Phnom Penh: Samdech Hun Sen, Acting Head of State of Cambodia, met with Mr. Cherdkiat Atthakor, the Thai Ambassador to Cambodia, on Tuesday morning, September 3, 2024, at the Senate Palace. The meeting served as a farewell for Ambassador Atthakor as he concludes his diplomatic mission in Cambodia.

During the meeting, Ambassador Atthakor congratulated Samdech Techo Hun Sen on his recent election as President of the Senate for the fifth term. He reflected on his nearly two-year tenure in Cambodia, during which he worked to strengthen the relationship between Cambodia and Thailand, highlighting the strategic partnership established during the Cambodian Prime Minister's visit to Thailand in February 2024.

Ambassador Atthakor praised the strong ties between the two nations and expressed satisfaction with the expansion of trade relations. He noted that Thailand is now the sixth largest investor in Cambodia and the leading source of tourists, particularly to popular destinations like Siem Reap. The ambassador expressed hope that the cooperation between the two countries would continue to grow across various sectors in the future.

He also highlighted Thailand's contributions to Cambodia’s education sector, including the construction of training facilities at Kampong Chheu Teal Center in Kampong Thom Province and Kampong Speu Province, which aim to support human resource development in Cambodia.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed gratitude for the Ambassador’s efforts in fostering closer ties between the two countries. He acknowledged the Ambassador’s role in facilitating important visits, including those of former Thai leaders to Cambodia and Cambodian leaders to Thailand, which have elevated bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen emphasized the cultural and traditional connections between Cambodia and Thailand, noting the importance of further opening travel between the two nations. He suggested that easing travel restrictions would promote tourism, cultural exchanges, and access to medical services, with Thailand being a key destination for affordable healthcare in the region.

He also expressed satisfaction with the growing trade volume between the two countries, which has provided Cambodian farmers along the border with opportunities to export agricultural products to Thailand. Additionally, Samdech Techo thanked the Thai government for supporting Cambodian workers in Thailand, who not only earn livelihoods but also acquire valuable skills that can be utilized upon their return to Cambodia.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen further thanked the Thai government and Princess Sirindhorn for their ongoing support in human resource development, including the establishment of educational institutes in Cambodia and providing annual scholarships to Cambodian students. He also proposed that Cambodia and Thailand, along with Myanmar and Laos, consider joint registration of certain cultural heritages, emphasizing cooperation rather than competition over cultural recognition.

On tourism, Samdech Techo discussed the "Visa 2 + X" initiative, originally proposed by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, which aims to streamline visa procedures for travelers visiting Cambodia and Thailand, with potential expansion to include Laos and Myanmar. He expressed hope that the governments of Cambodia and Thailand would continue discussions on this initiative to boost tourism and regional connectivity.

Samdech Techo concluded by reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to working closely with Thailand in preserving cultural heritage and enhancing cooperation through regional platforms such as ACMECS, the Mekong cooperation, ASEAN, and RCEP. He conveyed his message to the new Prime Minister of Thailand, emphasizing the importance of continuing to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two neighboring countries.