By Reuters – published by Yahoo!News and Thai Rath
PRIME Minister Srettha Thavisin defended his frequent globe-trotting during his first 10 months as Thailand’s leader, in remarks aired in a television broadcast today (June 22).
A real estate tycoon and political newcomer who became prime minister in August last year, Srettha made 15 overseas visits and pledged a two-month halt in March in response to public criticism.
“Some of these visits are not avoidable,” he said, referring to those for official meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as to China and Japan, while a third was to Sri Lanka to sign a free trade pact.
Other visits aimed to draw trade and investment, said Srettha, nicknamed Thailand’s salesman, who has often spoken of his goal of luring more foreign investment to the country.
“It’s necessary to go,” he said in the remarks recorded in advance.
Srettha pointed out that Thailand does not have a conflict with any nation and all the countries he travelled to, including EU states, Australia, China and the US, are keen on investing in Thailand even though they may have disagreements with each other. This is because they are certain Thailand will be fair to all parties.
Moreover if a problem crops up their production base and supply chain will not be disrupted.
He added that this is very important and is a key reason why the country aims to become an Aviation Hub by expanding Suvarnabhumi Airport capacity from 60 million to 150 million passengers through building an additional terminal and runways.
Regarding implementation of the Land Bridge megaproject in the upper southern region of Thailand set to start in 2025 and finish in 2030, he pointed that this is not just to shorten the distance for cargo vessels which would not then have to sail through the Malacca Strait in Singapore but would ensure that should any conflicts erupt in future there would have a neutral shipping route to use.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin speaks during the “Microsoft Build : AI Day” event in Bangkok. Photo: Reuters and published by Yahoo!News
Front Page: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin talking to the press. Photo: Thai Rath
Also read: 2025 budget bill sails through House at principle-approval stage
Suthin taken to task over contentious defence budgeting
Chinese-made goods to flood Thai markets under digital wallet scheme: Move Forward
PM underscores digital wallet project will spur economic growth
Industry body calls for urgent help as hundreds of factories shut down
Govt looking at letting foreigners buy up to 75% of condo unit space
