Bangkok: Thai and Cambodian representatives gathered for the 8th Thai-Cambodian Border Governors’ Meeting, focusing on fostering cooperation in key areas such as economy and security, and celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations. The talks, co-chaired by Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha, addressed ten areas of collaboration to enhance sustainable development along the shared border.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting, themed ‘Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Development in Border Areas,’ emphasized the importance of maintaining a peaceful and cooperative border. Both nations agreed to strengthen initiatives on border crossing, trade and investment, industrial cooperation, and transportation. Plans include enhancing cross-border trade, supporting joint trade committee meetings, and facilitating agricultural product transportation during harvest periods.
Efforts to promote industrial cooperation and transportation were also disc
ussed, with both sides agreeing to develop cross-border railway services and establish checkpoints. The meeting highlighted the need for cooperation in agriculture, labor, and crime prevention, with Cambodia expressing gratitude to Thailand for waiving re-entry fees for migrant workers in 2024.
Further topics included expediting the reopening of border crossings, border demarcation, and preventing illegal logging and crime. Both countries reiterated their commitment to ensuring border security and preventing interference in each other’s internal affairs. The meeting concluded with plans for regular future discussions and the announcement that Thailand will host the next border governors’ meeting in 2025.