PM:Thailand cooperates with int'l community on disaster risk reduction

SENDAI, JAPAN, March 14 (TNA) - Delivering a speech at the opening session of the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR) in Sendai on Saturday, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha said that Thailand is ready to cooperate with all countries around the world in every aspect to reduce disaster risks. The prime minister pointed out that disaster risks reduction could be achieved through concrete plans and conciousness, while suggesting that improvements be made on contact channels between countries' leaders. The Thai premier noted that for the past decade, Thailand has dealt with natural disasters and provided assistance to diaster-hit countries continually. The Thai leader indicated a worst flooding in Thailand in late 2011 has made the Kingdom realise that the most worthwhile move against natural disasters is prevention. The Thai premier stated that with such idea bared in mind, the Thai government has moved forward with integrated and sustainable water management policies to prevent future flooding, while focusing on infrastructure development, adopting the Sufficiency Economy Principle, initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, for practical implementations, creating concrete operational plans for aids and procuring high-tech equipment. Besides, the Thai leader called on countries to improve networking, hotlines and contact channels among world leaders in order to connect every country together. The Thai premier was flying back to Bangkok after delivering the speech and meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, with his arrival home set on late Saturday night. (TNA)