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

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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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 38^th Regional Border Committee (RBC) Meeting held in Kyaing Tong from 29 June to 1 July 2026. They looked forward to the 9^th 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 8^th 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 Myanmar.

               3.2.4 Both sides recognised energy security as a strategic priority and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in the energy sector, particularly in the development of natural gas resources, in order to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply and promote the sustainable economic development. Both sides agreed to support the continuity of existing projects and facilitate ongoing processes related to future projects to enhance the energy security and mutual interest of both countries.

               3.2.5 Both sides welcomed the signing of the new Memorandum of Understanding on Labour Cooperation and the Agreement on Employment of Workers between the two countries.

               3.2.6 Both leaders welcomed the convening of the Thailand–Myanmar Business Forum in Bangkok on 6 August 2026 to strengthen networking and cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries. They encouraged closer engagement among private sector organisations, including the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), the Thai–Myanmar Business Council (TMBC), the Thai Business Association of Myanmar (TBAM) as well as direct cooperation between provincial chambers of commerce in the border areas.

        3.3 Cooperation on Environmental Issues

               3.3.1 Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in addressing transboundary environmental challenges, including haze pollution, open burning, and water pollution.

               3.3.2 Both sides welcomed the ongoing cooperation in forest fire prevention, including through the development of forest fire monitoring systems and training programme. They further underscored the importance of close coordination, continuous information sharing, and capacity building, including under the CLEAR Sky Strategy and through bilateral cooperation, in promoting effectiveness and sustainable solutions.

               3.3.3 The two leaders welcomed the signing of the Terms of Reference for the Joint Working Group on Water Quality Management in Boundary and Transboundary Rivers between the two countries. They tasked the relevant agencies to closely cooperate in the area of water quality management and to hold the meeting of the Joint Working Group at an early and mutually convenient time.

        3.4 Socio-Cultural Cooperation

               3.4.1 The two leaders underscored the importance of people-to-people exchanges as a cornerstone of the longstanding friendship between Thailand and Myanmar. The two sides welcomed the continued implementation of the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation and agreed to further strengthen cooperation between their respective tourism authorities through the exchange of information and best practice exchanges, capacity-building, tourism promotion, tourist safety, and sustainable tourism development.

               3.4.2 Both sides looked forward to the adoption of the 3-Year Development Cooperation Programme (2026-2028) between Thailand and Myanmar at the 17^th Thailand-Myanmar Technical Cooperation Meeting. The 3-Year Development Cooperation Programme reflects the shared commitment to strengthening capacity-building, human resource development, and sustainable socio-economic development for the mutual benefit of the two countries, particularly in the areas of health, education, MSME development, agriculture and the environment.

               3.4.3 The leaders also welcomed Thai Airways’ launch of an additional Bangkok–Yangon flight in the fourth quarter of 2026, which is expected to contribute to enhanced connectivity and promote tourism and business exchanges between the two countries.

               3.4.4 Both leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) of Thailand and Myanmar Space Agency (MSA) to enhance partnership on Earth Observation technology and its applications, particularly in the fields of disaster, agriculture and environmental management.

4. Cooperation at the Regional Level

        4.1 Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and mutual support across regional platforms, including ASEAN, BIMSTEC, the ACMECS and Mekong mechanisms with a view to promoting regional peace, stability, sustainable development, and shared prosperity.

        4.2 Thailand reiterated its unwavering support to Myanmar for its ACMECS Chairmanship and looked forward to successful convening of the upcoming 11th ACMECS Summit.

        4.3 Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and continuing to work closely with Myanmar for Myanmar’s full and equal participation in ASEAN mechanisms and processes in accordance with the ASEAN Charter, principles and procedures. Myanmar expressed its appreciation for Thailand’s constructive role in facilitating the normalisation of its relations with ASEAN.

5. Other Matter: Thailand welcomed Myanmar’s continued commitment in advancing the peace talks with the goal of achieving lasting peace through a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led process. Thailand’s support in this regard, in close consultation with Myanmar, was welcomed.

6. The official visit of President U Min Aung Hlaing reaffirmed the long-standing friendship and close partnership between Thailand and Myanmar and the shared commitment of both countries to further strengthen cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Both sides agreed to continue close engagement at all levels.

7. The President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar expressed his sincere appreciation to the Royal Thai Government for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit, and extended a cordial invitation to the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand to visit Myanmar at a mutually convenient time.

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