Prime Minister Hun Manet noted the progress of Cambodia-Thailand bilateral relations, saying that this can be seen through increased cooperation in the areas of trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

His remarks followed a January 10 working meeting with Thai ambassador to Cambodia Cherdkiat Atthakor at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.

According to Manet’s social media post after the meeting, Cherdkiat mentioned the growing relations, friendship and cooperation between the two kingdoms. The ambassador said he was committed to deepening the bilateral relationship. 

“[Cherdkiat] thanked the prime minister and the Cambodian government for providing a warm welcome to Thai Prime Minister [Srettha Thavisin] during his official visit to Cambodia in September last year,” said the post.

Manet was informed that the Thai side is looking forward to his official visit in the future. 

In response, Manet thanked the ambassador for promoting the growth of bilateral cooperation with Cambodia.

“We have noted the progress and growth of cooperation between our countries in the areas of trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.

Government spokesman Pen Bona explained that the Cambodian government’s foreign policy is based on building excellent relations with its neighbouring countries, in the areas of border friendship, cooperation and development, among others. 

“We encourage the exchange of trade and tourism in the border regions. Whether with Laos, Vietnam or Thailand, as neighbours, we need to establish excellent relations with one another as we live so close to one another,” he said.

“In addition to tourism, people-to-people exchanges and trade with Thailand, there are a lot of Thai investors in Cambodia,” he added.

Seun Sam, a policy researcher at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, said the relationship between the two kingdoms needs to be strengthened further, noting that despite being neighbouring countries, they have not yet entered into a comprehensive strategic partnership. The two peoples need one another, especially those on the border regions, to support their economies.

“Cambodia needs Thailand in terms of trade and jobs, especially with regard to agricultural products. The Kingdom’s cassava, rice, corn, beans and so forth have large markets in Thailand. The Thais also need Cambodia,” he added.

In order to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries, he suggested that senior leaders from various sectors meet for regular talks and exchanges of views. This would allow them to understand one another more clearly, and could clear up any misunderstandings that may occur, especially with regard to cultural or nationalist clashes. 

During his mid-September visit to Cambodia last year, Thai Prime Minister Srettha met with Manet to discuss strengthening trade relations, investment and agreements, as well as the issues facing the 520,000 Cambodian migrant workers employed in Thailand.