US' Blinken to visit 'soon', Prayut says
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US' Blinken to visit 'soon', Prayut says

Blinken: Has planto visit region
Blinken: Has planto visit region

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the United States' Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning to visit Thailand "soon".

The PM said the plan shows how Washington still regards Thailand as an important strategic partner within Asean.

Gen Prayut made the remark after a teleconference with the US-Asean Business Council (USABC) at Government House yesterday. He also met with the charge d'affaires of the US embassy in Bangkok, Michael Heath, and the president and CEO of USABC, Ted Osius.

The teleconference was attended by representatives of 49 large multinational companies, which came together to address challenges that Thailand faces across a number of industries, such as health, technology, digital and tourism services.

After the teleconference, Gen Prayut said multinational companies are keen to invest more in Thailand, as the country is considered an important strategic partner within the US.

"We want to transform Thailand in all dimensions so it's a pleasure to see timely changes being made in that direction," the prime minister said.

Foreign businesses are still as interested as they have ever been in Thailand, said Gen Prayut, as he dismissed critics' concern that the country is losing its appeal among investors.

Gen Prayut said the meeting did not touch on politics or internal security issues.

"Business is business. Our affairs are kept separate," he said, adding he pledged to do the best he can to maintain stability.

Meanwhile, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana stated that Mr Heath said the meeting bolstered the US's longstanding friendship with one of its oldest allies.

Thailand remains a significant part of the supply chain, the spokesman said, adding the meeting focused on investments in energy and security.

Mr Thanakorn said the USABC provided an opportunity for major business actors to exchange views over the direction of Thailand's economic development.

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