On 20 January 2026, H.E. Mrs. Urasa Mongkolnavin, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, met with Mr. Deachar Nuchpoom, Assistant Director-General of the Port Authority of Thailand (Asset Management and Business Development).

The Director-General underscored Thailand’s economic diplomacy, which prioritises South Asia and the Middle East as “prime markets” where Thailand seeks to expand cooperation, as well as Africa as a “new market” with strong potential for Thai products. The Director-General also highlighted the promotion of port connectivity to facilitate the transportation of Thai products to these markets.

Both sides discussed preparations for the launch of a trial shipment between Ranong Port in Thailand and Chittagong Port in People’s Republic of Bangladesh, which is scheduled for early April 2026, as well as prospects of expanding cooperation between the Port Authority of Thailand and ports in Mozambique.