ID :
383003
Thu, 10/08/2015 - 14:15
Auther :

FM:No Sino-Thai talks on digging Kra Canal

BANGKOK, October 8 (TNA) - Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, who was scheduled to leave for China for a visit on Thursday at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, says that no Sino-Thai talks so far on digging the Kra Canal in Ranong Province in the Thai South. Don's remarks followed China's recent media reports that the Chinese and Thai governments have agreed to jointly develop the Kra Canal Project, opining that the Chinese media may only want to propose their opinions that a digging of the Kra Canal would benefit trade. Dismissing comments that the proposal should be considered as pressuring Thailand to go ahead with the project, the Thai foreign minister told journalists before his departure that he would definitely not discuss the issue with Beijing officials, but would, instead, discuss other issues. The Thai foreign minister noted, however, if the issue was to be raise for discussions, it would be raised at an international platform to seek cooperation and Thailand would prioritise national interest and appropriateness. Digging the Kra Canal from the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea was first raised several decades ago with many arguing that it would create a security problem for Thailand, while many said it would save marine transportation costs. The denial by the Thai foreign minister echoed earlier remarks by Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha, who also dismissed the rumours, stressing that his government must evaluate whether the implementation of the Kra Canal Project would be a good idea and whether it would create consequent problems in the country’s administration. (TNA)

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