BANGKOK, March 31 – Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Saturday said that her recent visit to South Korea was another successful trip, especially in boosting Thai-Korean bilateral relations for a wide range of issues.
The premier made remarks in her weekly televised programme, “Yingluck Government Meets the People” on her trip to attend the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit in South Korea during March 24-26, saying the official visit has achieved two goals as planned.
The first goal, the premier stated, is that Thailand has benefited in the sharing and the exchange of knowledge on nuclear related issues, as well as learning international standards on nuclear issues to ensure safety and earn confidence from foreign investors.
She explained that although Thailand is not involved with nuclear activities, the country needs to be equipped with information and understanding of the matter as Thailand’s readiness in handling these issues will be taken into consideration by foreign investors.
Ms Yingluck said the second goal was bilateral talks between Thailand and South Korea seeking to enhance cooperation in both investment and tourism, as well as observing the Korean water management system.
Thai business people also had a chance to meet with their Korean counterparts during this section, according to the prime minister, saying the business people were satisfied with this meeting which provided them more channels for trade and investment.
The premier said that Thai-Korean trade is expected to reach US$30 billion in the next five years.
Regarding the water management system, Ms Yingluck said the Korean system is similar to Thailand’s, as South Korea has faced both flooding and drought.
Ms Yingluck said both countries agreed to exchange knowledge and experiences in flood prevention and water management schemes.
It would be adapted and applied for the Thai situation and geography for the benefit of the people in local areas, she said.
The prime minister added that she met with the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who praised Thailand on its healthcare scheme in which 90 percent of the Thai population could access the healthcare service, a number which he said is higher than in some developed countries.
The UN chief also supported the government’s initiative on “Women’s Development Fund” which encouraged development of the role of women.
