Thai PM leaves for ASEM 2014 in Italy

BANGKOK, October 15 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha is visiting Italy, scheduled for October 15-18, to attend the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), in Milan, his first international meeting as the Thai premier. Accompanied by his entourage, General Prayut, who is also Chief of the army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), departed from Thailand's main Suvarnabhumi International Airport on Wednesday morning. General Prayut is scheduled to have bilateral talks with many national leaders, including those of Japan, China, Cambodia, India and Singapore. The Thai prime minister is also scheduled to deliver a speech on financial and economic cooperation and partnerships between Asia and Europe, the Sufficiency Economy Principle initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, joint solutions to transnational problems, the future of ASEM, global challenges, Thailand's situation and his roadmap for national reform and the promotion of true democracy. The theme of the 10th ASEM, in which delegates of 51 countries and two regional organizations participate, is "Responsible Partnership for Sustainable Growth and Security". The Thai prime minister told journalists prior to his departure that he will also discuss issues concerning exports and trade barriers and solutions amid increasing competition among countries. The prime minister pointed out that all countries are facing the problem of trade barriers and Thailand needs to, thus, boost confidence of trading partners through further developing products to raise their demands in global markets. Besides, the prime minister acknowledged, he plans to have bilateral talks with 4-5 countries depending on available time, noting that the Thai delegation is ready to talk with all countries on the sidelines of the ASEM 2014, especially in informal discussions. (TNA)