During 23 – 25 June 2016, H.E. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of the Republic of Union of Myanmar, paid an official visit to Thailand as guest of General Prayut Chan–o–cha,     Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. This visit was the first official visit abroad of H.E. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as head of delegation after being appointed as State Counsellor; thus truly reflects the new chapter of the ever closer relations between Thailand and Myanmar.

The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Prayut and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on 24 June 2016 went very cordial and productive as both sides discussed a wide range of bilateral issues and came up with concrete results.  On the labour cooperation, State Counsellor of Myanmar expressed her sincere gratitude to the Thai government for the well protection of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand and firmly stated that the issue of Myanmar Migrant Workers in Thailand is also the responsibility of the Myanmar government.

State Counsellor of Myanmar also appreciated the Thai government for its kind assistance given to the Myanmar displaced persons who are now residing in the nine temporary shelters along the Thai – Myanmar border.  Myanmar sides committed to bring all displaced persons back to Myanmar when the time is ready.

In terms of economic cooperation, both sides agreed to move forward Dawei Special Economic Zone Project. The State Counsellor of Myanmar hoped that this project would create more job opportunities for the local community while the Thai Prime Minister ensured transparency, good governance and responsibility of the Thai investors who are currently doing their business in Myanmar. Furthermore, the two leaders also agreed to increase the volume of trade between the two countries.

 Regarding the cooperation of ASEAN, the State Counsellor of Myanmar truly believed that Thailand and Myanmar would play an active role in bringing about peace, stability and prosperity to the ASEAN community.

After the meeting, Prime Minister and State Counsellor of Myanmar witnessed the signing ceremony of the three important documents including (1) Agreement on Border Crossing between the Two Countries (2) MoU on Labour Cooperation and (3) Agreement on Employment of Workers. These legal agreements will enhance people to people contact along the border provinces, improve the quality of living of Myanmar Migrant Workers in Thailand as well as prevent the problems of human trafficking and illegal employment in Thailand. Prior to the official dinner hosted by the Thai Prime Minister, both leaders also gave joint press conferences to a large number of Thai and Foreign media who looked forward to this historical moment. 

Besides the main official function at the Government House, State Counsellor of Myanmar also participated in other important activities as follows:

1. On 23 June 2016, State Counsellor of Myanmar had an opportunity to meet with a number of Myanmar Migrant Workers in Samut Sakhon during which the State Counsellor of Myanmar urged her people to follow Thai laws and regulations. She also informed the migrant workers that the Thai authorities and Embassy of Myanmar to Thailand stood ready to help them to solve all related problems. 

2. On 24 June 2016, H.E. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi gave a special lecture on the topic of “Myanmar, ASEAN and the World: the Way Forward” to more than 400 Thai university students     at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The State Counsellor of Myanmar highlighted the importance of young generation who are hope and future of the country, and the endless learning process. The lecture also covered wide range of issues such as development in Myanmar, people to people contact, educational system, solidarity of ASEAN as well as living harmoniously in diversity. After the lecture, the Thai Foreign Minister hosted lunch in honour of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her delegation.

3. On 25 June 2016, the State Counsellor of Myanmar visited a self -sufficiency economy model named Baan Hua Aow village in Sampran, Nakornpratom Province in which she was welcomed by Associate Professor Naraporn Chan-o-cha, Spouse of the Prime Minister, the Thai Foreign Minister and spouses of ministers. The State Counsellor of Myanmar was very interested in learning how to adapt organic plant growing technique from Thailand to the community of Myanmar farmers. In this afternoon, she also had a private meeting with Myanmar students and teachers living in Thailand at the Embassy of Myanmar.

This visit went very well with success and warm atmosphere reflecting the sincerely mutual understanding among the two countries which will lead to security and prosperity of the region as a whole.