Thai PM to join ASEAN Summit 2016 in Lao PDR

BANGKOK, August 10 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha says that he is ready to attend the ASEAN Summit 2016 in Lao PDR during September 6-8. The Thai premier stressed on the intention while welcoming and holding talks with visiting Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith at Bangkok's Government House on Wednesday morning. The Thai prime minister also expressed his full support for Lao PDR, as the current Chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), for its successful host of this year's ASEAN Summit and related forums, especially in driving forward eight issues initiated by Vientiane under the concept of "Turning Vision into Reality for Dynamic ASEAN", including regional connectivity, infrastructure development, as well as trade and investment. On the occasion, the Thai prime minister asked the Lao government to take care of Thai investors in Lao PDR, particularly in providing facilities and information on relevant laws and regulations for their proper understanding and observation. In return, the visiting Lao foreign minister said Vientiane is ready to support Thailand to become the top investor in Lao PDR. The newly-appointed Lao foreign minister is paying a two-day official visit to Thailand, scheduled for August 9-10, aimed to introduce himself and strengthen bilateral relations between Lao PDR and Thailand. (TNA)