Thailand ready for AC formation

BANGKOK, December 14 (TNA) - Thailand prepares social welfare and the protection of women and children’s rights in the lead-up to the formation of the ASEAN Community (AC) by the end of this year. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Admiral Narong Pipatanasai opened a workshop in Bangkok on Monday, covering social welfare and the rights of women, children and even persons with disabilities (PWDs). Participants, including Thai Social Development and Human Security Minister Police General Adul Sangsingkeo and relevant officials, discussed recommendations on the areas to cope with the formation of AC by the end of 2015 among member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Admiral Narong noted that the Thai Cabinet has assigned the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to coordinate work to respond to the establishment of AC, saying that the coordination has produced satisfactory results in relation to the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC). According to the deputy prime minister, Thailand's socio-cultural plan 2015-2025 prepares the Thai Kingdom in many areas to make the country ready to participate in AC. The deputy prime minister acknowledged that it is the important work of the government to ensure Thailand's maximum benefits from the formation of AC. AC has three main pillars, including the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC). (TNA)