Thailand confirms support for AC formation

NAY PYI TAW, MYANMAR, November 12 (TNA) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha confirms Thailand's solid support for the establishment of the ASEAN Community (AC) by the end of 2015 for the sake of mutual benefits. Addressing the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, which was inaugurated in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar's capital, on Wednesday, General Prayut first thanked other ASEAN member states for understanding the situation in Thailand over the past months. General Prayut then assured that Thailand will steadily attach importance to ASEAN and adhere to obligations concerning the formation of the ASEAN Community in order to develop mutual interest in the region. General Prayut acknowledged that the formation of the AC will help the 10-member bloc to cope with global rapid changes. The Thai premier proposed that next year ASEAN member countries emphasize on transport and infrastructure connectivity, while also jointly solving problems which may obstruct the connectivity, including communicable diseases, narcotics, transnational crimes and human trafficking, and jointly developing border economic zones to support their cross-border connectivity. The Thai prime minister called for the conclusion of regional economic partnership negotiations within next year so that the AC will focus on further improving the quality of life of ASEAN population thereafter. Besides, the Thai leader recommended that ASEAN member countries strengthen their agricultural sector, as most ASEAN people are farmers, pointing out technological application to increase the quality and value of regional farm products. The Thai leader also urged ASEAN member countries to express joint stances on outside incidents which affect ASEAN, including violent acts and epidemics. (TNA)