Thai PM satisfied with Japan visit

TOKYO, February 10 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha says he is satisfied with his official visit to Japan, set from February 8-10, as Japan has confidence in Thailand's political situation and has, thus, maintained its investment and economic cooperation with the Thai economy. Expressing his satisfaction with his current trip to Japan, the Thai prime minister told TNA from Tokyo on Tuesday that Japan fully honors Thailand and both sides have discussed various issues, including trade and investment promotion. Prime Minister General Prayut, who is also Chief of the Thai army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), revealed that he has held bilateral meetings with representatives of the Japanese public and private sectors, as well as his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, during which he explained Thailand has been progressing towards democracy, as planned in a national roadmap, and a new Thai Constitution will be completely drafted soon with a new general election expected by early next year. The Thai prime minister noted that his talks with his Japanese counterpart emphasized on strategic partnership, in which Thailand will enjoy Japanese support in the development of new rail-tracks, leading roles in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the development of special economic zones in Thai border areas. The Thai leader acknowledged that he also proposed joint Thai-Japanese ventures in rail-track development projects in Thailand, pointing out that high-speed trains will boost trade along the routes and, thus, ensure sustainable benefits for the grass roots. The Thai prime minister is scheduled to return home on Tuesday evening, ending his three-day official visit to Japan. (TNA)