Thai PM arrives home after attending 10th ASEM in Italy

BANGKOK, October 18 (TNA) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has returned to Thailand, after paying a four-day visit to Italy, beginning from October 15, to attend the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Milan. Prior to his arrival at Thailand's main Suvarnabhumi International Airport at around noon on Saturday, General Prayut told TNA that he is satisfied with his participation in the 10th ASEM, as his interim government has been accepted and given morale support by all other 50 participating Asian and European countries and two international organisations to continue to work for the public and the nation, especially to drive ahead national reform in 11 areas within about one year, while several countries expressed their appreciation to Thailand's efforts on the national reform and development toward democracy. The prime minister said he, therefore, considers his four-day trip to Italy successful, as it has brought about benefits to Thailand. On Friday, the Thai prime minister delivered a speech at the 10th ASEM, urging government leaders of Asian and European countries to be “politically determined” in order to build confidence and Thailand is prepared to lend support at its utmost capacity, covering international attempts to now cope with the deadly Ebola virus and other fatal diseases. Reiterating that his interim government is moving forward national reform plans, aimed to achieve strong democracy, which is acceptable to Thais and the world community, the prime minister pointed out that poverty and social injustice appear to be major parts of the current violence and conflicts in several parts of the world. The Thai premier stressed that Thailand supports the United Nations’ resolutions in a bid to end the conflicts. The Thai leader acknowledged that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continues to play a key role in promoting peace and prosperity in the region, while also being a strong partner for both the European Union (EU) and the entire European continent. The prime minister stressed that Thailand is prepared to host the next ASEM in 2016, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of its establishment. The 10th ASEM was organised in Milan from October 15-18. (TNA)