Thai PM to pay official visit, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attends a press conference in Bangkok, on August 18, 2024. Xinhua

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to visit Cambodia on an official trip from April 23 to 24, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two neighbouring countries.

The visit is being made at the invitation of Prime Minister Hun Manet. While the intention for the visit had been announced over a month ago by the Thai Embassy in Cambodia, the specifics were just confirmed yesterday.

According to Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap, who spoke to the press yesterday, the visit underscores the importance both nations place on strengthening bilateral ties, with a particular focus on security and economic cooperation.

Jirayu confirmed that Paetongtarn will pay courtesy calls to several senior Cambodian leaders, including King Norodom Sihamoni, Senate President Hun Sen and National Assembly President Khuon Sudary.

During her visit to Phnom Penh, Paetongtarn will attend an official welcoming ceremony at the Office of the Prime Minister of Cambodia, followed by high-level bilateral talks with Mr Hun Manet.

The two leaders will also jointly preside over the launch of the official emblem commemorating 75 years of Thai-Cambodian diplomatic relations. In addition, they will witness the signing of several important bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing collaboration in various sectors.

Cambodia and Thailand established diplomatic relations on December 19, 1950. Both countries elevated their bilateral ties to the level of strategic partnership in February 2024 during the official visit of Mr Hun Manet to Thailand.

Economic ties have strengthened, with bilateral trade reaching $10 billion in 2024, up from $8 billion in the previous year. Cultural exchanges have also been prominent, exemplified by events like the “Two Kingdoms Run 2025,” celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Despite positive developments, challenges persist. Thailand’s proposal to construct a border wall to combat human trafficking has raised concerns. Additionally, Cambodia has expressed a firm stance on defending its sovereignty near disputed temple areas, indicating potential tensions. Efforts to resolve a long-standing maritime dispute in the Gulf of Thailand are ongoing, focussing on joint development for energy security.

Meanwhile, experts have also called for the leaders of both neighbouring countries to join hands to work on border disputes, particularly the Koh Kut and the Ta Moan Thom issues, which recently drew attention from both sides.

Chheng Kimlong, President of the Asian Vision Institute (AVI), said the Cambodian and Thai people should rely on the authorities at the national level to settle it peacefully by engaging legal and legitimate mechanisms. However, he expressed concerns that the political opposition in Thailand will use the recent Ta Moan Thom incident to put pressure on the Thai Prime Minister to deteriorate Thailand’s relations with Cambodia.

“The authorities of both countries need effective approaches to put the issue under control to prevent it from stirring up a nationalist movement and worse violent confrontation,” he said.