Japan-Thailand Relations

On January 7, commencing at 3:20 p.m. (5:20 p.m. JST) for approximately one hour, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who was visiting Bangkok, the Kingdom of Thailand, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. At the outset, Minister Motegi applauded Thailand’s competence as the 2019 Chair of ASEAN. Minister Motegi also stated: “Through infrastructure cooperation and improving the business environment, Japan intends to support the ongoing process of strengthening bilateral relations. I will work closely with you to further enhance the relationship between Japan and Thailand as well as to jointly address issues facing the entire region, and ensure sustained regional peace and prosperity.” In response, Minister Don welcomed Minister Motegi’s first visit to Thailand since his appointment as Foreign Minister, and expressed his intention to cooperate with Minister Motegi toward forging even closer Japan-Thailand relations.
2. At the meeting, regarding bilateral relations, Minister Don expressed hope for Japan-Thailand cooperation on the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) pursued by the Government of Thailand. In response, Minister Motegi expressed Japan’s intention to implement infrastructure cooperation through various channels, such as “the Initiative on Overseas Loan and Investment for ASEAN.” Furthermore, Minister Motegi welcomed Thailand’s interest in joining TPP 11. Minister Don responded that Thailand is giving positive consideration to applying for accession to TPP 11. Regarding the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Minister Motegi expressed his intent to work toward having the RCEP Agreement signed in 2020 by 16 countries, based on the Joint Leaders’ Statement. The ministers shared the view on continuing to coordinate between the two countries. In addition, Minister Motegi stated, “It is key that the situation is stable in Thailand, which is home to many Japanese companies and many Japanese nationals. We hope domestic affairs will develop stably in Thailand following the restoration of its democracy.”
3. Regarding regional cooperation, the two ministers exchanged views regarding collaboration between such as Mekong-Japan cooperation, and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS), and the issue of marine plastic litter.