Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Setha Thavisin, made his first visit to Cambodia on September 28 after receiving an invitation from Cambodian premier Hun Manet.

Prime Minister Setha Thavisin's first official visit to Cambodia aimed to further strengthen ties and promote multifaceted cooperation between the two nations in the spirit of "strengthening partnership for peace and prosperity".

“The visit is a sign of the strong relationship between the two countries, provides mutual benefits for the people of the two countries, and contributes to the promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in ASEAN and the international community,” according to a statement.

During the visit, the two prime ministers held bilateral talks and attended the opening ceremony of the Transit and Reception Center for Victims of Trafficking and Other Vulnerable Groups center.

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“The center was built in Poipet with funding from the Thai Government worth more than $2.3 million. The center will provide all-inclusive services to victims, including mental and psychological rehabilitation, vocational training, and skills development programs,” the statement added.

This is a significant development as it is Cambodia's first dedicated center for victims of trafficking. It will provide much-needed support to victims and help them to rebuild their lives.

Kiripost contacted An Sokhoeun, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation spokesperson, but did not receive a response at the time of publication.

Seng Vanly, an international relations and regional analyst, commented on Thursday that he believes the bilateral meeting could comprehensively benefit cooperation to boost trade and investment between the two nations.

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However, he mentioned that Cambodia and Thailand are trading partners, but the Kingdom’s neighbor holds more power in the relationship. Venly urged Manet to develop a strategy for fair trade, including reducing trade barriers, to help to enhance the livelihoods of people in both countries.

"I am worried that in the trade relationship between Cambodia and Thailand, Thailand has an overwhelming interest in Cambodia in trade. In order to make fair trade, Cambodia should push for a policy of mutual benefit,” Vanly said.

“This means that Cambodia should encourage Thailand to import more Cambodian products and that Thailand should provide technical support to help Cambodia improve the quality of its products in line with Thailand and the international market.”

He added that a trade gap will be created if Cambodia's Government only focuses on sending migrant workers to serve Thailand’s labor force as Thailand has already gained a huge advantage over Cambodia.

“In this regard, it’s important to note that the significant developments of the Cambodian and Thai governments have stood in the same position and united in their opposition to the Myanmar military junta, which is in line with ASEAN’s principles,” said Vanly.

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