[🇧🇩] Bangladesh Thailand Relation---A Tale of Two Friendly Nations

Dhaka to boost trade, ties with Bangkok
Says Hasina after talks with Thai PM; two countries sign 5 deals



Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is being received by her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin at the latter's office in Bangkok yesterday. Hasina, now on a six-day official visit to Thailand, had a bilateral meeting with Srettha. Photo: BSS

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Bangladesh and Thailand have potential to strengthen cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, food security, tourism, public health, energy, and ICT.

She was speaking at an official luncheon hosted by her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin at the latter's office in Bangkok yesterday.

Hasina said she discussed with the Thai prime minister bilateral and regional issues of mutual interests.

"We agreed to make all efforts to enhance our bilateral trade and encourage more interactions between the public and private entities of the two countries. Likewise, we must make all efforts to promote and facilitate bilateral investments," she said.

Addressing a joint press conference following her bilateral meeting with Srettha at the Thai Prime Minister's Office, Hasina said she called on Thailand to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh.

She also sought Thai investments in Bangladesh's special economic zones and hi-tech parks.

"We discussed the possibility of cooperation on training and capacity building for Bangladeshi medical personnel," she said.

Five bilateral documents -- an agreement, three memorandums of understanding and a Letter of Intent -- were signed in presence of the two prime ministers following the meeting.

Hasina said Bangladesh sees Thailand as a very important and dynamic partner in its engagement with the vibrant economies of Southeast Asia.

The two leaders discussed measures to enhance the current volume of bilateral trade. They agreed to work together to achieve healthy two-way growth.

The Bangladesh premier said she assured her Thai counterpart of taking necessary measures to facilitate investment and ensure ease of doing business in Bangladesh.

"I proposed that Thailand should invest in our special economic zones and hi-tech parks, and that they should have one SEZ [special economic zone], exclusively for Thailand," she said.

Noting that the two sides agreed to open negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement by 2024, Hasina said the commerce ministers of the two countries have signed a Letter of Intent on this issue.

To facilitate smooth contact between Thai and Bangladeshi officials, Dhaka and Bangkok signed the Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Official Passports, the premier said, adding that the two countries already have an agreement on diplomatic passport holders.

"For Bangladesh, Thailand is a potential partner to engage in energy cooperation. The Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation was the second instrument signed to explore the potential of energy cooperation," she said.

Another MoU has been signed on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters.

"To benefit from Thai knowledge, experiences, and best tourism practices, we signed the memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of tourism," Hasina said.

Regarding maritime connectivity, she said the two sides discussed the direct shipping route between Ranong Port and Chattogram Port.

Hasina said Bangladesh is following with great interest Thailand's flagship "Land Bridge" project.

Hasina reached Bangkok on Wednesday on a six-day official visit to Thailand at the invitation of her Thai counterpart.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, an entourage member of the PM, yesterday said Bangladesh and Thailand have expressed willingness to work together to deal with the Rohingya issue as the two countries are sheltering Rohingyas.

He said this after the bilateral meeting between the two prime ministers.​

Explore investment possibilities in Bangladeshi hospitals
PM Hasina tells Thai counterpart Thavisin
Sheikh Hasina asked Thailand to invest in Bangladesh


Photo: Collected

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked Thailand to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh.

She also sought Thai investments in special economic zones and hi-tech parks of Bangladesh.

"We discussed the possibility of cooperation on training and capacity building for Bangladeshi medical personnel. I also proposed to explore the possibility of investing in hospitals and medical facilities in Bangladesh," she said.

The Bangladesh premier said this at a joint press conference after a bilateral meeting with her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin at Government House (Thai Prime Minister's Office) in Bangkok.

Five bilateral documents -- an agreement, three memorandums of understanding MoUs) and a Letter of Intent (LOI) -- were signed in presence of the two PMs following the meeting.

She said Bangladesh attaches great importance to its relations with Thailand as an immediate neighbour.

"Our friendship is deeply rooted in our historical, linguistic, and common cultural heritage. The warm and cordial relations between our two countries are ever-growing in multi-faceted areas of cooperation," she said.

The two leaders discussed in detail the bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

"We see Thailand as a very important and dynamic partner in our engagement with the vibrant economies of Southeast Asia," said the Bangladesh PM.

On trade cooperation, they discussed at length measures to enhance the current volume of the bilateral trade and agreed to work together to achieve healthy two-way growth.

