BANGKOK – Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin defended his frequent globe-trotting during his first 10 months as leader of the South-east Asian nation in remarks aired on television on June 22.
A property tycoon and political newcomer who became prime minister in August 2023, Mr Srettha made 15 overseas visits and pledged a two-month halt in March in response to public criticism.
“Some of these visits are not avoidable,” he said, referring to those for official Asean meetings, as well as to China and Japan, while a third was to Sri Lanka to sign a free trade pact.
Other visits were meant to draw trade and investment, said Mr Srettha, nicknamed Thailand’s salesman, who has often spoken of his goal of luring more foreign investment to the country.
“It’s necessary to go,” he said in the remarks recorded in advance. REUTERS