Thailand calls for unity, trust from CLMV

BANGKOK, May 26 (TNA) – The Thai deputy prime minister called on Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar and Vietnam, or so-called the CLMV countries, to stay united and trust in the Thai government to ensure prosperity in the region. Delivering a keynote address during the “Lao-Thai Strategic Partnership Forum” in Laos, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha gave more importance to neighboring countries than other influential countries, so the CLMV countries should trust the Thai government and join Thailand in driving the regional economy. He noted that the unity of the bloc is necessary to promote prosperity amid current economic volatility while collaboration in human resource development will help to attract foreign investment to the region. Mr Somkid’s comments came as he was visiting Laos scheduled between May 23 and 25. The Thai deputy prime minister said his visit to Laos was aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries. He added that Thailand is ready to cooperate with Laos in many aspects, underlining the formation of a 10-year plan to promote tourism and infrastructure development, as well as remove trade and investment barriers. (TNA)