Thailand and Cambodia will soon be better connected by roads and rail via two additional gateways: the Thailand-Cambodia Friendship Bridge (Ban Nong Ian – Stung Bot) and the rail link at Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province. The new gateways will facilitate the flow of goods and people between the two countries. 

 

On 22 April 2019, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, will co-preside with Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, over the Ceremony Marking the Completion of the Thailand – Cambodia Friendship Bridge (Ban Nong Ian – Stung Bot) in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, linking Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia. The two leaders will also witness the signing of the Agreement on Joint Traffic Working Over Railway between Thailand and Cambodia and the Handover of four Diesel Multiple Units (DMU), which were renovated by the State Railway of Thailand and are the same model used in Thailand. The two additional points of entry connecting the two countries are as follows;

 

The Thailand – Cambodia Friendship Bridge will be the longest bridge for vehicles crossing Thailand and Cambodia. It is 620-metres long, constructed with a 170 million baht grant aid from Thailand. The Friendship Bridge is part of the project to upgrade the Ban Nong Ian – Stung Bot international point of entry. Construction is also underway for a connecting road on the Cambodian side and customs buildings in both countries. The overall project is expected to be completed in 2022.

 

The Agreement on Joint Traffic Working Over Railway outlines rules and regulations for Thailand and Cambodia railway operation. Cambodia will construct an international station in Stung Bot for Customs Immigration Quarantine (CIQ) procedures in the near future.

 

On this occasion, the two Prime Ministers will also hold bilateral discussions on cooperation between the two countries. 

 

Thailand and Cambodia enjoy a very close relationship as “Partners for Peace and Prosperity,” and will celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year (2020).