UK believes in Thailand's restoration of Democracy

BANGKOK, July 14 (TNA) - The United Kingdom has stressed on sound and long-time relations with Thailand, saying that the Thai Kingdom is believed to successfully return to democracy based on the national roadmap. Defence Ministry Spokesman Major General Kongcheep Tantrawanich told journalists on July 13 that UK Deputy Defense Secretary Philip Dunne made the remarks when meeting with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan during General Prawit's four-day official visit to UK, scheduled for July 10-13. The spokesman quoted the UK deputy defense secretary as insisting on the solid and long-standing relations between UK and Thailand, which have adopted the same ruling system of constitutional monarchy. According to the spokesman, the UK deputy defense secretary then pledged that UK will maintain the strong ties with Thailand even though the political situation has changed in Thailand, while expressing his confidence that Thailand will successfully get through current circumstances and return to democracy in line with the military government's ongoing roadmap. Besides, UK is ready to give full support and enhance defence cooperation with Thailand in all aspects, including those on national defence industry, In response, the spokesman stated, the Thai deputy premier and defence minister thanked the UK government and people for understanding the situation in Thailand and promised that the incumbent Thai government will carry out the national roadmap to restore complete and sustainable democracy in the Thai Kingdom. During his stay in UK, the Thai deputy prime minister and defence minister also visited the 10th National Exhibition on Security Defense Technology and Space in London. (TNA)