Thailand could become 'First World' developed country: PM

Thailand could potentially upgrade itself from the long-standing status of a Third World developing country to a "First World" developed country, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Thursday.

In a public statement on the performance of the government during the last two years, Prayut said Thailand could potentially become a "First World" developed country where citizens would make more incomes than today, the political situation would be stabilised and politicians would have good governance, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Prime Minister said the Thai economy could be considerably strengthened and prosperity would expand into all parts of the country so the people would thrive and poverty would end.

"The government and the NCPO (National Council for Peace and Order) have already had some things done and are getting other things done for the time being. The country now remains in a transitional period during which it would have the opportunity to become a First World developed country," said the Prime Minister, referring to the peace council which designed the extended roadmap for the Prayut government.

Prayut asserted that the government has taken measures to combat corruption in government and bureaucratic circles and taken steps to see to it that the country will be run on the basis of good governance and transparency.

He said he was confident of Thailand's economic potential which would turn the country into a hub of land, sea and air transports and logistics under the theme of connectivity with the Mekong sub-region or CLMV regions (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam), AEC bloc (Asean Economic Community) and other parts of the world.

"I myself, members of cabinet and particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have worked hard in the international arena to rebuild the country's confidence and identity. We have positively responded, compromised and complied with the expectations and obligations to which we were earlier committed.

"We have adhered to universal principles under which we have solved varied problems such as the Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported fishing issue, substandard commercial aviation issue and human and ivory trafficking issues," he said.

--IANS

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