ID :
203540
Thu, 08/25/2011 - 16:23
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/203540
The shortlink copeid
Ex-Thai PM Thaksin expresses readiness to help rebuilding efforts
SENDAI, Aug. 25 Kyodo - Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, on a weeklong visit to Japan through Sunday, visited areas hit by the March earthquake and tsunami on Thursday and expressed his readiness to help rebuilding efforts under way in northeastern Japan.
Speaking to reporters after a visit to Natori, a city inundated by the quake-triggered tsunami, and a meeting with Miyagi Gov. Yoshihiro Murai in Sendai, the former leader said he was shocked by the magnitude of the devastation wrought by the forces of nature.
Noting that Japan swiftly came to Thailand's aid when a massive tsunami hit southern Thailand in 2004, Thaksin said it was now Thailand's turn to do likewise and that he wants to exchange views and share information with the people concerned based on his experience.
Thaksin proposed that the Thai government waive visas to those displaced by the tsunami if they wish to take a long vacation in his country.
Now a fugitive living in exile to avoid a two-year jail term from a corruption conviction in his home country, Thaksin promised that he will advise his sister, Thailand's new Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, on what Japan wants Thailand to do.
Prior to the news conference, held at the prefectural government building, the former Thai leader toured Natori, accompanied by Mayor Isoo Sasaki, and laid flowers on a hill overlooking an area where the tsunami had washed away many homes.
Thaksin, who arrived in Japan with a special entry permit on Monday in his first visit in about three years, is scheduled to visit Kesennuma and the town of Minamisanriku to exchange views with fishing cooperative members.
Speaking to reporters after a visit to Natori, a city inundated by the quake-triggered tsunami, and a meeting with Miyagi Gov. Yoshihiro Murai in Sendai, the former leader said he was shocked by the magnitude of the devastation wrought by the forces of nature.
Noting that Japan swiftly came to Thailand's aid when a massive tsunami hit southern Thailand in 2004, Thaksin said it was now Thailand's turn to do likewise and that he wants to exchange views and share information with the people concerned based on his experience.
Thaksin proposed that the Thai government waive visas to those displaced by the tsunami if they wish to take a long vacation in his country.
Now a fugitive living in exile to avoid a two-year jail term from a corruption conviction in his home country, Thaksin promised that he will advise his sister, Thailand's new Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, on what Japan wants Thailand to do.
Prior to the news conference, held at the prefectural government building, the former Thai leader toured Natori, accompanied by Mayor Isoo Sasaki, and laid flowers on a hill overlooking an area where the tsunami had washed away many homes.
Thaksin, who arrived in Japan with a special entry permit on Monday in his first visit in about three years, is scheduled to visit Kesennuma and the town of Minamisanriku to exchange views with fishing cooperative members.
