Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin defended his frequent international travels during his first 10 months in office in a television broadcast on Saturday.
Srettha, a real estate tycoon and political newcomer who became prime minister in August last year, has made 15 overseas visits. In response to public criticism, he pledged a two-month halt in March.
“Some of these visits are unavoidable,” he said, referring to official meetings with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as trips to China and Japan. Additionally, he mentioned a visit to Sri Lanka to sign a free trade pact.
Srettha, often dubbed Thailand’s salesman, emphasized that other visits were aimed at attracting trade and investment, aligning with his goal of increasing foreign investment in the country.
“It’s necessary to go,” he said in remarks recorded in advance.
Source: Reuters