Dhaka, Dec. 15 -- Thailand has expressed strong interest in opening negotiations on a bilateral free-trade agreement with Bangladesh, a move that could significantly expand trade and encourage Thai investment, as Dhaka intensifies efforts to deepen economic and diplomatic engagement with South-east Asia.

The newly-appointed Thai ambassador to Bangladesh, Thithiporn Chirasawadi, conveyed Bangkok's position during her first courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday at the state guest house Jamuna, according to officials familiar with the meeting.

The ambassador said that both countries were also working towards launching a direct shipping route between Thailand's Ranong port and Bangladesh's Chittagong port, a deve...