On 12 March 2013, Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul attended the Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting as a  preparation for the 5th ACMECS Summit on 13 March 2013 in Vientaine, Lao PDR. Afterwards, the Foreign Minister gave a press interview as follows:

The ACMECS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting focused on narrowing the development gap among member countries. In this meeting, Thailand has placed priorities on the following issues:

1) Physical and Institutional Connectivity Development  - Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to develop infrastructures in its neighboring countries, such as connecting the missing link from Kawkareik to Mawlamyine, constructing the 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge from Bueng Kan to Borikamchai, and upgrading various check points along Thailand’s border.

2) Tourism - Thailand encouraged Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam to join the ACMECS Single Visa Initiative which has already been implemented by Thailand and Cambodia.

3) Cooperation on Public Health - Thailand supported the development of healthcare facilities and services along borders by assisting in establishing health stations, as well as providing training courses for medical practitioners. In addition, Thailand also stands ready to share experiences with ACMECS countries on basic healthcare services through Universal Coverage Scheme, or “30 Baht Scheme”.

4) Agriculture - Thailand would like to promote investment on economic crops through the contract farming cooperation with ACMECS countries, particularly crops with high domestic demand such as soybeans and maize. On this occasion, Foreign Minister Surapong and his counterpart from Lao PDR will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the promotion of the Contract Farming Scheme under ACMECS between Thailand and Lao PDR, which would establish a mechanism to facilitate the importation and to promote investment.  On rice cooperation, the meeting agreed on establishing cooperation on rice standard and market sharing, which would further enhance food security in the region.

5) Innovation Research and Development - Thailand invited ACMECS member countries to cooperate on innovation research and development in various areas, including research on alternative energy apart from bio-energy.

In addition, Foreign Minister Surapong also mentioned that, on the sideline of the Summit, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will have bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Lao PDR, Viet Nam, and Myanmar. She will also witness the signing ceremonies of the MoU on contract farming scheme between Thailand and Lao PDR, as well as the MoU on the Establishment of the Thailand-Cambodia and The Cambodia-Thailand Business Council.