On 15 September 2023, H.E. Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, held a bilateral meeting with H.E Dr. Soeung Rathchavy, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, on the occasion of the latter’s visit to Thailand. The two sides emphasised the need to meet on a regular basis to keep the dynamism of Thailand-Cambodia bilateral relations and advance cooperation in all areas of mutual interest. They also discussed preparations for exchange of high-level visits between the two new Governments in the near future.

Both sides pledged to continue to enhance cooperation along the border areas, including in tackling the growing problem of human trafficking and online scams and expediting humanitarian demining for the safety of people along the shared border. They agreed that the next Joint Border Committee meeting should be convened at the earliest to make progress on the upgrade of a number of border checkpoints which have been pending.

In this occasion, the two sides were pleased with the positive trajectory of trade, investment and tourism between the two countries, and agreed to continue working closely to further connect Thai and Cambodian economies, including development of border areas to uplift the well-being of the people. They were also pleased with the inauguration of the first freight train between Thailand and Cambodia in July 2023, linking the transportation of goods from Map Ta Phut, Rayong Province of Thailand, through Ban Klong Loeuk – Poipet International Point of Entry, to Phnom Penh. They agreed to support the effort to regularise the freight service.

The meeting was satisfied with the progress of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA)’s programmes in Cambodia under the new Thailand – Cambodia Three Year Development Cooperation Programme for 2023 - 2025, including the completion of the construction of the Transit and Reception Center for Victims of Trafficking and Other Vulnerable Groups in Poipet. Moreover, both sides agreed to enhance closer cooperation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, and will coordinate closely on regional and international issues of common interest, especially in ASEAN framework.