BANGKOK, 6 July 2012 -Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul is set to explain in detail the case covering NASA’s request to use U-tapao airbase for its atmospheric studies when Parliament convenes in August while the Science and Technology Minister is reportedly planning to visit the US to meet with NASA officials.
The Foreign Minister said he had asked for his Chinese counterpart’s opinion on NASA’s request, during his recent visit to China. He cited the Chinese Foreign Minister as saying that he had no comment on the Thai-US relations, but China appreciated Thailand’s consideration of Chinese feelings when Thailand comes to deal with foreign relations.
As for the US proposal to establish a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) center in Thailand, Mr. Surapong quoted the Chinese Foreign Minister as saying that each country has its own set of rules and insisted that it is important for Thailand to consider the proposal thoroughly because of its complications and involvement with several sectors. Mr. Surapong said the issue is still in an early stage and there is a long procedure to go through.
The Foreign Minister said that in order to clarify the public on the matter, he will provide explanations in the next parliamentary session. Meanwhile, Science and Technology Minister Mr. Plodprasop Suraswadi will travel to the US next month to visit NASA on the matter.
