Bilateral Workshop: Bilateral Myanmar-Thailand workshop held in Nay Pyi Taw

A bilateral Myanmar-Thailand workshop on water quality management was held at the Jasmine Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw on August 20.

The workshop aimed to enhance cooperation and control of water pollution between the two countries for joint water quality management and monitoring. The workshop was attended by Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, U Khin Maung Yi, Deputy Minister U Min Thu, Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Aye Tun, Shan State Minister for Natural Resources, U Sai Lait, Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, other departmental officials and representatives from related ministries.

From the Thai side, the attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Digital Economy and Society, Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, Deputy Minister of Interior, Ms. Theerarat Samrejvanich; the Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar, Mr. Mongkol Visitstump; and directors-general and officials from relevant departments in Thailand.

First, Union Minister U Khin Maung Yi delivered a welcoming speech. He stated that Myanmar has formed a National Water Resources Committee to preserve its water resources and quality. He said that a National Surface Water Quality Standard was issued in 2024 in collaboration with international organizations, and that water quality is being measured and monitored.

Next, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong said that water resource quality is a critical issue for Thailand as well. He noted that Thailand has established policies for water pollution control, and continues to cooperate with international partners.

He said Thailand would work with Myanmar on a long-term basis to prevent and control water pollution. Following this, the Director-General of Thailand's Pollution Control Department and the Director-General of the Department of Health presented on the water quality of the Nam Kok River in Thailand and the conservation efforts being undertaken.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, and the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Public Health then presented on Myanmar's water quality management, surface water quality standards, conservation efforts, and future cooperation opportunities.

Afterward, a joint statement was released on the outcomes of the workshop. The two countries agreed to increase cooperation on environmental protection, including water quality management, and to hold technical discussions between relevant departments, including data exchange on water quality.

They also agreed to form a joint technical working group to promote practical cooperation in the field of sustainable water quality management and to collaborate on technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge enhancement. After the workshop, the Thai delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, visited and paid respects at the Maravijaya Buddha Image in Nay Pyi Taw.