Thailand hails upcoming visits by US, Chinese leaders

BANGKOK, Nov 18 (TNA) - Thailand on Sunday welcomes upcoming visits to the kingdom by U.S. and Chinese government leaders this week, saying that the planned visits would further strengthen relations between Thailand and two powerful countries. U.S. President Barack Obama will pay a two-day official visit to Thailand, starting today, while Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao will also make a two-day trip to this country, starting this Tuesday. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, also foreign affairs minister, opined that Thailand is pleased that both the United States and China have attached importance to Asia. Thailand considers that China is close neighbour and the country is enjoying handsome economic growth, said Mr. Surapong, adding that the kingdom does not see China as a threat to this region and hopes that China could help build stability and peace to the world. The visit by Mr. Obama shows that Washington has once again placed importance to Asia and it is a positive sign, displaying that Asia is now being recognised as the mechanism for driving world economy, he said. Meanwhile, Pongsak Assakul, chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the upcoming visits by the two government leaders show that the two nations have gained more confidence on Thailand. Their visits simply show that Thailand is the centre of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said Mr. Pongsak. President Obama is scheduled to arrive Bangkok this afternoon and is scheduled to have an audience with His Majesty the King at Siriraj Hospital. He will later hold talks with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at the Government House before holding a joint press conference with her. Miss Yingluck will then host a dinner party for the US president, also at the Government House. (TNA)