Farm aid for Rakhine

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has reiterated that Thailand is willing to share the late King Bhumibhol Adulyadej's sustainable agriculture theory with Myanmar to enhance its people's livelihoods in Rakhine state.

Quoting the minister, defence spokesman Kong­cheep Tantravanich said Gen Prawit also stressed Thailand would help its neighbour strengthen security, economic and social links.

The deputy premier was speaking as he welcomed U Myo Myint Than, the Myanmar ambassador to Thailand Wednesday.

Lt Gen Kongcheep said the pair also discussed cooperating on various issues including labour, the repatriation of refugees to Myanmar and reconciliation in Rakhine state.

Both countries also backed upgrading the Singkhon temporary border pass in Prachuap Khiri Khan and the Ban Huai Ton Nun border pass in Mae Hong Son to permanent checkpoints.

U Myo Myint Than also thanked Thailand for understanding the local situation in Myanmar and repatriating its refugees back to the country.