PM: Deferred visit to Myanmar not linked with border issue

BANGKOK, 22 July 2010 (NNT) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has dismissed speculated relationship between his postponed official visit to the Union of Myanmar and the Mae Sot border closure in the western province of Tak.

The Prime Minister explained that the visit deferment was resulted from busy schedules between leaders of both countries, and had nothing to do with the border closure issue or Myanmar’s uncomfortable attitude towards Thailand’s dyke construction near the common border.

Prime Minister Abhisit also played down the rumor that Myanmar people were upset with Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya. He then confirmed healthy relationship between the two countries with good cooperation thus far.

The official visit of the Thai Prime Minister to the Union of Myanmar has been rescheduled twice. The first was made by the Thai government and the second by Myanmar officials.

As for the issue regarding the dyke near the bridge connecting the border, the Prime Minister said there was no construction at present and Myanmar officials were already informed.

Prime Minister Abhisit believed that an understanding would be made between panels of both sides. He voiced his confidence that the border would be opened again soon.