Nepal-Thailand Relations Strengthened: PM Oli

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, currently on a five-day official visit to Thailand, stated that the visit has elevated bilateral relations to a new level.

Speaking at a joint press conference following his meeting with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, PM Oli expressed confidence that the visit would enhance cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and energy between the two nations. He emphasized Nepal and Thailand’s 65-year-long diplomatic ties and the need to further strengthen both diplomatic and people-to-people relations.

PM Oli encouraged Thailand to prioritize investments in Nepal’s hospitality sector and air services, highlighting the deep-rooted trade, tourism, and cultural ties between the two countries. “Nepal and Thailand share strong agricultural, trade, and tourism relations. I urge Thai businesses to invest in Nepal,” he said. He also affirmed Nepal and Thailand’s commitment to working together on global issues, including climate change.

PM Oli extended an invitation to his Thai counterpart for an official visit to Nepal, which he confirmed would be implemented soon.

This visit marks a historic moment, as he is the first Nepali Prime Minister to visit Thailand. Despite long-standing diplomatic relations, Nepal had never before sent its head of government on an official visit to Thailand. The last high-level visit from Thailand to Nepal was in 1983 by then-Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda.

During PM Oli’s visit, the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) and Thailand’s Mahidol University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bangkok to advance eye care services in the region. The signing took place in the presence of Prime Ministers Oli and Shinawatra.

The agreement aims to enhance collaboration through knowledge exchange, technological advancements, and joint eye care programs. Prof. Dr. Chet Raj Pant, Chairman of NNJS, and Clinical Professor Artit Ungkanont, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, signed the document.

Under this partnership, NNJS and Mahidol University will conduct joint eye care programs, including screenings and medical interventions in Nepal, Thailand, and beyond. The agreement also includes training, internship exchanges, and fellowships to improve the skills of ophthalmologists and eye care professionals.

Mahidol University, established in 1888 by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), is Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious medical institution, renowned for medical research and education. NNJS, founded in 1978, is Nepal’s leading non-governmental organization providing accessible and affordable eye care. With 28 hospitals, 224 eye care centers, and 45 district branches, NNJS serves over three million individuals annually, performing more than 300,000 eye surgeries each year.

This agreement marks a milestone in Nepal-Thailand collaboration, reinforcing their commitment to high-quality eye care and reducing preventable blindness in South Asia.

PM Oli’s delegation includes his spouse Radhika Shakya, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, Chief Political Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Economic Development Advisor Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Chief Secretary Eak Narayan Aryal, and Foreign Ministry Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, among others.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to return to Nepal on April 5.