Prime Minister Visits the United Kingdom and France (19/6/2018)

Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha is scheduled to lead a delegation to visit the United Kingdom and France from 20 to 26 June 2018.

Members of the delegation include Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, Minister to the Prime Ministers Office Kobsak Pootrakul, Commerce Minister Sonthirat Sonthijirawong, Industry Minister , and Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office Kanit Sangsubhan.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Werachon Sukondhapatipak stated that the visit is significant, as the invitation was extended to the Prime Minister after the decision of the European Union (EU) on 11 December 2017 to resume political contact at all levels with . This reflects EUs recognition of the Governments national administration over the past four years.

Thailand is now in the process of conducting major reform in both political and economic aspects. Leading firms from several countries, such as , Japan, South Korea, US, UK, and France have expressed interest in investing in Thailand. At the same time, the Thai government is striving to seek cooperation, especially in innovation and advanced technology, with countries around the world in a bid to uplift Thai industries, as well as SMEs and startups.

On 20 June 2018, the Prime Minister will meet the Rt. Hon. Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, at the Office of the British Prime Minister (No. 10 Downing Street). On 25 June 2018, he will meet H.E. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, at the Office the President of the French Republic (Elysee Palace).

During the visit, bilateral discussions will be held with the two European leaders on strengthening strategic partnerships in areas of mutual interest, as well as exchanges of views on a wide range of topics, including regional and international issues.

In London and , the Prime Minister will launch the Roadshows on Thailand 4.0 to promote Thailands economic potential and investment opportunities among high-profile British and French investors, particularly those with interest in investing in target industries of the Eastern Economic

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According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Prime Ministers visit to Europe will strengthen the longstanding partnership between Thailand and the United Kingdom and with the French Republic, thus forging closer cooperation in various areas for mutual benefit of the peoples.

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