Canadian MP urges restoration of democracy

Blaine Calkins was in Bangkok yesterday to attend several meetings, including ones with members of the Board of Trade and private sector to discuss commercial relations and take stock of the Board of Trade’s productive visit to Canada last year. He also discussed the successful Canada-Asean Business Council meetings held in Bangkok last month. 

Calkins noted significant opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment, stressing the importance of a predictable business climate and rule of law to trade partners. 

He also met with members of the Thai-Canadian Parliamentary Friendship Group. 

He reiterated Canada’s hope that democratic governance will be restored in Thailand soon through free and fair elections, while also highlighting the importance of a transparent, inclusive reform process.

“Canada and Thailand have a long history of friendship and cooperation,” he said. “Once a democratically-elected government is in place, we look forward to renewing official engagement between Canadian and Thai parliamentarians, and strengthening cooperation in such areas as governance, business and people-to-people ties.”