PM confident about regaining Japanese investor confidence

Speaking to the media before leaving for Tokyo, the prime minister said that during her visit she would be holding discussions with businesses who have already invested in Thailand as well as others who have not yet made presence felt here.

She is hopeful that a Japanese business relocation will not take place after last year’s floods. She also expressed readiness to answer all questions.

Many Japanese firms and industrial estates were hit hard by the inundation and some companies are reportedly planning to move to a new country.

Regarding the petition of villagers in Ayutthaya against the flood-wall construction plans of industrial estates, she said that the government must do its best while waiting for the Central Administrative Court’s decision on this matter. She added that without the walls or something concrete, it would be difficult to restore investor confidence.

Thirty-nine villagers on Tuesday filed the petition, citing that the giant floodwalls would lead to a deluge if they were able to sustain the power of the floodwaters. This would harm properties nearby.

The prime minister will have an audience with Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito, as well as meet with her Japanese counterpart Yoshihiko Noda to discuss a wide range of issues covering mutual interests.

She will use the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations to promote the strategic partnership in terms of political ties, security concerns, the economy and social aspects at both bilateral and multilateral levels 

The premier is scheduled to deliver a speech at a seminar on investment opportunities in Thailand. The event will be attended by many members of the Japanese business community. 

The visit of the Thai prime minister coincides with the anniversary of last year’s earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan on March 11. Yingluck is scheduled to visit affected areas in Sendai, Miyaki Prefecture.