PM: Bush now understands Thai political reforms better

HANOI, Nov 18 (TNA) - This weekend's face-to-face meeting between US President George W. Bush and Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont means that the US president now understands and holds a more positive view of Thailand's critically-necessary political reforms resulting from the pro-democracy bloodless coup of September 19, the Thai premier affirmed Saturday.

Speaking to journalists following this morning's meeting with six leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the US president, Gen Surayud said he not only had told the Asian leaders and Mr Bush of the progress made by his interim government in solving Thailand's political problem but also reaffirmed the four major principles the government would carry out during its term of office.

On Friday, Gen Surayud told participants at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO summit, held in the Vietnamese capital, that his government would over the next 12 months address Thailand's four major structural challenges: advancing political reforms, restoring national unity, redressing income inquality and strengthening the rule of law.

He said political reform is the top priority and set a timeline of one year for a new Constitution and fresh elections.

Mr Bush told Gen Surayud towards the end of the meeting that the September 19 "military intervention" in Thailand had put him in an awkward position. But now he had a clearer picture on the situation and was pleased to hear that the Thai leader would bring back the democratic system as soon as possible through the drafting of a new constitution, ratified by a referendum, which will lead to a free and fair election by the end of 2007.

Mr Bush said he would ask his father, former president George Bush, to visit Thailand to emphasise this country's traditionally close bilateral relations with the United States.

The elder Bush will be his country's special representative, greeting His Majesty the King in a special audience on behalf of the American people, not only wishing the Thai monarch continued well-being approaches his 80th birthday and to also wish the people of Thailand success in achieving their goals, according to Gen Surayud.

King Bhumibol celebrates his 80th birthday on Dec 5 next year, following on celebrations of his 60th year on the throne.

Prime Minister Surayud said he believed that President Bush now has an improved picture of the Thai political landscape and now wants to visit Thailand and meet His Majesty the King in audience with the purpose of cementing relations between the two countries.

The APEC government leaders summit ends Sunday in Hanoi.

TNA