Thai PM to leave for Myanmar Oct 9

BANGKOK, October 8 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha is scheduled to pay a two-day official visit to Myanmar from October 9-10, his first overseas trip after taking office in August. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn confirmed the prime minister's scheduled trip to Myanmar on Wednesday, assessing that the upcoming visit should strengthen ties and cooperation between Thailand and the neighbouring country. General Tanasak pointed out that Myanmar has abundant natural resources, while Thailand is equipped with readiness and, with bilateral cooperation, the two countries could help develop economy along the common border. Touching on the Dawei deep-sea port development project in Myanmar, General Tanasak said that the prime minister is expected to display the Thai government's sincerity in cooperating in the massive project, under which a committee will be set up by the Thai premier to supervise its implementation and the Thai government will then drive ahead the project with speed and transparent. According to the deputy prime minister, other major issues expected to be raised during the prime minister's visit to Myanmar include energy and border security, as well as those relating to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). During the prime minister's stay in Myanmar, the deputy prime minister noted, he will also meet Thai investors in Myanmar. There are about 2,000 Thai business operators in Myanmar, including those running small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), technological businesses and branches of Thai large-scaled firms. Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow, revealed, meanwhile, that government leaders of the two countries will also hold talks and the Thai side is prepared to explain on the recent arrest of two Myanmar nationals accused of murdering two British tourists on Koh Tao off Surat Thani Province in the Thai South if the issue is raised by the Myanmar side during the discussions. (TNA)