"I assured the prime minister [Thavisin] to take necessary measures for investment facilitation and ease of doing business in Bangladesh. I proposed to the Thai side to invest in our special economic zones and hi-tech parks and to take one SEZ, exclusively for Thailand," said Hasina.

Noting that the two sides agreed to commence negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the year 2024, she said the concerned Ministers of Commerce of the two countries have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) on the issue.

To facilitate smooth contact between Thai and Bangladeshi officials, Dhaka and Bangkok signed the Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Official Passports, she said, adding that the two countries already have an agreement for diplomatic passport holders.

"For Bangladesh, Thailand is a potential partner to engage in energy cooperation. To explore the potential of energy cooperation, the memorandum of understanding [MoU] on Energy Cooperation was the second instrument signed," she said.

A third MoU has been signed on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters.

"To benefit from Thai knowledge, experiences, and best tourism practices, we signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of tourism," said the premier.

To ensure food security, the two sides explored the possibility of collaboration in the agriculture and food processing sectors, she stated.

Regarding maritime connectivity, she said the two sides discussed the direct shipping line between Ranong Port and Chattogram Port. Bangladesh is following with great interest Thailand's flagship "Landbridge project".

"I proposed to the Thai side to enhance cooperation among specialised universities between the two countries, especially in agriculture, fisheries, and food processing," said Hasina.

The two prime ministers also discussed regional cooperation mechanisms under the BIMSTEC framework. Thailand, as the current chair and host of the Summit to be held later this year, will hand over the chairmanship to Bangladesh.

"We firmly believe that BIMSTEC is a key driver of regional economic growth for a total population of 1.8 billion. To achieve a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis, Bangladesh sought the support of Thailand," she said.

She reiterated the importance of high-level visits between the two countries.

Hasina also invited Prime Minister Thavisin to undertake a return visit to Bangladesh.

Earlier on her arrival at Government House, Sheikh Hasina was received by Thavisin and then she was accorded a warm welcome at the front lawn of Thai Kooh Fah Building.

The Bangladesh PM arrived in Bangkok on Wednesday on a six-day official visit to Thailand at the invitation of her Thai counterpart.​

Dhaka, Bangkok to work together to deal with Rohingya issue: FM
Published :
Apr 26, 2024 17:00
Updated :
Apr 26, 2024 17:00


Bangladesh and Thailand have expressed willingness to work together to deal with the Rohingya issue as the two countries are sheltering the Rohingyas who fled from Myanmar.

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said this after a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin at Government House (Thai Prime Minister's Office) in Bangkok, according to a UNB report.

"To resolve this problem, the two countries have expressed willingness to work together," he said, adding that both the countries are suffering due to the burden.

The foreign minister said that Bangladesh is currently sheltering some 1.3 million Rohingyas and this has created problems for the country.

He said the bilateral meeting was held in a very cordial manner and the two leaders expressed interest to deepen, broaden and strengthen the ties.

Bangladesh is ready to offer a dedicated economic zone for Thai investors if they express willingness to have that.

Bangladesh and Thailand on Friday signed five bilateral documents on visa exemption, cooperation on energy, tourism and customs matters, and negotiation of free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

The documents -- an agreement, three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and a Letter of Intent (LoI) – were inked in the presence of visiting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Thai counterpart Srettha Thavisin in Bangkok following a bilateral meeting between the two leaders at Government House (Thai Prime Minister's Office) here.

The documents are agreement on visa exemption for the official passport holders; MoU on Energy Cooperation; MoU on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters; MoU on Cooperation in the field of tourism; and LoI to commence negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by this year.

PM's Speech Writer Nazrul Islam was also present at the FM's briefing.​

Hasan urges Thai private sector to invest in Bangladesh
27 Apr 2024, 4:25 pm



BSS: Foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has urged the Thai private sector to make investment in Bangladesh by taking full advantage of Dhaka's various incentives for foreign business and partnership.

He also emphasized on the importance of early commencement of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Thailand for enhancing bilateral trade
and balancing trade deficit.

The foreign minister was speaking at a business meeting, organised by Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok on Friday on the sidelines of the official visit of Minister Sheikh Hasina to Thailand, a foreign ministry's press release said here today.

Earlier on the day, Bangladesh and Thailand have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to commence Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

During the business meeting, Hasan underlined the potential for trade and investment between Bangladesh and Thailand and said it will ultimately contribute to the overall development and prosperity of both the countries.

The foreign minister highlighted Thailand's significance as a key trade partner for Bangladesh within the ASEAN region.

