PM asks US to understand Thailand's solution to domestic problems

BANGKOK, March 13 (TNA) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has called for the United States to understand Thailand's solution to domestic problems, stressing that the Kingdom is welcome development projects in various areas which have been prepared for serving the ASEAN Community (AC), set to be formed by the end of this year. Delivering a special speech at the opening session of the 47th Whatton Global Forum, themed "Asia in the borderless global era", held in Bangkok on Friday morning, Prime Minister General Prayut said he wants countries which give importance to democracy to understand that each country has different problems and different ways to solve their own problems. Thanking countries which understand his government, Prime Minister General Prayut indicated that some countries, such as the United States, appear not to understand Thailand, calling on Americans who were attending the session to inform the US government that each country has its own problems. The Thai prime minister acknowledged, however, that assistance given by the United States and other Western countries helps improve the livelihood of the world community. The prime minister affirmed that Thailand is an open country and is prepared to accept every cooperation, including investment, noting that the Thai Kingdom is strategically located in a central business hub of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and prepared for catering regional growth in all areas in the lead-up to AC by the end of this year. The prime minister raised as an example that Thailand plans to soon set up special border economic zones with neighbouring countries, while also boosting traditional Thai style-tourism to be then linked with other ASEAN member countries. The Thai leader insisted that his interim administration has not violated human rights, but having only punished those who breach the laws. After opening the 47th Whatton Global Forum, jointly organised by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand (SEC) and The US Wharton School, the Thai leader left for Japan for a two-day visit, set from March 13-14, to attend the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai City. (TNA)