Thai PM meets British PM

LONDON, June 22 (TNA) -- Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday met British Prime Minister Theresa May in London as he began his visit to Britain and France in an effort to seal trade deals and gain international recognition of his military rule ahead of elections next year. The talks at 10 Downing Street also focused on Thailand’s political progress in Gen Prayut government’s efforts paving the way for the next poll, according to Thai government officials. Gen Prayut told his British counterpart that his government would hold a general election early next year, elaborating on the ongoing preparations. Prime Minister May urged continued progress towards free and open elections in Thailand in line with international standards, including restrictions on political parties being lifted at an early stage, the British government says in a statement. Gen Prayut praised the 400 years of bilateral relationship between the two countries and said he looked forward to strengthen economic ties during the visit. The Thai premier said in the meeting that he hoped Thailand and the UK could become strategic partners as his country has undertaken reforms and numerous development projects, particularly the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) which emphasizes IT and innovation to facilitate regional connectivity. The two leaders discussed cooperation to address international security challenges such as violent extremism and cyber security. Economic ministers of both sides later joined the two leaders for discussions on economic cooperation. (TNA)