He also described Bangladesh's remarkable progress in all indicators of socio-economic development over the last 15 years and Bangladesh's successful graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, attributing it to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Hasan also stressed upon the importance of fostering increased people-to- people contact as a means to strengthen the bonds between Bangladesh and Thailand.

By prioritizing such exchanges, both countries can deepen their understanding, collaboration, and partnership and benefit their people, he observed.

Finance Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood, Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Advisor Salman Fazlur Rahman, Home Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, State Minister of Commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu, and Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen attended the event.​

Thai entrepreneurs invited to invest in various sectors of Bangladesh
Early commencement of FTA stressed
FE REPORT
Published :
Apr 27, 2024 14:21
Updated :
Apr 28, 2024 09:44



Thai entrepreneurs may take full advantage of the reformed investment policies of Bangladesh by investing in various sectors of the country, a spokesperson for foreign ministry said on Saturday.

To enhance bilateral trade, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Bangkok hosted a business meeting with Thai entrepreneurs on Friday on the sidelines of the official visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Thailand.

Several visiting ministers addressed the event where they underscored the country's remarkable progress in all socio-economic indicators over the last 15 years and its successful graduation from the LDC status.

Finance minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, foreign minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, home minister Asaduzzaman Khan, PM's private industry and investment adviser Salman F Rahman, state minister of commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu and foreign secretary Masud bin Momen were present at the meeting.

Emphasising the potential for trade and investment between Bangladesh and Thailand, Dr Hasan exhorted the private sector of Thailand to take full advantage of various incentives of his government for business, investment and partnership, said the spokesperson.

The minister also highlighted Thailand's significance as a key trade partner of Bangladesh within the ASEAN region.

Dr Hasan mentioned the signing of a letter of intent to commence a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries earlier in the day.

He emphasised the importance of early commencement of FTA for enhancing bilateral trade and balancing trade deficit between the two countries.

Furthermore, the minister stressed the importance of fostering increased people-to-people contact as a means to fortify the bond between Bangladesh and Thailand.

By prioritising such exchanges, both countries can deepen their understanding, collaboration and partnership, and benefit their people, he said.

At the meeting, Mr Salman elaborated on the incentives provided by the Bangladesh government to foreign investors, according to the spokesperson.

He opined that the government would be benefitted from Technology Transfer from Thai government and invited Thai investment in the tourism sector of Bangladesh.

State minister Titu called upon Thai investors to consider investment in Bangladesh, citing the recently enacted 'Offshore Banking Act 2024' by his government.

He said as a bridge between South Asia and South East Asia, Bangladesh could be considered for investment as a regional trade hub and a major market size.

He urged the private sectors of both countries to explore all opportunities for business and investment.

Sutec Co Ltd senior executive vice-president Charles Frederick, a prominent Thai global sugar engineering company, suggested that Bangladesh explore the potential for collaboration with local private investors to revitalise one or two sugar mills.

If this initiative proves successful, according to him, it can pave the way for the government to develop a policy framework aimed at promoting private investment in the sugarcane industry.

A BIDA representative delivered a detailed presentation on the incentives provided by Bangladesh for foreign investors investing in Bangladesh.

He highlighted agribusiness, digital economy, logistics and light manufacturing sectors, which Thai investors might consider for investment.

Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the bilateral relations between the countries have flourished to a comprehensive partnership in trade and investment, culture, education, health, agriculture and connectivity.

The event was attended by prominent business personnel from the Thai business community.

Bangladesh Ambassador in Bangkok Abdul Hye thanked all the dignitaries and guests for their presence there.

Thai Ambassador in Dhaka Makawadi Sumitmor was also present.​

Joint trade body meet on BD-Thai FTA in August
Published :
Jul 24, 2024 10:54
Updated :
Jul 24, 2024 10:54


Bangladesh and Thailand look to hold negotiation talks on the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) soon to finalise details of the agreement.

To facilitate the talks, a Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting between the two countries is expected to be held in Dhaka next month.

The issue of signing the FTA will figure high on the agenda of the meeting scheduled for August 28-30, according to sources.

Besides, bilateral issues will be brought up in the upcoming formal sitting.

Dhaka and Bangkok have already signed a Letter of Intent (LoI), aiming to commence negotiation talks this year, said a senior official of the commerce ministry.

This negotiation is part of various measures the commerce ministry has taken to increase the country's export earnings. It has taken initiatives to sign trade agreements, including FTAs/PTAs, with a number of countries, he mentioned.

