New US top envoy meets Thai PM

BANGKOK, October 30 (TNA) - Newly-appointed US Ambassador to Thailand Glyn Davies has met Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha, affirming that US-Thai relations remain strong and should be further expanded in terms of people-to-people and government-to-government ties. The new US top envoy also said that the United States wants to see democracy restored in Thailand and hopes the Thai junta government would follow its roadmap on national reforms toward a new general election. Washington's stance was expressed by the new US ambassador during his courtesy call on the Thai prime minister at Bangkok's Government House on October 29, during which both sides exchanged talks which lasted more than an hour. Speaking to journalists after his meeting with the Thai premier, the US top envoy revealed what he had conferred with the Thai leader included bilateral issues on security, economy, social and public health. The new US top envoy noted he was told by General Prayut that the Thai government would adhere to the roadmap in restoring the democratic system in Thailand. The new US top envoy insisted that bilateral relations between Washington and Bangkok remain strong and the United States sees Thailand as a leader of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Meanwhile, Deputy Government Spokesman Major General Werachon Sukondhapatipak quoted the Thai prime minister as telling the new US top envoy that his government understood the US role well and Thailand is prepared to extend cooperation with the United States in all fields. According to the deputy spokesman, the new US top envoy stated that Washington would not impose any pressure on Thailand in solving problems because it believes in the Thai prime minister's determination to address national cruxes. (TNA)