Thailand and Myanmar signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on Thursday aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation in labour, transboundary water quality management and space technology.
The two neighbours pledged to strengthen ties across a broad range of sectors, including security, trade, environmental protection and sustainable development.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held bilateral talks with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing during the latter's official visit to Thailand.
The discussions focused on advancing cooperation in security, economic affairs, trade, investment, energy, development and the management of cross-border challenges for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Mr Anutin reaffirmed Thailand's support for Myanmar's participation in Asean and expressed Thailand's commitment to working together towards sustainable growth.
He stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability along the shared border. He also proposed expanding cooperation to combat transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking, online scams and money laundering, while strengthening coordination between relevant agencies to improve public safety and border security.
Mr Anutin described economic cooperation as a cornerstone of Thailand-Myanmar relations. He welcomed the reopening of the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge linking Mae Sot and Myawaddy and called for both countries to remove regulatory barriers, facilitate cross-border trade and improve transport connectivity to revitalise border commerce.
Thailand also confirmed its readiness to host a meeting of the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) later this year.
Mr Anutin proposed further collaboration in energy, greater private-sector investment, the development of bilateral payment mechanisms, and progress on economic corridors and infrastructure linking Thailand, Myanmar and the wider region to promote sustainable trade and investment.
Mr Anutin welcomed the signing of bilateral labour agreements, highlighting the important contribution made by Myanmar workers to Thailand's economy. He reaffirmed the Thai government's commitment to protecting migrant workers' rights and welfare while promoting lawful employment through close cooperation between the two governments.
Environmental issues also featured prominently in the talks. Mr Anutin said such problems directly affect the health and wellbeing of people in both countries and required a shared response.
The two sides agreed to accelerate the implementation of measures to address transboundary haze and establish a joint technical working group on river pollution. They also pledged to continue cooperating on water resources management and flood prevention to improve environmental quality and living standards in border communities.
Thailand reiterated its readiness to remain a development partner for Myanmar through cooperation in agriculture, public health, education, human resource development and support for SMEs.
