During 11 – 15 June 2017, H.E. Mr. Jukr Boon-Long, Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar, led a Thai delegation comprising of officials of the Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand in Yangon as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, to a border survey trip along the East West Economic Corridor (EWEC) or the so-called Asian Highway, covering Mae Sot in Tak Province of Thailand, Myawaddy, Hpa-An, and Mawlamyine of Myanmar. The objective of this trip is to identify challenges and opportunities to the development of the border areas between Thailand and Myanmar.

Ambassador Jukr and his delegates took the opportunity to hold discussions with Mr. Sutta Saiwanich, Deputy Governor of Tak Province, H.E. Daw Nann Khin Htway Myint, Chief Minister of Kayin State, and H.E. Dr. Aye Zan, Chief Minister of Mon State. The delegation also met the authorities concerned as well as private sectors of both countries. In these separate meetings, they fruitfully exchanged views on potential areas of cooperation including trade and investment promotion, connectivity, border area development and Tak Special Economic Zone. Special focus was given to strengthening Mae Sot’s linkages with Myawaddy and beyond.

During the survey trip, the delegation also had a chance to witness the progress of the construction of the Second Thailand – Myanmar Friendship Bridge crossing Moei/Thaungyin River under grant aid from the Royal Thai Government. Once completed in 2018, the bridge will ease the traffic passing through the Mae Sot – Myawaddy International Point of Entry. This improved connectivity will ultimately result in further expansion of cross-border trade and investment along EWEC, and intensification of people exchange between the two countries.

The Royal Thai Government attaches great importance to cooperation with all neighbouring countries, including Myanmar, with an aim to turning borders into the areas of mutual development. Connectivity projects and several development programmes have been implemented in partnership with the Government of Myanmar to improve the well-being of the two peoples, and to bring prosperity of the two countries.

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