In an unprecedented move, Cambodia and Thailand have pledged to augment cooperation within the tourism sector, bringing to life the vision of ‘Two kingdoms, one tourism destination.’ This commitment was voiced by Jean-Francois Tan, Minister Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during a press conference that divulged the outcomes of the official visit to Thailand by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Prime Minister Hun Manet’s visit was significant in renewing close ties with Thailand. He held a royal audience with King Maha Vajiralongkorn and presided over the signing of multiple documents on bilateral cooperation. The primary aim of the visit was to bolster bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic development, trade, investment, transportation connectivity, and of course, tourism cooperation. The two nations also deliberated upon fostering closer ties between their peoples.
First Official Visit
Making his first official visit to Thailand since assuming the role of Cambodia’s leader, Hun Manet met with his Thai counterpart and had a royal audience with King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The discussions encompassed measures to solidify bilateral ties, with a special focus on tourism cooperation. However, the visit also sparked concerns about potential human rights abuses and political repression.
Concerns and Cooperation
While the visit aimed at consolidating bilateral ties, rights activists expressed apprehensions about the cooperation extending to the suppression of political dissidents. Several Cambodian activists have been detained in Thailand, raising questions about the nature of the collaboration. However, the leaders’ discussions also encompassed the exploitation of oil and gas resources in the Gulf of Thailand and the treatment of Cambodian workers in Thailand, signaling a broader cooperation beyond tourism.