Thailand PM lands in Manila for APEC

MANILA, Philippines – Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Tuesday evening as he is scheduled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting on Wednesday.

Chan-o-cha was greeted by Higher Education Commissioner Patricia Licuanan and Thailand's Ambassador to the Philippines Thanatip Upatising during his arrival.

Chan-o-cha will not deliver a speech during the APEC summit on November 18 and 19. However, the Thai government said he is expected to promote four main issues at the meeting which are quality growth and structural reform, regional economic integration, capacity building, development of micro, small and medium enterprises, and sustainable and resilient communities.

LIVE COVERAGE: APEC 2015 meetings in Manila

Reports said the Thai prime minister supports the Collaborative Study of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific and acceptance of APEC Services Cooperation Framework, among others.

Chan-o-cha is a retired Royal Thai Army officer. He served as the Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Army from 2010 to 2014 prior to becoming a government head.

He is also the current head of the National Council for Peace and Order. 

Chan-ocha is expected to leave on Thursday evening.