Obama, Clinton to visit Thailand Nov 18-19

BANGKOK, November 13 (TNA) - US President Barack Obama is scheduled to pay an official visit to Thailand as the guest of the Thai government from November 18-19, the first-leg of his forthcoming Asian tour during which he will be accompanied by other senior US officials, including State Secretary Hillary Clinton. Upon his arrival in Thailand, Obama will meet Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on November 18 to discuss the enhancement of bilateral relations between the United States and Thailand, as the two allied countries will celebrate their firm-established 180th diplomatic relations next year. The US and Thai leader will also discuss regional and global cooperation on issues of mutual interest. After the talks, the Thai prime minister will host a dinner reception in honour of the US President and his entourage at Bangkok's Government House. Thailand is the first country Obama will visit in Southeast Asia, apart from neighbouring Myanmar and Cambodia, after he was re-elected for his second four-year term on November 6, 2012. (TNA)