US Defence Secretary Austin meets Thai PM Prayut to boost ties

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin (right) is escorted by Thailand Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who is also the Defence minister, reviews an honour guard during a welcoming ceremony at the Defense Ministry in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, June 13, 2022. - AP

BANGKOK, June 13 (AP): United States Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin met with Thailand’s prime minister on Monday as part of an effort to strengthen what Austin says is Washington’s "unparalleled network of alliances and partnerships" in the region.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who is also defence minister, also met Austin last month in Washington.