US Army chief of staff meets Thai PM

The US Army's Chief of staff General James McConville on Friday concluded a two day visit to Thailand with a meeting with the country's Prime Minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, at Government House in Bangkok.

He and his delegation are the first official visitors to Thailand since entry rules were eased as part of the lifting of coronavirus restrictions.

A statement from the US Embassy said the two men discussed the strategic partnership between the countries.

During the visit the general signed the Strategic Vision Statement with the head of the Thai army, General Apirat Kongsompong, to enhance the bilateral armed forces relationship, the statement said, which includes modernization and joint training.

The visit was falsely branded as controversial on local social media with claims that the delegation was allowed to shortcut a required 14-day quarantine for foreign visitors.

Regulations for VIP guests of the government include provisions for skipping the quarantine at state facilities for short visits by delegations of 10 members or less, and VIPs must still observe other regulations, including holding certificates that they tested negative for the coronavirus, have Thai liaison officials accompany them, and keep to a fixed itinerary using only their own specially arranged transport.

General McConville flies to Japan following the two-day visit.