On 7 January 2015, H.E. Mr. Pisanu Suvanajata, Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar, presided over the handover ceremony of 40 hand tractors, vegetable seeds and fertilizers to farmer community in Kyauk Taw, Rakhine State. U Mya Aung, Minister of Planning and Economics of Rakhine State, was present at the ceremony as a representative of the Rakhine State Government to witness the handover.

The delivery is part of the agricultural development project in Rakhine State initiated by the Royal Thai Embassy with an aim to support the Myanmar Government’s efforts to improve the situation in Rakhine State by fostering development in the area. Guided by the policy of the Royal Thai Government, the Royal Thai Embassy continues to render further support like this to complement the Myanmar Government’s strategy for its national development.

Thailand’s leading companies, namely Siam Kubota Corporation Co., Ltd. and Chia Tai Seeds Co., Ltd., also rendered cooperation to the Royal Thai Embassy in implementing this project.

The delivery of these hand tractors, vegetable seeds and fertilisers is the first material contribution of Thailand to Rakhine State focusing on livelihood development. Previously, the Royal Thai Government extended to the Myanmar Government $100,000 in 2012 and $200,000 in 2014 in support of humanitarian relief efforts in Rakhine State.

During his visit to Rakhine State, Ambassador Pisanu took the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on H.E. Major General Maung Maung Ohn, Chief Minister of Rakhine State, on 6 January 2015. During the call, Ambassador Pisanu reiterated Thailand’s commitment to extending all possible support for the development of Rakhine State. Both sides also explored various potential areas of cooperation including investment, tourism, public health and education.