Thailand, India agree to form joint commission to solve security problems

BANGKOK, March 18 (TNA) -- Thailand and India agreed to form a joint commission to handle security problems. The agreement was reached when the delegation of Thai Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon officially visited India on March 17-18. Defence Ministry spokesman Khongcheep Tantrawanich said Gen Prawit met Indian Vice President M Hamid Ansari to discuss cooperation on security and economic affairs as both countries would celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year. “This shows the clear and sincere intentions of both countries which respond to the Act East policy of India and the Look West policy of Thailand and will bring great benefits to people of the two countries,” Maj Gen Khongcheep said. Gen Prawit also met Indian security advisor Ajit Doval. They discussed major security threats including narcotics, terrorism, transnational crime and computer crime. “Both sides agreed to set up a joint commission consisting of police as well as legal and security experts. This is to strengthen security cooperation and maintain strategic partnership,” the defence spokesman said. In his meeting with Indian Defence Minister Monohar Parrikar, Gen Prawit discussed military cooperation including joint training and education. The Indian defence minister agreed to expand cooperation on the national defence industry and transfer knowledge on cyber security to Thai officials, Maj Gen Khongcheep said. Besides, the Indian navy would participate in Thailand's International Fleet Review 2017 parade that would mark the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Thailand would share information on marine security with India for the sake of regional peace, he said. (TNA)