Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s official visit to Thailand, the first following 65 years of the formalization of diplomatic relations, saw both Nepal and Thailand signing eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen their bilateral ties in several areas. PM Oli and his Thai counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra witnessed the two government-level agreements, while six others were signed at non-government levels. After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cultural cooperation with Thai Minister of Culture Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, the Foreign Minister of Nepal, signed a tourism-related document with Thai Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong. The FNCCI, CNI, Kathmandu University, and several Thai institutions signed most of the MoUs in industrial cooperation, higher education, trade, investments, and eyecare. The two prime ministers held a bilateral meeting, discussing political and economic ties, trade, aviation, tourism, culture, and development cooperation and addressed regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest during a press meet, where PM Oli expressed optimism that mutual cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and energy would further strengthen after his visit. He urged Thai businesses to invest in Nepal’s hospitality and air services. Nepal and Thailand have enjoyed deep cultural and religious ties for decades. One of the strongest connections between the two countries is Buddhism. Thousands of Nepalis go to Thailand for business, study, medical care purposes, and for spending their holidays while thousands of Thais come to Nepal to visit Buddhist sites along with engaging in business and tourism. Thailand is a tourism hotspot in Asia and an important international travel hub. The Thai tourism sector can aid Nepal while investment in aviation would promote tourism.
Thailand’s interest in making investments in Nepal's tourism and aviation sectors and the Thai PM’s commitment to expanding Thai Airlines flights to Kathmandu and direct air services to Lumbini, a famous Buddhist site, indicate reciprocity between the two nations. Similarly, the MoUs inked among Nepalese and Thai business communities show the firm determination towards enhanced economic collaboration, which can open new avenues for increased joint ventures and business opportunities. Education and health are also priority sectors during the visit. The MoU signed between Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and Thailand's reputed Mahidol University highlights the level of collaboration in health care services and medical research. Nepal can gain greatly from the medical knowledge of Thailand. Equally, the MoU with Siam University and Kathmandu University, among other learning institutions, present opportunities for student exchange programs and collaborative research.
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While Nepal attempts to diversify her trade and investment destinations in a bid to improve her ailing economy, the pacts and MoUs signed with Thailand are highly commendable. Thailand's impressive foreign direct investment and vibrant industries and economy can be an inspiration for Nepal, which must pursue investment and technology from a nation like Thailand to bridge her economic gaps. Agreements to enhance connectivity, trade, and tourism cooperation bode well for the future of Nepal-Thailand relations. Ultimately, the visit of Prime Minister Oli is a milestone one as it has opened new spheres of cooperation with Thailand, as the visit has indeed strengthened the traditional friendship between the two countries. A closer relationship with Thailand will not only assist in bolstering our economy but will also enhance traditional, cultural ties, and educational exchanges. The MoUs inked during this visit have laid the foundation for a more vibrant and cooperative relationship, one that can help Nepal and Thailand grow together in the days ahead.
