Prayut finalising plans ahead of Trump meeting

An informed source speaking on condition of anonymity said Prayut ordered the Foreign Ministry to finish assembling detailed information by next week ready for his discussion with the president.
He and Trump are expected to discuss security, trade, intellectual property rights, industrial investment in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor and the issue of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, the source said.
Wednesday’s meeting had in attendance Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak and the ministers overseeing the economy and foreign and security affairs.
Prayut will be accompanied to Washington by a large delegation.
His economy team alone will consist of Somkid, Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana, Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn, Science and Technology Minister Atchaka Sibunruang, Digital Economy and Society Minister Pichet Durongkaveroj and Board of Investment secretary general Hirunya Suchinai.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lt-General Werachon Sukondhapatipak said Prayut should be able to visit the United States by early next month.
Prayut was invited to make the visit during a phone call with Trump in April.
The riming of the visit would have to work around the royal ceremonies scheduled for late next month, Werachon said.
The Foreign Ministry was working to confirm a schedule for the visit, which Thailand expects to include discussions on the economy, security and natural disasters, the deputy spokesperson said.
While the US might take some to settle the arrangements, Werachon stressed that the visit “will surely take place”.
America’s call for Asean countries to press North Korea on its nuclear weapons tests may also be on the agenda for any talks.