Thai PM in town for 2-day visit

MANILA, Philippines - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha will arrive in the country today for a two-day official visit, the Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday.

The prime minister is visiting the Philippines for the first time upon the invitation of President Aquino.

The DFA said the visit aims to deepen the partnership between the Philippines and Thailand.

“Thailand is a fellow founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and a long-time friend (of the Philippines),” the DFA said.

During the visit, President Aquino and Prayut will look into ways to work closely toward mutual prosperity and contribute to further strengthen ASEAN’s post-2015 vision.

The two leaders are expected to discuss matters of mutual concern such as defense, law enforcement, education, trade and investments, agriculture, tourism, security and technical cooperation, among others. 

Thailand is the Philippines’ eighth largest trading partner in 2014, with total two-way trade amounting to $5.83 billion.

The Philippines and Thailand enjoy cordial relations at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.