Prayut bids farewell to Swiss ambassador

Christine Burgener was paying a farewell visit to Prayut, who is also head of the military’s ruling National Council for Peace and Order, at the Thai Khu Fah building at Government House.

Prayut expressed appreciation for the embassy’s operation during Burgener’s six-year term and her outstanding effort in furthering cooperation by the two countries, said Maj-General Weerachon Sukhonthapatipak, a deputy government spokesman.

The PM thanked Switzerland for hosting a photo exhibition marking the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King and the Royal Family’s first visit to that country. 

He was also pleased to learn that Switzerland would appoint a specialist on Thailand and nearby regions as the new envoy.

Both sides congratulated themselves on enhancing economic cooperation in a very positive way. 

Prayut welcomed Swiss companies to invest in Thailand and asked Switzerland to help initiate talks on a free-trade agreement, which would be good for trade and investment for both sides. The Thai government would do its best to ensure the safety of tourists from every country, including Switzerland.

The country is making satisfactory progress on the junta’s three-phase “road map to democracy”, he claimed. 

As head of the Thai government, he was grateful for Switzerland’s keen interest in Thailand’s political reform and reconciliation, and also for the specialist exchange programmes and several academic seminars that they had jointly sponsored.

Burgener praised Thailand for its friendship and hospitality. She expressed understanding of the country’s political situation during her tour of duty here and reportedly acknowledged the improvements that had been made. 

Switzerland is ready to support the reform process and share wisdom with Thailand, she said. 

She also would like to return to this country, considered her second home, after retiring from the foreign service.