Switzerland to further strengthen cooperation with Thailand

BANGKOK, December 15 (TNA) - Newly-appointed Swiss Ambassador in Bangkok Ivo Sieber has pledged to further strengthen bilateal cooperation with Thailand, especially on trade and investment. The pledge was made during a meeting between the new Swiss top envoy and Thai Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office ML Panadda Diskul on December 14. Expressing his admiration that Thais have displayed their loyalty to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej by their mass participation in the "Bike for Dad" event on December 11, marking the celebration of the revered Thai monarch’s 88th birthday on December 5, the new Swiss ambassador said Switzerland is honoured to be the temporary residence of His Majesty the King when he was young. The new Swiss ambassador, who takes office in Thailand for the second time, reportedly told the Thai minister that he, himself, also took part in the "Bike for Dad" event last Friday. According to the Swiss top envoy, Switzerland was Thailand's third major trading partners among European countries last year and on investment, there are more than 150 Swiss firms running businesses in Thailand. The new Swiss top envoy stressed that Switzerland is willing to cooperate and share its experiences on political reform and administration with Thailand, while the Thai minister informed the new ambassador that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha is moving Thailand toward a general election and the sustainable democratic system. (TNA)