On 30 October 2026, H.E. Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, had a meeting with H.E. Mr. Asad Alam Siam, Foreign Secretary of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, during the latter’s visit to Thailand to co-chair the 4th Thailand-Bangladesh Bilateral Consultations.

Both sides discussed ways to further promote ties and broaden cooperation in various areas of mutual interests, including trade, investment, food and agro-processing. The Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh expressed the Bangladesh’s interest in importing food products and commodities from Thailand, particularly rice and sugar. Moreover, both sides discussed maritime connectivity, especially the recent launch of the direct shipping route between Ranong Port and Chittagong Port, which shortens time and reduces operational cost of maritime shipping.

Both sides discussed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, which will be a mechanism to help to increase trade and investment between the two countries, as well as Bangladesh’s application to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). They also pushed for the holding of a Joint Commission Meeting and the exchange of high-level visits in 2027 to commemorate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Bangladesh.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional and transnational issues, including the situation in Myanmar, and combating online crimes, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling.

Bangladesh is one of the countries with high potential in South Asia, with sustained economic growth and a large market of over 170 million people.