Defense Min concludes trip to India

[rooster59]

Defense Min concludes trip to India

Itiporn Lakarnchua



BANGKOK, 18 March 2016 (NNT) – The Ministry of Defense has reported on the defense minister’s recent visit to the Republic of India.

Following Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan’s official mission to India, which was joined by high ranking members of his ministry and Cabinet members, it was reported that the minister began his visit by meeting with Thai officials stationed in India to reiterate the government’s most urgent goals. He called on them to work within the 20 year plan of the administration, which seeks to lay foundation for national development and to establish Thailand as India’s gateway to ASEAN. He also asked that they spread understanding that Thailand is on the path towards democracy.

The defense minister met with Vice President of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari who lauded Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who is soon to receive India’s World Sanskrit Award.

Speaking on 70 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and India, the vice president stated that both countries have potential to enhance their ties and cooperation. He noted that India’s Act East policy complements Thailand’s Look West policy.

The defense minister also met with Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Adviser, to discuss threats such as narcotics and terrorism with an emphasis on cyber-crime. The two resolved to establish a joint commission to deal with security threats. Gen Prawit also met his counterpart Monohar Parrikar to discuss military and defense collaboration.

The deputy prime minister used his trip to lay groundwork for Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha’s official visit to India to take place next month.

-- NNT 2016-03-18

[Srikcir]

establish Thailand as India’s gateway to ASEAN

The Thai government's assumption that it can be the gateway to access ASEAN is quite nationalistic, arrogant and contrary to the economic and social UNITY represented by ASEAN membership. In such partnerships such as the EU, the member nations are EQUALS. There is no economic benefit for India to treat Thailand as a gateway than India dealing directly with any of the other ASEAN nations.

If the Prayut government believes it is superior to the other ASEAN nations, perhaps it doesn't need ASEAN benefits. Afterall, there is no Thainess in ASEAN. The Prayut government should consider leaving ASEAN to become its own gateway.

[ratcatcher]

establish Thailand as India’s gateway to ASEAN

The Thai government's assumption that it can be the gateway to access ASEAN is quite nationalistic, arrogant and contrary to the economic and social UNITY represented by ASEAN membership. In such partnerships such as the EU, the member nations are EQUALS. There is no economic benefit for India to treat Thailand as a gateway than India dealing directly with any of the other ASEAN nations.

If the Prayut government believes it is superior to the other ASEAN nations, perhaps it doesn't need ASEAN benefits. Afterall, there is no Thainess in ASEAN. The Prayut government should consider leaving ASEAN to become its own gateway.

I would have thought that Myanmar (Burma) was better located and maybe better qualified (English language skills?) to be the "gateway to ASEAN., since they now have an elected government plus a de facto English speaking "President" in ASSK.

[smutcakes]

I would like to know why the chief of police was on this little jaunt.