Cambodia and Thailand are exploring the prospect of formalising their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) focused on bilateral inspection activities. This would encompass official visits, staff training and technical support related to the development of laws and regulations.

The MoU consideration arose during a recent meeting between Minister of Inspection Huot Hak and Thai ambassador to Cambodia Cherdkiat Atthakor, as outlined in a press release from the Ministry of Inspection.

Hak lauded the enduring diplomatic ties between the two nations, spanning back to 1950, and extended thanks to the Thai government for its assistance to Cambodia, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Notably, both countries have fostered cooperation across various sectors, including education, tourism, health, trade and investment.

In reciprocation, the Thai ambassador stated his appreciation for the collaborative spirit and the opportunity to engage with Hak.

He said the meeting had enhanced his understanding of the ministry’s mission and action plan under the new government mandate.

During the meeting, the ambassador provided insights into the Thai Office of the Ombudsman and the Southeast Asian Ombudsman Forum (SEAOF), entities sharing similarities in purpose and scope with the ministry.

The release said the bilateral meeting was fruitful as the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh had agreed to serve as a bridge between the Office of the Ombudsman and the ministry to begin bilateral collaboration, saying they would be examining multilateral collaboration within the framework of the SEAOF. Both sides said they would soon assign working groups to discuss technical aspects in detail.

Hak said that with enhanced political, social and economic conditions, the environment is favourable for advancing the national society and attracting foreign direct investment. 

He said that the transformation of the former Ministry of National Assembly-Senate Relations and Inspections into the Ministry of Inspection is geared towards aligning with the initial phase of the Pentagonal Strategy under the new government mandate.

“The first phase of the Pentagonal Strategy aims to reform, enhance governance and modernise state institutions into public administrations. This way, they’ll be more competent, stronger, smarter and unblemished,” he said.

Hak also said that, in line with the primary objectives, his ministry has set up action plans to enhance institutional capacity, cultivate human capital, formulate laws and legal documents and foster harmony among national and sub-national units.