to Phnom Penh. The visit is significant as it marks Thavasin’s first foreign trip since assuming office as the premier. Academics and observers are optimistic that key issues, including migrant labour and illicit internet gambling, will be addressed during this visit.

Expected Discussions and Anticipations

Yang Peou, Secretary-General of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, anticipates that the discussions will touch on labour, immigration, and illegal online fraud, with joint measures to combat transnational crime also expected to be on the agenda. He is hopeful that the leaders will delve into economic and trade concerns related to their shared border.

The choice of Cambodia as the first foreign visit by the Thai Prime Minister is seen as a reflection of the importance he places on the relationship between the two countries. The visit also holds the potential to strengthen ties between the families of the two leaders.

(Read Also: Cambodia: Sar Thet Directs the Department of Expertise to Conduct More Research, Fight Tax Evasion)

Economic, Trade, and Security Collaboration

Kin Phea, Director-General of the International Relations Institute at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, shared that the prime ministers would explore ways to advance their collaboration on economic, trade, and security matters. Current shared security issues, such as illegal online gambling and detention, are also expected to be addressed.

Addressing Online Scams

As part of the talks, Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara has indicated that discussions on online scammers operating along the border will be addressed. These unscrupulous activities have caused significant harm to the Thai public, necessitating an urgent crackdown.

Border Trade and Landmine Clearance

During his visit to the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge, Parnpree was updated on the progress of bilateral border trade, which is valued at $2.85 billion between October 2022 and August 2023. He also learned about the ongoing work of clearing landmines along the border, with only 5.9 square kilometers remaining.

(Read Also: Cambodia: Preah Vihear National Authority Issues Temporary Ban on Visitors to Koh Ker Temple)

Prime Minister Srettha Thavasin: A New Leadership

Prime Minister Srettha Thavasin, a member of the Pheu Thai party, comes from a background in economics and business. Despite having no previous government experience, he secured enough parliamentary support to be endorsed by the Thai King as Prime Minister, demonstrating his potential to lead the country in a new direction.

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