Germany to step up economic, education operation with Thailand
New German Ambassador Peter Prügel made a courtesy call on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha Thursday and expressed his country's interest to cooperate with Thailand on the education and businesses.
During the meeting with Prayut at the Government House at 10 am, the German ambassador underlined the longstanding friendship between Germany and Thailand and both shared the aim to further deepen the bilateral and regional cooperation in all fields, especially in the economic and educational field.
Deputy Government Spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said the German ambassador assured Prayut that the German government would continue cooperation with Thailand over the economy, science and technology, tourism and education.
According to Werachon, the ambassador also told the prime minister that several German firms were interested to invest in Thailand.
The prime minister also discussed with the ambassador about a cooperation between the two governments to open a technology university to produce technicians and engineers, the spokesman said. He said Prayut asked Prügel to consult with his government about the university establishment.
The ambassador said he was happy that Thai and German tourists made frequent visits to each other’s countries and that Thais visited Germany in a high number each year, indicating close ties between the two nations.
As Thailand has taken over the coordinator role for EU-ASEAN relations, the German ambassador also stressed that Germany and the EU are looking forward to closely work with Thailand on developing these relations into a strategic partnership.
According to the German Embassy, Prügel also expressed his hope for Thailand´s progress towards an open, democratic and prosperous society.
The embassy said the ambassador believes that only an open and inclusive debate on the political future of Thailand can bring about the necessary reforms and the reconciliation.
Werachon added that Prayut congratulated Prügel for assuming office in Thailand and hoped that the new ambassador would help tighten the bilateral ties of the two countries.
Prayut also explained the current political situation to the new ambassador, saying he seized power to ensure that Thailand could move forward and the interests of ally nations would be protected.
Prayut also assured the ambassador that his government is adhering to the political road map and Thailand would eventually return to democracy and election in line with the road map, Werachon said, adding that the ambassador replied that he understood the situation.
The prime minister also thanked Germany for helping Thailand in its efforts to create sustainable democracy by sending experts to explain German electoral system and inviting Thai representatives to study German system in Berlin.
Prayut also thanked the German government via the new ambassador for promoting investments of German businesses in the country and for helping Thailand in technologies and innovations.
The prime minister told the ambassador that Germany would also be welcomed if it is interested to invest in the transport infrastructure projects and to join the Dawei special economic zone project.
