PM tells Tillerson Thailand shares U.S. concern about North Korea and will cooperate closely with the U.S. to achieve peaceful resolution

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that Thailand shares the concern of the U.S. about North Korea and stands ready to strengthen cooperation to achieve peaceful resolution, during a meeting at Government House in Bangkok last week. He also stressed that Thailand strictly abides by the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions on North Korea, and underlined the need to redouble efforts to ease tensions and work toward peace.

Tillerson was the highest-ranking United States official to visit Thailand since mid-2014, although Prime Minister Prayut has paid official visits to the U.S. and met with then-President Barack Obama along with other leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Tillerson and Prayut discussed a range of issues including cooperation on regional security, trade and investment in general and in the Eastern Economic Corridor, and the Thai prime minister’s visit to Washington D.C. later this year at the invitation of U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

Before meeting with the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State paid his respects and signed a condolence book in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adjulyadej. He also addressed U.S. embassy staff, and met for bilateral talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai.

Thailand is ready to “cooperate and support easing tensions for regional peace,” Prayut told Tillerson according to Deputy Government Spokesperson Weerachon Sukondhapatipak.

During both meetings with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Thailand, Secretary Tillerson and the Thai leaders exchanged views about a broad range of issues of mutual interest, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the ties and the depth of this long-standing alliance between Thailand the United States.

For his part, Secretary Tillerson stressed that he would like bilateral relations to become even stronger.

“We want to continue to grow that relationship, even in its ups and downs, which has been the history of this country. We have been treaty partners for over 184 years, and we’ve been allies for over 60. So, next year the US will mark 200 years of relations with Thailand,” he said.

Prayut briefed Tillerson on the Eastern Economic Corridor, the new and advanced development zone, and called for increased American investment.

Prayut told Tillerson that his government’s roadmap to build a sustainable democracy was on track, with elections for a new government expected to take place some time next year.