Currently, Bangladesh's products have duty-free market access to 38 countries. Of these countries, about 27 member-states of the European Union (EU) are giving duty-free market facilities to Bangladeshi products. Besides, Japan, Chile, Norway, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, India and China are providing such facilities.

Many developed countries would not provide duty-free facility to Bangladesh after its graduation from LDC in 2026.

So, the ministry has been taking steps to put in place adequate measures for expanding the volume of exports after graduation, said another high official, who is dealing with the issue.

The government formed a high-profile committee under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to guard against any possible external shock to the export earnings after graduation.​

Thailand to introduce e-visa for Bangladeshis early next year

The government of Thailand has decided to introduce e-visa facilities for Bangladesh passport holders traveling to Thailand.

Bangladeshi travellers may avail of this service from early next year.

The Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Ambassador Worawoot Pongprapant shared this information during a meeting held recently with a delegation from the Embassy of Bangladesh, led by the ambassador of Bangladesh to Thailand.

Once the e-visa system is introduced, Bangladeshi passport holders will be able to apply for a Thai visa online from home, according to the Bangladesh Embassy in Bangkok.

This service has already been introduced through 69 Thai embassies globally.

The director-general also mentioned that from December 19, 2024, visa waiver will be operationalized for official passport holders of both countries.

The related agreement, signed in Bangkok in April 2024, will take effect on that day.

Notably, visa waiver for diplomatic passport holders have been in place since 2018.

Ambassador Pongprapant advised Bangladeshi passport holders interested in long-term medical treatment in Thailand to apply for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).

The DTV, which also covers the attendee's visa, is valid for five years with each entry for six months. In this case, no recommendation letter from the Embassy of Bangladesh in Bangkok will be required by Thai Immigration authorities for visa extension.

The Thai director general noted that some Bangladeshi applicants have been found to have submitted fake or falsified documents with their visa applications, leading to delay in visa processing.

The DG added that if this trend continued, the Thai authorities would be compelled to blacklist the relevant applicants. He advised applicants to exercise caution in this regard, especially when applying through an agent.​

Chief justice stresses judicial collaboration with Thailand
Diplomatic Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 12 Nov 2024, 21: 44



Bangladesh chief justice Syed Refaat Ahmed meets with his counterpart chief Justice and president of the Supreme Court of Thailand, Chanakarn Theeravechpolkul. Courtesy

Chief justice Syed Refaat Ahmed met with counterpart Thailand chief justice Chanakarn Theeravechpolkul in Thailand on Tuesday.

The meeting marks a groundbreaking start for potential judicial collaboration between Bangladesh and Thailand, with the apex courts at the core, read a press release.

The chief justice of Bangladesh stressed the possibility for the two countries’ judiciaries to exchange and learn from each others best practices and areas of strength.

He briefed his counterpart about some of the judicial reform initiatives he has undertaken since assuming office in the aftermath of the July revolution in Bangladesh.

Syed Refaat visited Thailand to give a keynote address at a conference titled “Achieving Just Societies: Inclusive Justice Pathways for People and Planet in Asia and the Pacific,” held at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok.

Chief justice Syed Refaat expressed satisfaction at the progress made on reducing case backlogs, enhancing transparency, and improving access to justice through digitization.

He flagged the possibility of sharing expertise in arbitration, mediation, reconciliation, and digital solutions.

He congratulated justice Chanakarn on being recently appointed the third female president of the Thai Supreme Court.

The chief justice appreciated Thailand’s achieving near gender parity within its judiciary. He shared that after assuming office, he appointed three female judges as heads of the three constitutional benches in the High Court Division.

The Thai chief justice noted that sustained improvements in the Supreme Court are essential for strengthening public trust in judicial institutions.

She acknowledged the possibility of establishing a bilateral judicial exchange programmes involving both the bar and the bench.

Chief justice Syed Refaat invited his Thai counterpart to visit and explore Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

Upon arriving at the Surpreme Court premises, the chief justice was received ceremonially by senior court officials, and was ushered to sign the Visitors’ Book.

Earlier, the chief justice of Bangladesh met with the minister of justice of Thailand Tawee Sodsong. They outlined a blueprint for prospective areas of cooperation between Bangladesh and Thailand.

They focused on collaboration in judicial training, capacity-building for alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and addressing the gender dimensions of judicial processes.

