His Excellency Panyarak Poolthup, Thai Ambassador to Cambodia, praised the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for its research-for-development activities in Thailand and other countries and welcomed future collaborations with the institute. The Ambassador made the remarks when he received Yurdi Yasmi, IRRI’s Regional Representative for Southeast Asia, at the Embassy of Thailand in Phnom Penh on 5 October 2020.
During the courtesy call, the Ambassador and Dr. Yasmi discussed possible areas of collaboration in the rice sector between Cambodia and Thailand where IRRI can provide technical support. Dr. Yasmi underscored IRRI’s interest in facilitating South-South Cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia through the exchange of information and knowledge, training, capacity development and technical cooperation. Thailand’s cooperative efforts with Cambodia to increase Cambodia’s rice production efficiency include the Apsara Rice (Cambodia) Co. Ltd. operated by the Charoen Pokphand Group.
On behalf of IRRI, Dr. Yasmi also thanked the Royal Government of Thailand for its continued support to the institute. Thailand has contributed more than USD 1.1 million from 1997 to 2017. In 2015, the Royal Thai Government approved an annual donation of USD 100,000 to the institute for the intensification of the joint research and development programs between IRRI and the Thai Rice Department, which hosts the IRRI Office in Bangkok.
His Royal Highness Prince M.C. Chakrabandhu became a founding member of the IRRI Board of Trustees while His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit visited IRRI in 1963 to show their support for the institute. More than 950 Thai nationals, including scholars, have participated in scientific training conducted by IRRI.
Dr. Yasmi invited the Ambassador to visit IRRI’s headquarters in the Philippines to observe its various research and scientific activities. Likewise, the Ambassador also encouraged Dr. Yasmi to visit Apsara Rice (Cambodia) Co. Ltd. and continue to explore technical cooperation in the future between Thailand and IRRI through the Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency and other government programs.
To learn more about IRRI’s work in Southeast Asia, visit this site.
