Thai DPM visits China April 8-10

BANGKOK, April 8 (TNA) - Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan is scheduled to pay an official visit to China from April 8-10, aimed to strengthen military ties and cooperation between Beijing and Bangkok. Speaking to journalists prior to his departure for Beijing on Wednesday, General Prawit stressed that Thailand is a friend to every nation. General Prawit noted that his trip to China is an exchange visit, after the Chinese defence minister officially visit Thailand recently. The Thai deputy premier revealed that he plans to discuss joint military drills and plans jointly developed earlier during his three-day stay in China. According to the Thai deputy premier, a submarine, requested by the Royal Thai Navy, has not yet been ordered from China. The Thai deputy premier explained that the procurement will take times and require budgets tied over for years because Thailand cannot afford to buy one at once although he agrees in principle that a submarine is necessary for the Royal Thai Armed Forces. (TNA)