Minister Sodsong invited the chief justice to deliver lectures at Thai Universities, including those based in Southern Thailand in the Muslim-majority provinces.

Later, the Bangladesh chief Justice took part in a panel discussion on judicial independence and integrity. During the visit, he interacted with a number of Bangkok-based lawyers, academics and diplomats.

Bangladesh ambassador to Thailand Faiyaz Murshid Kazi accompanied him at different official meetings.​

Thailand to introduce e-Visa in Bangladesh from 2 January
Diplomatic Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 16 Dec 2024, 21: 40



Thai workers hold national flags as they parade to mark May Day in Bangkok on 1 May 2014.AFP file photo

Thai embassy in Dhaka will introduce e-Visa service from 2 January 2025 with a view to facilitating travel for visitors from Bangladesh.

Moreover, Bangladeshi official passport holders will not require visa from 19 December 2024, says a statement.

Applicants will be able to fill the application form and upload required documents through the website https://www.thaievisa.go.th without the need to submit their passport.

With this new system, applicants will receive the approved visa by e-mail which should be printed and presented to the Thai immigration at the port of entry.

Due to certain technical limitations, e-Visa applicants in Bangladesh could not yet pay visa fee directly at the e-Visa website.

After submitting the application form, the system will generate a "Payment Info Summary" sheet that contains the application reference number, QR code and amount of visa fee.

Applicants have to transfer payment to the embassy's bank account through website thaievisa – Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC and upload the "Payment Info Summary" sheet in the system for the embassy's verification. Cash payment at the bank will not be accepted.

The e-visa will be processed tentatively within 10 working days. Further details on how to apply Thai e-Visa are attached.

To prepare for the e-Visa system, the embassy will stop accepting applications through the existing four visa application centres from 24 December 2024.​

Bangladeshis’ credit card spending: Thailand overtakes India as 2nd most preferred destination
FE Online Desk
Published :
Dec 17, 2024 20:56
Updated :
Dec 17, 2024 20:56



Bangladeshis' credit card spending abroad has seen a notable shift, with Thailand overtaking India as the second most preferred destination, according to a report released by Bangladesh Bank on Tuesday.

The United States continues to hold the top position for overseas credit card usage.

In October, credit card spending by Bangladeshis in the US increased by Tk 70 million (7 crore), or 8.15 per cent, reaching Tk 842 million (84.2 crore), UNB reports.

The biggest shift occurred in Thailand. Within a month, spending in Thailand rose from Tk 420 million (42 crore) in September to Tk 570 million (57 crore) in October, placing the country in the second spot for overseas credit card usage.

Meanwhile, India, which previously held the second position, slipped to third. Industry insiders attribute this decline to strict visa issuance policies implemented after the change of government in August, significantly reducing travel to India for medical treatment and tourism.

Before August, India was one of the most popular destinations for Bangladeshis seeking medical treatment and travel. However, tightened visa policies have led travelers to explore alternative destinations, particularly Thailand and Singapore.

The Bangladesh Bank report, compiled using data from 44 banks and one financial institution, highlights overall growth in credit card usage both domestically and internationally.

In October:
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Thailand to launch e-visa for Bangladeshis on Jan 2; here’s how to apply



Thailand is simplifying travel for Bangladeshis with the introduction of its e-visa service, making the visa application process more convenient and efficient.

The e-visa service will be launched for Bangladeshis from January 2, The Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka said in a statement yesterday.

Bangladeshi official passport holders will be exempt from visa requirements starting December 19, 2024, it also said.

The official passports are issued to Bangladesh government employees, government officials and individuals representing the Bangladeshi government on official business.

Applicants will be able to fill out the application form and upload required documents on the website https://www.thaievisa.go.th without the need to submit their passport.

With this new system, the applicants will receive the approved visa by e-mail which should be printed and presented to the Thai immigration at the port of entry.

Due to certain technical limitations, applicants in Bangladesh are unable to pay the visa fee directly on the e-visa website. After submitting the application, the system will generate a "Payment Info Summary" sheet, which includes the application reference number, QR code, and the visa fee amount. Applicants must transfer the payment to the Thai Embassy's bank account via thaievisa – Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC and upload the "Payment Info Summary" sheet for verification. Cash payments at the bank will not be accepted.

The e-visa will typically be processed within 10 working days. Detailed instructions on how to apply for the Thai e-Visa are available on the website.

To prepare for the new e-visa system, the Royal Thai Embassy in Dhaka will stop accepting applications through the four visa application centers from December 24, added the statement.​