BANGKOK — Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft exchange of notes with Myanmar allowing the neighbouring country to acquire additional land and buildings in Thailand for diplomatic and consular use, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Pherdsriwattana said on Thursday.
The proposal, submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, concerns reciprocal ownership of land and buildings by Thailand and Myanmar for embassy and consular operations in each other’s territory.
Lalida said Thailand currently owns land and buildings covering approximately 14,605 square metres in Yangon for use as the Royal Thai Embassy and the ambassador’s residence. Myanmar, meanwhile, owns about 16,600 square metres of land and buildings in Bangkok for its embassy and related diplomatic facilities. Both countries have held the properties since 1948.
Myanmar has requested permission to purchase an additional 3,306.8 square metres of land and buildings in Thailand. The acquisitions include property in Chiang Mai for the expansion of the Myanmar Consulate-General and accommodation for the consul-general and staff, as well as a property in Bangkok to serve as offices and residences for labour attaché personnel.
Lalida said the Cabinet’s approval reaffirmed the close relationship between Thailand and Myanmar, which share Thailand’s longest land border.
She added that the arrangement would facilitate diplomatic and consular work while strengthening cooperation in labour affairs, human security, trade, investment and the management of cross-border issues.
The approval also reflects Thailand’s commitment to international obligations and international law, she said.
