On 25 May 2018, Ambassador Jukr Boon-Long led a delegation of 11 Thai businessmen from the Thai Business Association of Myanmar (TBAM), representing various sectors, to pay a courtesy call on U L Phaung Cho, Chief Minister of Kayah State, together with the ministers of Kayah State Government, and U Thein Myint, Chairman of Kayah State Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Ambassador highlighted the Royal Thai Government’s policy to enhance Thailand’s relations in all aspects with every state of Myanmar. In addition, the Royal Thai Government also aims for Thai businesses to learn firsthand of trade and investment opportunities from the Myanmar government and Myanmar private sector.

The Chief Minister of Kayah State welcomed foreign investment and informed that Kayah State prioritizes investments in the following sectors: (1) hotels and tourism; (2) hydropower; (3) agriculture; (4) logistics; (5) construction; and  (6) industrial zone.

Both sides acknowledged the benefits of promoting channels for people-to-people exchanges. For example, the improvement of roads and the opening of a permanent border checkpoint between Kayah State and Mae Hong Son Province. Such developments would promote the exchange of peoples between the sister cities, increase trade and investment, tourism, as well as participation in each other’s cultural events. Moreover, it would enhance the existing close relations between Thailand and Myanmar as a whole.