PM: Thailand pays attention to human rights issues

BANGKOK, September 14 (TNA) - Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra says that her government has paid attention to human rights issues, along with welcoming foreign business operators to invest in Thailand. Yingluck, who is on her eight-day official visits to Switzerland, Italy, the Vatican City and Montenegro, told the public during her recorded weekly TV and radio programme broadcast nationwide on Saturday (Sept 14) morning that she gave an address to the 24th Session of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council or UNHRC in Geneva, Switzerland, and also discussed with the UNHRC's representatives on several issues, including migrant workers and illegal entry, as well as human trafficking in Thailand. Yingluck acknowledged she told participants attending the UNHRC's 24th session that her administration has given proper care to migrant workers in Thailand and has cooperated with UN agencies in assisting those wishing to return home voluntarily. According to the prime minister, Thai business operators accompanying her also had an opportunity to discuss with their Swiss counterparts on ways to widen their trade and investment cooperation and the Thai business persons want her government to conclude free trade agreements or FTAs with countries outside the European Union (EU), which her government has taken into consideration. On her courtesy call on Pope Francis during her visit to the Vatican City, the prime minister noted she told the Pope that her government will offer assistance to needy children and women, while also welcoming every religion to conduct religious activities in Thailand. The Thai prime minister, who departed for her European trip on September 8, is scheduled to return home on September 15. (TNA)