Thailand’s new premier, H.E. Gen. Surayud Chulanont, made an official visit to the Philippines on 23 October 2006, as part of his traditional rounds of ASEAN capitals following his assumption to office as Thailand interim prime minister in October 2006. PM Surayud arrived at around ten in the morning at Villamor Air Base, where he was welcomed by senior Philippine officials.
 
During the visit, PM Surayud and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo held a cordial discussion on various issues of mutual concerns, including ASEAN and the situation in Southern Thailand.
 
In her speech at the official dinner tendered in honor of the Thai premier at Malacañang’s State Dining Room, President Arroyo lauded PM Surayud for his "roadmap to constitutional democracy" that aims to steer Thailand back to democratic rule. The President noted that the Thai premier had clearly presented his interim government’s roadmap to constitutional democracy.
 
For his part, PM Surayud assured President Arroyo that his government was "determined to expedite Thailand’s path to the full restoration and revitalization of democracy. The premier expressed optimism that with the support of the Philippines, the Thai government would be able to succeed in its efforts to bring back normalcy in Thailand. PM Surayud also noted that his delegation was very happy to share common perceptions on political, security and economic development with President Arroyo.
 
President Arroyo hailed PM Surayud’s visit as a manifestation of the cordial relations between the Philippines and Thailand.

The Philippines
Office of the President
Department of Foreign Affairs
Department of Trade & Industry
Department of Tourism
Philippine Media
° The Manila Bulletin Online
° The Philippine Daily Inquirer
° The Philippine Star

Thailand
Office of the Premier
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Thai Media
° Bangkok Post
° The Nation