Thai government to grandly welcome Obama

BANGKOK, November 14 (TNA) - US President Barack Obama will be grandly received by the Thai government in a way reflecting the long-standing bilateral relations between the United States and Thailand. Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana announced on Wednesday, after a meeting with parties concerned to prepare for Obama's forthcoming trip to Thailand from November 18-19, that security services have now been in good place for all locations in Bangkok Obama is scheduled to visit. According to the deputy premier, the Royal Thai Police has coordinated security measures with the US Secret Service and some sections of roads may be briefly closed but impacts on local people will be minimized. Thailand will be the first leg of Obama's upcoming Southeast Asian tour, which will also include his trip to neighbouring Myanmar and Cambodia, after his re-election for a second four-year term on November 6. During his visit to Bangkok, Obama will be granted an audience with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej at 5pm on November 18 and he will then be officially received at Government House, where he will subsequently have a full-panel discussion with the Thai administration, after which a press conference will be live televised. (TNA)