- Unofficial English Translation -

Remarks 

by

H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand

Joint Press Conference

Official Visit of H.E. U Win Myint,

President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

14 - 16 June 2018

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Your Excellency U Win Myint, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
and Members of the media.

It is my great pleasure to welcome His Excellency U Win Myint, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Daw Cho Cho, and the distinguished delegation of Myanmar to the Kingdom of Thailand. I am also delighted that His Excellency will attend the 8^th ACMECS Summit hosted by Thailand following this official visit.

This year marks the auspicious occasion of the commemoration of the 70^th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and Myanmar.  His Excellency’s visit to Thailand, the first bilateral official visit abroad since taking office, is thus symbolic and meaningful, and clearly reflects the “natural strategic partnership” between our two countries.

Just a moment ago, both of us discussed a wide range of bilateral issues in a sincere and constructive manner.  Key issues of our discussion are as follows: 

1. Border development and connectivity, as Thailand and Myanmar are close neighbouring countries with mutual interests in all areas of cooperation, we agreed to enhance our “natural strategic partnership,” in particular on border development and seamless connectivity that are crucial for the prosperity of Thai and Myanmar peoples along the border areas.

Thailand therefore stands ready to share our best practices in Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) and work closely with Myanmar to improve the quality of life for local people along the border areas.

          Regarding seamless connectivity, I requested that the Myanmar side build on and utilize the “ACMECS Master Plan” (to be adopted at ACMECS Summit)  In particular, we should expedite the comprehensive development of the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) and the Southern Economic Corridor. Once these connected routes are completed, they will bring about efficient supply chain and productive economy to the region.

            The Myanmar President and I also agreed that our borders should be the “boundary of cooperation,” for enhancing trade, investment and people-to-people contact between our two countries.  We thus agreed that the authorities concerned from both sides should work closely on pending issues to find a mutually acceptable solution.

2. Trade and Investment cooperation, I reaffirmed that Thailand would continue to encourage the Thai private sector to conduct responsible, transparent and sustainable business in Myanmar. The President of Myanmar also agreed to take good care of Thai businesses and investors in Myanmar.
3. On the Development of the Dawei Special Economic Zone (DSEZ), which will connect the Indian and Pacific Oceans, we agreed that the authorities concerned should work more closely together to move this project forward for the mutual benefit of Myanmar, Thailand and the region as a whole.
4. The protection and the promotion of basic rights of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand, I reiterated the importance of migrant workers from Myanmar as one of the key drivers for Thailand’s economic development. The Royal Thai Government will continue to protect Myanmar migrant workers according to Thai laws and regulations. We also agreed to promote the employment of Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand through the Government-to-Government mechanism in accordance with the bilateral Agreement on Employment between our two countries.

          I also expressed my gratitude to the Myanmar Government for cooperating with Thailand on expediting the national verification process, which is expected to be completed as planned by the end of this month.

5. The situation in Rakhine State, I rendered my support to the Myanmar Government and welcomed its sincere efforts to solve the problem in Rakhine State in a sustainable manner, particularly in light of the recent decision to establish a national-level Independent Commission on Enquiry to address the accountability and impunity issues, as well as closer engagement with UN agencies.

            I also reiterated Thailand’s readiness to implement development projects to help local communities help themselves in a sustainable manner.

6. The return of displaced persons to Myanmar, Thailand and Myanmar joined hands to turn the page to a new chapter in our bilateral relations in successfully arranging the return of displaced persons to Myanmar.  Two batches of displaced persons, in total 164 people, were sent back to Myanmar. We agreed to work closely together to ensure that the next returns will be conducted in a more efficient and systematic manner and with safety, dignity and on a voluntary basis.
7. Multilateral issues, Myanmar will support the ACMECS Master Plan and Bangkok Declaration, which will be endorsed during the 8^th ACMECS Summit on 16 June 2018. These documents will be fundamental for promoting the seamless connectivity of our entire region. The Myanmar side also stands ready to support Thailand’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2019 to drive key agendas such as sustainable development, connectivity and 4.0 development.

Lastly, I wish to thank President U Win Myint once again for his goodwill and sincere commitment to strengthening our cooperation as “natural strategic partnership” for the mutual benefits of our two countries and peoples.

Thank you.