Thai PM leaves for 4th NSS in Washington

BANGKOK, March 30 (TNA) - Invited by US President Barack Obama, Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has left for Washington DC to attend the 4th Nuclear Security Summit (NSS), set to be held from March 29 to April 3, during which he will also receive a Nuclear Industry Summit Award. Deputy Government Spokesman Major General Werachon Sukondhapatipak told journalists that the Thai prime minister departed from Suvarnabhumi International Airport nearly midnight on March 29 (Thailand's time) and he would change his plane in Tokyo, before arriving at Dulles International Airport in Washington DC at around 10:40am on March 30 (local time, which is 12 hours behind Thailand's time). The deputy spokesman stated that representatives from more than 50 countries are gathering in the US capital to participate in the five-day summit to discuss nuclear security and concerns over nuclear abuses. "Nuclear security concerns control, supervision and the use of nuclear energy. As nuclear technology is a double-edged sword, proper knowledge and understanding are necessary. Although many parties say that Thailand has no nuclear weapons, we apply nuclear in other areas, including health, medicine and education. We, therefore, need updates", said the deputy spokesman. During the 4th NSS, the deputy spokesman announced, the Thai leader will also receive the Nuclear Industry Summit Award on behalf of Thailand, as the Kingdom is among 17 countries winning the award for recognising the proper use of nuclear power. According to the deputy spokesman, the Thai premier will also meet Thai authorities working in the United States and leading American business operators in Washington DC. (TNA)