Prayut off to Myanmar next week, then ASEM the week after
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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will make his first foreign trip next week with a two-day visit to neighbouring Myanmar, and in mid-October will attend the Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) in Italy, the government spokesman said yesterday.
General Prayut would visit Myanmar on October 9-10 for his first foreign trip as prime minister, spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said.
His team, the Foreign Ministry and other agencies are finalising the agenda for the premier when he meets with Myanmar President Thein Sein in Nay Pyi Taw, he said.
Prayut is due to discuss a wide range of bilateral issues including border affairs, refugees, migrant workers and joint development of Dawei, according to officials at the Foreign Ministry.
The prime minister’s first trip will be closely watched, as it is significant for Thai foreign affairs.
Deputy Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai explained earlier that Prime Minister Prayut chose Myanmar as the country is currently chairman of Asean.
Prime Minister Prayut would also attend the Asem summit in Milan on October 16-17. The Asem is a forum for countries in Asia and Europe to consult on economic cooperation.
The meeting venue in Europe is an important matter for Prayut because he was strongly criticised by the European Union for the military takeover as well as suppressing democracy and human rights.
General Prayut may face criticism from European counterparts for military intervention in politics and toppling an elected civilian government.
Deputy Government Spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said
Prayut would take opportunities during the summit to explain political developments in Thailand to foreign leaders.
