Yingluck to meet Queen Elizabeth II in London

Yingluck to meet Queen Elizabeth II in London

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will have an audience with Queen Elizabeth II in London, said Pasan Teparak, Thai ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Ms Yingluck will visit the United Kingdom on Tuesday and Wednesday following British Prime Minister David Cameron's invitation, the ambassador said.

During her visit, she will be granted an audience with Queen Elizabeth.

Thailand and Britain are celebrating 400 years of relations this year, and the embassy in London is among the oldest Thai missions worldwide.

Premier Yingluck's brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, made two official visits to the UK in 2002 and 2005 but was not granted an audience with Queen Elizabeth.

Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva also visited the UK during his two-year term.

However, the Eton-educated Mr Abhisit also did not receive a royal audience.

The British monarch herself paid two official visits to Thailand, in 1972 and 1996.

Leaders of three business organisations as well as ministers from finance, commerce, industry, transportation and the PM's Office would also be part of a delegation that will meet their British counterparts.

"No matter how we may disagree about politics, Thai people should be proud that this government has brought back the dignity and integrity of Thailand onto the world's radar," Mr Pasan said. "International confidence has been restored after some years of domestic turbulence."

Strengthening international relations is one of the main priorities of the Yingluck-led government, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul in the weekly television programme PM Yingluck Meets the People.

After the premier's visit to the UK, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, would make his first visit to Thailand on Friday.

Mr Surapong said Ms Yingluck has paid official visits to more than 20 countries since coming to power.

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