The newly appointed Ambassador of Thailand to Bangladesh, Ms. Thitiporn Chirasawadi, paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka on Sunday (14 December 2025).
During the meeting, both sides discussed various aspects of strengthening Bangladesh–Thailand bilateral relations, including trade and investment, maritime connectivity, prevention of online fraud, multilateral cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.
Recalling his long-standing association with Thailand, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed optimism that bilateral relations between the two countries would further deepen during the ambassador’s tenure. He reiterated the interim government’s initiative to secure Bangladesh’s membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and expressed hope for Thailand’s support in this regard.
He noted that ASEAN has emerged as a significant force in the global economy and trade, and Bangladesh’s inclusion would help enhance connectivity between South Asia and Southeast Asia. As part of this process, Bangladesh has already applied to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner, he added.
The Thai Ambassador stated that Bangkok is keen to initiate discussions on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Bangladesh. She noted that such an agreement would help boost Thai investment in Bangladesh and expand trade between the two countries.
She also informed that there are plans to launch a direct maritime route between Thailand’s Ranong Port and Bangladesh’s Chattogram Port. Formal discussions between the shipping authorities of the two countries are expected to take place in February, with the service likely to be launched in March.
During the meeting, the Chief Adviser emphasized the need for issuing more visas to Bangladeshi nationals, noting that travel to Thailand by Bangladeshis for medical treatment, business, education, and tourism has been steadily increasing.
SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamia Morshed was also present at the meeting.
