PM affirms neutral stance on Russia-Ukraine war
PRIME MINISTER PRAYUT
Chan-o-cha reconfirmed that Thailand will not take sides in
the Russia-Ukraine conflict, ahead of his attendance at a top-level US-Asean meeting this week.
During a media briefing at
Government House last Friday
(May 6), Gen Prayut talked about his trip to America for the US-Asean Special Summit,
scheduled for yesterday and today (May 12-13).
He said his attendance is required as per other Asean meetings such as the recent Japan-Asean summit and the China-Asean summit.
Given Russia’s invasion of
Ukraine, there might be some opinions about it during the meeting, Prayut said.
He added there is a broad range of issues that Asean leaders will want to discuss with US President Joe Biden and his administration.
Thailand supports Asean’s
stance over the conflict which promotes the need for peaceful
dialogue among the parties concerned, he said.
“I am going as a member country of Asean to discuss the economy, trade, investment and situations in the region. I will put my best effort into it,” said Prayut.
“Do not listen to those who cluelessly voice their opinions. They might have done it out of good intentions but I believe the person whom
you should listen to is your prime minister.”
He added that his sevenyear experience as prime minister guaranteed his insight
into international affairs and Thailand’s appropriate stance.
Usana Berananda, Director-General of the Department
of Asean Affairs, said there would be a discussion on Russia-Ukraine at the summit as well as on tensions in the South China Sea and the crisis in Myanmar.