PM hails 'understanding' with US on politics, business
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On the eve of his return from the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 70) in New York, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Thursday that the international community had shown confidence in Thailand on the global stage.
Prayut is scheduled to arrive back at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 9.55pm Friday.
The general said he was proud to represent Thailand at UNGA 70, where he took the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with representatives of several countries and raise Thailand’s bid to secure a seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
He added that Thailand needed to expand its markets at all levels, and that the country was seeking to become an international hub for the distribution of goods.
“Several country leaders offered their condolences over the Ratchaprasong bomb attack and said they were glad that we had been able to resolve the situation. I invited them to visit Thailand, telling them that the country has changed. Everyone is safe and Thais are happy.
“We are driving our country forward. The focus was on tourism, trade and investment but also on when we could bring about peace. Thais can do it if we work hand in hand,’’ the prime minister said.
On his meeting with US President Barack Obama, Prayut said: “He honoured me as on previous occasions. We have forged an understanding with the US government and American business associations.
“I told them we were pleased to continue bilateral trade. The United States is Thailand’s third-largest investment destination. We are making it more convenient for US businesses to invest in Thailand. We do not block anyone. We have amended many laws [to facilitate trade] and the US business sector understands us.”
Prayut said he had explained to high-ranking US officials that he would stick with his junta’s “road map to democracy”.
“But according to democratic rules, we must have a charter first. Since the charter draft has been rejected, we will draft a new one and put it to a public referendum. We have to heed opinions from various sectors.
“I have never wronged this country. I have taken responsibility for everything … Is it right to block me from correcting faults? Everyone knows [Thailand’s] problems, but no one wants to correct them. Who can we ask to restore peace? Other countries?”
The prime minister said he was gratified that Thailand had been endorsed as head of the Group of 77 developing nations for 2016.
“We were chosen because we have made concrete achievements and significantly reduced our poverty,” he said.
