Date: January 13, 2024

Nay Pyi Taw: Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the Chairman of Myanmar's State Administration Council and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, engaged in discussions with General Songwit Noonpackdee, Chief of Defense Forces for the Royal Thai Army, to explore collaborative efforts in combating online gambling and financial fraud in the vicinity of the border town of Myawaddy.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and General Songwit Noonpackdee discussed this matter in a video conferencing on the evening of January 12.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and General Songwit Noonpackdee expressed their concerns for stability and peace in the border areas of the two countries. They discussed the need for cooperation in the fight against online gambling and financial fraud, particularly given the identified instances of these activities near the border town of Myawaddy. The leaders emphasized the necessity for the two countries to work together to combat this situation.

Discussions centered on conditions aimed at bolstering relations, friendship, and cooperation between Myanmar and Thailand, including their respective armies. The primary focus was on ensuring the security and efficiency of border trade, with considerations for both political and security aspects between the two countries and their armed forces. The leaders underscored efforts in drug prevention and counter-terrorism. Additionally, combating illegal trade and information exchange were key points of discussion, as reported by state media.

Furthermore, the military leaders of both countries have committed to enhancing cooperation in humanitarian and assistance efforts, extending beyond collaboration solely between the two armies to encompass ministries of both nations. Additionally, they engaged in a cordial exchange of perspectives concerning the joint prevention of forest fires and cross-border smog pollution in the border regions spanning Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. The discussions also touched upon the conditions necessary for the comprehensive and ongoing collaboration between the two governments and their respective armies across all fields, as reported.

The meeting was attended by Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo and officials from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defense, along with Air Chief Marshal Chakorn Tawanjang and officials from the Royal Thai Army.

-ymg/knl