On 21 August 2018, H.E. Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, held a bilateral meeting with the Rt. Hon. Mark Field MP, Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, during his visit to the South East Asian region to enhance bilateral relations and to reaffirm the UK’s determination to enhance cooperation with ASEAN.

          Both sides exchanged views on regional cooperation under the framework of ASEAN and the Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS). The Thai side invited the UK to consider becoming a development partner of the ACMECS sub-regional cooperation. On this occasion, the Thai side also expressed readiness to welcome the British Prime Minister during Thailand’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2019, following the invitation by the Prime Minister during his recent visit to the UK in June 2018.

          Both sides expressed appreciation for the remarkable progress made in the implementation of the outcomes of the 3rd Thailand - UK Strategic Dialogue, held in January 2018, including the exchange of high level visits, the extension of the Newton Fund as well as cooperation in the fields of defence, customs and FinTech. Both sides were also determined to further promote economic cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, particularly in the EEC and through the future trade arrangement after Brexit.          

          The meeting also provided an opportunity for Thailand and the UK to exchange views constructively on issues of common concern particularly combating illegal wildlife trade, prevention of modern slavery and the situation in Rakhine State. 

          In addition, the Thai side followed up on its proposals to conclude a bilateral agreement on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports and the facilitation of issuance of employment visa for qualified Thai chefs, as these would pave the way for further cooperation both at the governmental and people-to-people levels.  

          On this occasion, the Thai side expressed high appreciation to the UK side for the warm welcome and kind hospitality extended to the Prime Minister during the latter’s recent visit to the UK in June 2018, and most importantly, for the valuable assistance of the British cave divers and the British Cave Rescue Council during the rescue operation of the Thai youth football team, who were trapped inside Tham Luang Cave in Chiangrai province. In addition, the UK side expressed support on Thailand’s political developments according to the Roadmap.