Thai PM visits Laos, Vietnam Nov 26-28

BANGKOK, November 26 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha is scheduled to pay official visits to Laos and Vietnam from November 26-28, aimed to strengthen relations between Thailand and the two neighboring countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn, Science and Technology Minister Pichet Durongkaveroj and Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat, the Thai premier left for Vientiane, Laos' capital, on Wednesday morning. The government spokespersons’ office stated that Laos and Vietnam are the third and the fourth ASEAN neighboring countries Prime Minister General Prayut has slated to visit after assuming his premiership in August 2014, following his earlier trips to Myanmar and Cambodia. The government spokespersons’ office said the prime minister plans to push for progress in existing and future cooperation projects between Thailand and Laos and Vietnam during his ongoing trips to the two countries, while also showing Thailand attaches importance to promote close ties and cooperation with ASEAN neighboring countries. In Vientiane, the Thai premier, is scheduled to meet his Lao counterpart Thongsing Thammavong and to witness the signing of agreements on a Bokeo Hospital development project; scientific, technological and innovative cooperation; and a grant for a road project from Hongsa to Chomphet District of Laos' Luang Prabang Province. The Thai prime minister is also scheduled to meet the Lao National Assembly President, Thai business operators and Thai authorities in Laos. The Thai prime minister, together with his entourage, will then leave for Vietnam on November 27, where he will meet Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, President Truong Tan Sang, National Assembly President Nguyen Sinh Hung and President of the Vietnam-Thailand Friendship Association Ta Quang Ngoc. The two sides will also discuss cooperation on trade and investment, especially those concerning farm products like rice and natural rubber, as well as road links between both countries through Laos and Cambodia and the promotion of coastal transport. Besides, Vietnam and Thailand will sign agreements on cultural exchange and the promotion of sisterhood between Thailand's Chachoengsao Province and Vietnam's Can Tho City. The Thai prime minister and his entourage will return home on November 28. (TNA)