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Thai Prime Minister heads to Japan

BANGKOK, April 2 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont left Monday for a four-day visit to Japan where he is scheduled to sign a landmark free trade pact and to attend celebrations marking the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.


This will be Gen. Surayud's first visit to Japan since assuming the premiership following the September coup d'etat. Besides the Prime Minister, the Thai delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister and Industrial Minister Kosit Panpiemras, Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram and Commerce Minister Krirkkrai Jirapaet. The delegation arrives at Narita International Airport in Tokyo at 5 pm.

The Thai prime minister plans to meet with Japanese business leaders to restore confidence in the Thai economy and to promote an accurate understanding of his government's economic policies.

On April 3, he is slated to hold bilateral talks with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, before signing the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA).

The Thai Cabinet approved the accord on March 27, but the agreement has drawn strong protests from several organisations.

Environmental and anti-JTEPA campaigners warned that the draft agreement could pave the way for dumping toxic wastes and hazardous chemicals in Thailand. They also expressed serious concerns over Thailand's intellectual property rights regarding microorganisms.

The government has trumpeted the accord as a vehicle to boost trade and investment, claiming that it would give a major boost to Thai exports to Japan.

Besides participating in celebrations of 120 years of diplomatic relations, PM Surayud and his wife, Khunying Chitravadee, will attend a dinner hosted in his honour by the Japanese Prime Minister at Japan's Government House.

On April 4, Gen. Surayud is to be awarded the honorary Doctorate in Engineering by Tokai University and on the fifth he is to be granted an audience with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.

Prime Minister Surayud returns to the Kingdom with his delegation on April 5.

TNA
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