BANGKOK, 11 October 2013 The 23rd ASEAN Summit, held in Brunei Darussalam, gave Prime Minister and Defenses Minister Yingluck Shinawatra opportunities to meet with leaders from different countries. Some highlights include Japan’s wishes to invest in Thailand’s infrastructure and Myanmar’s intentions in pushing forward the Dawei Deep Seaport project with Thailand.
According to the updates by government spokesman Teerat Ratanasevi, Myanmar’s President, Thein Sein, has agreed on opening borders with Thailand to boost trade and add more convenience in traveling between the two countries – with Myawaddy and Tachileik being the focus for development.
The Prime Minister has also urged Myanmar’s president to take into account the great importance of the Dawei Deep Seaport, which will eventually link East Asia together as one. Both sides agreed there should also be additional foreign investors in the project. Further talks on the development of a road to connect India, Myanmar and Thailand will continue when both countries meet with India in the next ASEAN +3 meeting.
Ms. Yingluck also met with Japan’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, to discuss the progress of his country’s investment in the 2 trillion baht mega project. Mr. Abe replied with enthusiasm. As Japan’s Shinkansen’s bullet train had never had an accident in over 50 years, Mr. Abe said that Japan would be happy to assist in giving consultations in organizing the project’s basic infrastructure and related systems.
The Premier’s meeting with UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, was also noteworthy; as Thailand was praised for its successful implementation of its 30 baht healthcare scheme. Mr. Ban also expressed his hope that Thailand would share its accomplishment with other countries.
