Thailand Prime Minister to arrive tomorrow in historic visit

Thailand Prime Minister  Srettha Thavisin

The Kingdom of Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is set to commence a two-day official visit tomorrow, at the invitation of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

The two-day visit from 3-4 February holds significant diplomatic importance, as the Thai Prime Minister will participate in the ceremony to mark the 76th Anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka as the Guest of Honour.

Prime Minister Thavisin will be accompanied by a 39-member delegation, including Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee and a high-profile business delegation.

During the visit, the Thai Prime Minister is scheduled to have official discussions with President Wickremesinghe and witness the signing of the historic Sri Lanka – Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA). 

The Free Trade Agreement will be signed by Thailand Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Trade, Commerce and Food Security Minister Nalin Fernando.

The SLTFTA is expected to boost trade and investment ties between the two countries and promote deeper integration with ASEAN economies. 

Additionally, the two sides are expected to renew the Air Services Agreement and conclude a Memorandum of Understanding between the Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute of Sri Lanka and the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand.

Highlighting economic collaboration, a Sri Lanka-Thailand Business Forum, organised by the Department of International Trade Promotion and Department of Trade Negotiations of the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, along with the Department of Commerce and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, is slated to take place at the Kingsbury Hotel during the visit.