Thailand PM says ready for new chapter in economic ties with Myanmar

MYANMAR'S junta chief turned President Min Aung Hlaing received a red-carpet treatment on a visit to Thailand on Thursday (August 6), part of efforts by Bangkok to push for re-engagement between its war-torn neighbour and the regional bloc ASEAN.

Thailand and Myanmar are ready for a new chapter in economic cooperation, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said at a keynote address in Bangkok's convention center, adding both countries will push for more trade and improve energy sector collaboration.

Myanmar is working on the Dawei industrial project to connect with Thailand and provide it with the shortest possible route to deliver its goods to West Asia, Myanmar's junta chief turned President Min Aung Hlaing said.

Thailand's business with Myanmar has suffered since the pandemic and the coup, with civil war impacting border trade and sanctions forcing some Thai firms that do business with the West to rethink or withdraw investments in Myanmar, said Kich Aungvitulsatit, chairman of the Thai-Myanmar business council.