Thai PM officially visits Philippines

BANGKOK, August 27 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha is paying a two-day official visit to the Philippines, scheduled for August 27-28, aimed to widen trade and investment and cooperation on education and tourism, as well as exchange experiences on labour and security management between the two member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Accompanied by his entourage, including his wife, Naraporn Chan-ocha, Prime Minister General Prayut left Bangkok for Manila on Thursday afternoon for the two-day official trip at the invitation of Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, also aimed to boost cooperation in all other areas between the two long-standing allied nations. Deputy Government Spokesman Major General Werachon Sukondhapatipak told journalists that, upon his arrival in Manila, the Thai prime minister, who is also Chief of the army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), is scheduled to first meet the Thailand Team to be briefed on concerned issues and to assign relevant official policies. According to the deputy spokesman, the Thai prime minister is scheduled to be officially received by the Philippine President at the Philippine Presidential Office on Friday morning, after which both leaders will hold bilateral talks on expanding bilateral ties and cooperation, with economic cooperation expected to be a highlight, as the Philippines is now Thailand’s 6th largest trading partners in ASEAN. Besides, the Philippine and Thai leaders are scheduled to witness bilateral agreements, prior to a luncheon in honour of the Thai leader and his spouse hosted by the Philippines leader. The Thai prime minister and his entourage are scheduled to return home on Friday afternoon. (TNA)