PHNOM PENH: On August 21, 2024, a high-level delegation from Cambodia’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport led by Standing Secretary of State Koy Sodany met with Thailand’s Deputy Minister of Transport, Surapong Piyachote, in Bangkok.

The purpose of the meeting was to enhance transportation cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the area of cross-border rail transport.

Specific projects and initiatives discussed during the meeting included expanding rail services, modernizing infrastructure, and developing joint logistics hubs to facilitate cross-border trade and travel.

During the discussions, Standing Secretary of State Koy Sodani conveyed a message from Cambodian Public Works and Transport Minister Peng Po to his Thai counterpart, emphasizing the importance of rail cooperation.

The Thai-Cambodian Friendship Railway Bridge, completed in 2015, and the two countries’ railways were reconnected on September 19, 2016 to connects the road from Poipet to Aranyaprathet, has already significantly improved cross-border connectivity.

To further strengthen collaboration, both countries agreed to establish a joint technical working group to focus on rail and land transport cooperation. This initiative aims to promote tourism and trade between Cambodia and Thailand while aligning with the policies and interests of both nations.

Bilateral trade between Cambodia and Thailand has been on the rise, reaching $1.7 billion in the first five months of 2024. Thailand remains Cambodia’s second-largest trading partner within ASEAN.