Bangkok, May 18 (AseanAll)  — On May 18, 2026, at the Thai Government House, Faiyaz Murshid Kazi, Ambassador of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul on the occasion of his completion of tenure.  

The Prime Minister commended the Ambassador for his important role in promoting close relations and cooperation between Thailand and Bangladesh throughout his tenure. Not only in terms of the bilateral dimension, the Thai–Bangladeshi cooperation play a vital part in fostering long‑term regional economic connectivity and stability. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the Governments of both countries will continue to jointly push forward beneficial cooperation to ensure further progress into the future.

Both parties also discussed issues of mutual interest:

On trade and investment, both sides agreed to commence negotiations on a Thailand–Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to promote trade, investment, and expand economic opportunities between the two countries, with the aim to foster closer economic connectivity.

With regard to logistics connectivity, they came to terms on the importance of enhancing transport connectivity between Ranong Port in Thailand and Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port. Bangladesh also expressed interest in launching a direct flight route between Chiang Mai and Chittagong, to facilitate travel and strengthen people‑to‑people connectivity between the two nations.

On tourism, the Prime Minister was pleased with the fact that in 2025 Thailand received more than 140,000 visitors from Bangladesh, and reaffirmed the country’s readiness to facilitate Bangladeshi tourists. The Bangladeshi Ambassador emphasized confidence in Thailand as a leading health tourism destination for Bangladeshi travelers.

Both sides also agreed to expand cooperation on food security, particularly in the fields of agriculture and public health, with the aim of sustainably enhancing the quality of life for the peoples of both countries and the wider region.

With regard to security cooperation and combating cybercrime, the two parties congratulated successful conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation between Thailand and Bangladesh, which serves as an important mechanism for strengthening security collaboration between the two countries. The Bangladeshi Ambassador commended Thailand’s efforts and achievements in suppressing online scam syndicates and transnational crime. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand’s strong commitment to addressing these challenges in a serious and determined manner.

On cooperation under the BIMSTEC framework, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand’s full support for Bangladesh’s Chairmanship of BIMSTEC during 2025–2027, and expressed readiness to work closely with all member countries to advance shared goals, including the realization of the “BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030” in a concrete manner.

According to the Prime Minister, Thailand views its role as a “bridge” between ASEAN and BIMSTEC, helping to strengthen long‑term regional connectivity in economic, transport, supply chain, and security dimensions. He emphasized that cooperation under BIMSTEC is not only an opportunity for member countries, but also a crucial mechanism for building stability, economic growth, and collective security for both South Asia and Southeast Asia.

At the end of the meeting, the Prime Minister extended congratulations and best wishes to the Ambassador on his new appointment, while underscoring Thailand’s commitment to continue advancing bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh, based on the foundation of close relations and a shared vision of promoting regional connectivity and stability.