BANGKOK, July 16 — Thailand’s Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday met together to discuss the country’s readiness ahead of the ASEAN Community (AC) integration, focusing on how to solve conflicts peacefully in order to demonstrate to the rest of the ASEAN member states Thailand’s leadership role.
Permanent Secretary for Defense Gen Surasak Kanchanarat and Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeao co-chaired the meeting of the Committee of the Directing Centre to Prepare Thailand for the AC Formation and ASEAN Stability at the Defense Ministry earlier today, which was attended by relevant officials.
Gen Surasak said that today was the first meeting to discuss cooperation between Thailand and its neighbours with connecting borders to further support bilateral trade and traditions.
He emphasized that since the country could not be separated from its neighbours to avoid conflicts, all sides must solve problems peacefully, while making sure that all political activities are stable enough for trade and investments to continue, and how the economic sector can assist in the matter.
On the other hand, Mr Sihasak said the agendas for today’s meeting are important as Thailand is preparing for AC integration by the end of 2015.
All plans and inside processes are ready for implementation ahead of the integration, he said.
He would also like a meeting to consider Thailand’s role as a leader within the ASEAN region to promote ASEAN unity, while keeping in mind how to solve problems of international crime and illegal border trafficking.
