On 22 May 2024, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, met with H.E. Ms. Kamikawa Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan in Tokyo, in their first meeting. Earlier, FM Kamikawa had sent a congratulatory letter to Minister Maris on his assumption of his duty.

The Foreign Ministers exchanged views on strengthening cooperation under the Thai-Japanese Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on economic cooperation. They agreed to emphasise on creating new opportunities for joint investment in new industries being offered under the “Thailand Vision: IGNITE THAILAND.”, which envisioning Thailand into a premier global industrial hub in key industries, such as future mobility, wellness and medical care, agriculture and Food, Aviation, Tourism, Logistics, Digital Economy, and Finance. Both sides also emphasised the importance of the cooperation between Thailand and Japan’s starts-up and SMEs.

In addition, both FMs looked forward to co-chaired the 6th Thailand-Japan High Level Joint Commission (HLJC) in the near future to further deepen economic cooperation between the two countries. FM Maris stressed the importance of people-to-people exchanges between both countries as a fundamental part of Thailand-Japan relations, and the contribution of Thai tourists to the Japanese economy. Furthermore, the Thai side will also launch a measure to facilitate entering and working in Thailand for digital nomads. On this note, the Japanese side agreed to consider extending the current visa exemption scheme for Thai nationals. Both sides also agreed on close cooperation on the issue of overstaying in Japan.

Furthermore, both sides exchanged views on the current regional situation and shared a common vision for promoting peace and stability in our region. They reaffirmed that a peaceful, stable and unified Myanmar is in the common interest of the region. They reiterated the necessity to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the situation in Myanmar. FM Kamikawa also welcomed Thailand’s humanitarian cross-border initiative, for which ASEAN member states have expressed their support and recognise this as being in line with the 5 point consensus.