Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha joined Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi today to preside over the opening of the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge across the Moei River, linking Thailand’s Mae Sot district and Myawaddy town in Myanmar.

Thai Government deputy spokesman Lt-Gen Weerachon Sukhondhapatipak said Prime Minister Prayut hailed the opening of the bridge as evidence of the close relationship between Thailand and Myanmar and a reaffirmation of the natural strategic partnership between the two countries.

The prime minister expects that the new bridge will facilitate bilateral trade and the flow of people on both sides of the border, as well as foster closer cooperation between Thai and Myanmar officials, said Veerahon.

Veerachon went on to say that the Prime Minister raised his concern about forest fires in Myanmar sending dust particles across into Thailand’s border provinces, adding that Ms. Suu Kyi has instructed Myanmar’s Environment Ministry to look into the problem and take action.