Nepal-Thailand relations reach new height: PM Oli

BANGKOK: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, on a five-day official visit to Thailand starting April 1, has stated that the trip has elevated bilateral relations to new heights.

At a joint press conference following his meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister Oli expressed confidence that the visit would enhance cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and energy.

Highlighting 65 years of diplomatic ties between Nepal and Thailand, Prime Minister Oli said discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, including diplomatic and people-to-people connections.

He expressed optimism that Nepal’s hospitality sector and air services would attract Thai investment. “Nepal and Thailand share deep agricultural, trade, tourism, and cultural ties. I urge the Thai business community to invest in Nepal,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that Nepal and Thailand would collaborate on international agendas such as climate change. He also invited Thai Prime Minister Shinawatra to visit Nepal, which he said would be implemented soon.

PM Oli arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday, leading a 21-member delegation to attend the 6th Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). He is the first Nepali Prime Minister to officially visit Thailand.

Despite long-standing friendly relations, no Nepali Head of Government had previously visited Thailand. The last visit by a Thai Prime Minister to Nepal was in 1983, when Prem Tinsulanonda travelled to Kathmandu.

The delegation includes Radhika Shakya, the Prime Minister’s spouse; Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba; Chief Political Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal; Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada; Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal; and Foreign Ministry Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai.

Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to return to Nepal on April 5.

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