Thai PM to visit Myanmar, Italy in Oct

BANGKOK, September 30 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha is scheduled to visit Myanmar and Italy next month, his first overseas trips after taking office recently. Government Spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp told journalists on Tuesday that foreign affairs staffs are preparing the prime minister's trip to Myanmar, set from October 9-10, and the other trip to Italy, set from October 16-17. The spokesman said the Thai premier will officially visit Myanmar at the invitation of the Myanmar government, while attending the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Milan during his later trip to Italy. According to the spokesman, after the prime minister accepted the invitations to visit both countries, his foreign affairs staffs are working out details to prepare his upcoming trips with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other concerned agencies. The spokesman stated that during his participation in ASEM, the Thai prime minister will meet leaders of Asian and European countries and, if questioned on Thailand's situation, the prime minister, who is also Chief of the army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), will reply them and present facts there. (TNA)