Ask the Cabinet to request the Central Budget to establish a consulate in Siem Reap to take care of business – Thai tourists.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs moves forward with the establishment of the first Consulate General in Cambodia in Siem Reap. Important tourist city with Thai tourists and many Thai businesses ask the Cabinet to approve the central budget Expected to be set up this year. Help facilitate helping Thai people. According to the policy of both countries increasing cooperation

Thailand and Cambodia have increasingly good relations. Especially in the current government where both government leaders and leaders of political parties are visiting. Met to discuss important matters many times In this discussion between Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Thailand. and Somdet Mahabodhi Hun Manat, Prime Minister of Cambodia, during the visit of the Prime Minister of Cambodia to Thailand on February 7, 2024, there were discussions on raising the level of cooperation and relations to a strategic partnership. strategic This will provide an opportunity to work more closely. and promote the potential that both countries share. There is discussion that Thailand will open a new consulate general in Siem Reap (Siem Reap), while Cambodia will open a new consulate general in Songkhla later this year. In this matter there was a press conference. Including the signing of cooperation and it has been brought to the Cabinet meeting (Cabinet) for acknowledgment.

Regarding the progress in setting up the Thai Consulate General in Siem Reap, Ms. Ekon Kunacharoen, Minister of the Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, revealed that at this time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs In the process of preparing the details of opening a new consulate general in Siem Reap, presenting it to the Cabinet and requesting approval to allocate the 2024 budget from the central budget to cover expenses for establishing the first Thai consulate in Siem Reap. Cambodia It is expected to be able to open in time at the end of 2024.

“Details of the establishment of a new consulate general in Siem Reap are currently in progress. has been proposed to the government To enter the Cabinet It is expected that it will be considered soon. Currently, a suitable area in Siem Reap is being considered. to set up a consulate which when set up will help facilitate Thai people both tourists and businessmen who come to invest in Siem Reap which is an important city in Cambodia even more And there are many Thai tourists and businesses that come to this city. Currently, Thai tourists are considered the number 1 tourist who have traveled to this city. Previously, China was the number 1 tourist to this city, but now there are not many Chinese returning to travel to this city.”

As for the request for allocation of the central budget, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Under discussion with the Budget Office To summarize the budget limit for basic expenses such as office rent for the first period of approximately 5 years, which is considered the first consulate closest to Thailand. It also helps relieve the burden of caring for and providing convenience to Thai people. Previously, I had to travel to the Royal Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh only.

For information on trade between Thailand and Cambodia It is currently worth more than 8 billion US dollars. Thailand is an important trading partner of Cambodia. Apart from China, the United States and Vietnam, Thai exports to Cambodia in 2023 are valued at US$6.4 billion. Thai imports from Cambodia are valued at $1.6 billion, with Cambodia being an important investment destination for Thai enterprises. Especially the SME business

The establishment of a Thai consulate in Siem Reap is considered an economic policy that facilitates foreign investment. Thai businesses operating in Cambodia cover many sectors such as agro-industry, manufacturing, construction, media, health services. Including various service sectors as well as increasing tourism and transportation links between the two countries.