Prawit was speaking in his capacity as national security head after returning yesterday from an official visit to Russia and Belarus that began on Tuesday. He said he talked with Medvedev and Platonovich about cooperation on security issues, the exchange of intelligence, anti-terrorism efforts and fighting transnational organised crime. He added that he visited Russia’s high-tech national defence industry facilities but had only discussed procuring military technology, not actual armaments.

Responding to reports about the plan to procure helicopters to fight forest fires, Prawit said Thailand would dispatch military mechanics and Royal Thai Air Force officials to Russia if the two countries decided to set up a joint committee on the subject. However, Prawit added, discussions had not yet gone into too much detail.

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak also discussed economic cooperation relating to marketing agricultural products.

“It depends on what Russia wants,” he said.

Prawit also visited President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus and discussed agricultural trade and security issues. “Leaders of both countries follow Thailand’s political situation and understand the situation well. They also complimented our PM,” Prawit said.