Thailand Prime Minister visits the Philippines
Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra arrives Thrusday morning in the Philippines, as stated by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Yingluck Shinawatra is the first female Prime Minister of Thailand, a successful businesswoman. She is the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s sister, being the 9th child in their politically influenced family. On July 2011, she was elected into office, as her opposition party (Pheu Thai) won the general election. Aside from being the first female Prime Minister, she is also the youngest person to hold the position.
Prime Minister Yingluck is said to be visiting the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to further discuss the strengthening of Thailand’s partnership with the ASEAN Member States, in which President Aquino and PM Yingluck will be discussing topics concerning the areas of energy, agriculture, defense, culture, education, combating drug trafficking, and disaster risk reduction and management. Aside from the aforementioned matters, they will also be tackling the West Philippine Sea issue, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
In honor of the Thai Prime Minister, President Aquino will be hosting a luncheon after the meeting.
The Prime Minister’s visit to the country serves as one of the highlights of the 63rd anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between and the Philippines and Thailand.
Sources: BBC Profiles, Department of Foreign Affairs, Inquirer