The Royal Thai Embassy, Yangon, in cooperation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand arranged a study visit to Bangkok for H.E. U Maung Maung Soe, Mayor of Yangon, along with officials of the Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) during 19 – 21 September 2016. At the request by H.E. U Phyo Min Thien, Chief Minister of Yangon Region, this special visit was intended to share with the Yangon Region Government Thailand’s expertise and experience in city management.

The Mayor of Yangon was received by Mrs. Pusadee Tamtai, Acting Governor of Bangkok, at Bangkok City Hall upon his arrival in Bangkok on 19 September 2016. The two city leaders explored ways and means to strengthen city-to-city cooperation, and exchanged views on various issues related to urban development and city planning. After the fruitful discussion, the Acting Governor of Bangkok kindly hosted a dinner for the YCDC delegation to symbolize the friendship between the two great cities of Southeast Asia.

 On the second day of the visit, the Mayor of Yangon and his YCDC officers visited Bangkok’s Flower Market, the so called Pak Klong Talad, to observe one of the capital’s successful cases of street vending management. The delegation was then briefed by, and exchanged views with Mr. Wallop Suwandee, Chairman of the Bangkok Governor’s Advisory Board, on how to reorganize street vendors to increase pedestrian’s comfort, lessen vehicle’s traffic, and improve city’s cleanliness and orderliness.

In the afternoon, the Mayor of Yangon also learned Thailand’s system for regulating taxi services at the Department of Land Transport. The following morning, the Marine Department, in cooperation with, the Chao Phraya Express Boat Co., Ltd., arranged a programme for the delegation to study commuter services along Chao Phraya River, including a boat ride and a briefing by Commodore Parinya Ruckwatin, Vice Chairman of the Chao Phraya Express Boat Co., Ltd.

It is Thailand’s earnest hope that the knowledge, experience and best practices shared with the Mayor of Yangon and his YCDC officers during their visit to Bangkok will contribute to the development of Yangon as well as the well-being of its inhabitants. The Royal Thai Embassy stands ready to work hand-in-hand with the YCDC as well as the Yangon Region Government in charting a brighter future of the City of Yangon.

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