Thai PM Abhisit leaves Bangkok for UN climate change conference in Copenhagen

BANGKOK, Dec 17 (TNA) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, left Bangkok early Thursday morning to attend the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP15) and the 5th Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol in Copenhagen, Denmark December 17-20.

Mr Abhisit, representing Thailand and as chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), will be one of the 60 world leaders speaking at Copenhagen.

At the meetings the Thai premier will present the ASEAN stance on climate change as well as Thailand's efforts in tackling global warming, restoring natural resources particularly forest, and promoting alternative energies or improving the use of energy more effectively.

Mr Abhisit earlier has urged all countries attending the meeting to reach a common stance in cutting carbon-dioxide emissions. A wide gap exists on the issue between developed and developing countries, Mr Abhisit said, noting that more differences are likely to surface.

Thailand is asking every party to agree to common targets because Thailand, and all other countries, are affected by climate change, he said.

Mr Abhisit will hold a press conference for Thai journalists at the event before joining a dinner party hosted by the Danish king and queen at Christiansborg Palace.

The Thai prime minister will join meetings again Friday and attend a dinner party hosted by the Thai envoy to Denmark.

Several senior Thai officials are also attending the meeting, including Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suwit Khunkitti and Kalaya Sophonpanich, Minister of Science and Technology.

Mr Abhisit and his delegation will return to Bangkok early Sunday. (TNA)