During 30 January – 3 February 2018, H.E. Mr. Jukr Boon-Long, Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar, led a Thai delegation comprising officials of the Royal Thai Embassy, Yangon and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, on a border survey trip in Northern Thailand. The main objective of this trip is to explore potential for forging more linkages between Northern Thailand and Shan State, Myanmar, that would eventually bring an increase in trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchange.

Ambassador Jukr and his delegation made on-site inspection at Huay Pueng checkpoint (BP8) in Mae Hong Son Province as well as Lak Taeng checkpoint (BP3) and Kew Pa Wok checkpoint (BP1) in Chiang Mai Province. These checkpoints are considered potential boundaries for upgrading into future international checkpoints to facilitate cross border activities between Thailand and Myanmar.

During the trip, Ambassador Jukr also had opportunities to meet Mr. Seubsak Iamvicharn, Governor of Mae Hong Son Province, Mr. Pawin Chamniprasa, Governor of Chiang Mai Province, and Mr. Narongsak Osotthanakon, Governor of Chiang Rai Province, to exchange views on promoting further cooperation between the Northern Provinces of Thailand and Shan State of Myanmar and beyond.

The delegation also paid a visit to Doi Tung Development Project in Chiang Rai, which run by Mae Fah Luang Foundation (MFLF) under Royal Patronage, to learn alternative and sustainable approaches to development that can be applied in Myanmar including Rakhine State.

Thailand is fully committed to the common goal of achieving collective prosperity with Myanmar. As part of this goal, the Royal Thai Government stands ready to work in partnership with the Myanmar Government in establishing linkages and promoting cooperation activities that will further promote the development in the border areas for the mutual benefit of the two countries and peoples.

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