On August 29, 2024, Colonel (Ret.) Saranyu Viriyavejakul, D.Sc., Vice President of the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA), along with his team and representatives from government agencies and the private sector, participated in a meeting to discuss and observe the management and operations at the Ban Laem and Ban Phakkad Permanent Border Checkpoints in Chanthaburi. The purpose of the discussions and observations was to gather opinions and information for evaluating alternative routes for the development of Road No. 57 (NR 57), connecting the Pailin Province to the Battambang Province in Cambodia. This evaluation is part of a formal request for technical assistance from the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Colonel (Ret.) Saranyu and his team met with H.E. Im Samol, Under Secretary of State, H.E. Mr. Soeum Bunrith, Deputy Governor of Battambang Province, and H.E. Mr. Hok Sophia, Deputy Governor of Pailin Province, along with representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) of Cambodia. The route assessment aimed to evaluate the economic and social potential, including trade connectivity, investment opportunities, tourism, and the enhancement of cross-border relations between Thailand and Cambodia. This evaluation will inform future technical assistance collaboration with the Kingdom of Cambodia.
