I am pleased to announce that I shall visit Thailand from 23 to 26
April for discussions with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr Chuan
Leekpai, and to participate in activities commemorating the sacrifice
of Australian service men and women during the Second World War.
I will open the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum on 24 April and attend
ANZAC Day memorial services at Hellfire Pass and Kanchanaburi. These
sites have a special place in Australian history.
In honouring the many Australians who died and served in Thailand,
I will be joined by a pilgrimage of Australian former POWs and war
widows, to be led by the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Mr Scott.
Many other Australians will be present for the ceremonies.
It will be a great honour to be accompanied on my visit by Sir John
Carrick, Sir Reginald Swartz and Mr Tom Uren. These three distinguished
former Commonwealth ministers were POWs in Thailand during the Second
World War.
I very much look forward to discussing with Mr Chuan the good progress
Thailand has made in implementing its economic reform programme and
stabilising its economy. Through its support for Thailand's IMF
package, Australia is making a significant contribution to the rebuilding
of international confidence in Thailand's economic prospects.
A return to growth in Thailand, a significant trade and investment
partner, will bring benefits to Australia.
I shall also call on His Majesty, the King of Thailand.
22 March 1998