His Majesty to meet with Obama on Sunday

His Majesty to meet with Obama on Sunday

LONDON : US President Barack Obama will be granted an audience with His Majesty the King on Sunday during his official trip to Thailand.

Queen Elizabeth welcomes Yingluck: Britain's Queen Elizabeth meets Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during a private audience at Buckingham Palace in London Tuesday.

The King, who is staying at Siriraj Hospital, has allowed for the special greeting, which is scheduled to take place at 5pm before the US leader meets Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on the same day, Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said from London.

He is accompanying Ms Yingluck on her official visit to the United Kingdom.

In addition to meeting the King, the president's itinerary includes a joint announcement with the Thai premier on the controversial US-led regional free trade agreement known as Trans Pacific Partnership, negotiations of which Thailand has agreed to join.

Mr Obama will then leave Thailand for Myanmar on Monday.

There has been some confusion in Thailand and on discussion forums about Mr Obama's official function. As in any republic, he is both the head of state and the head of government of the United States. He will meet the king as US head of state, but then talk to Prime Minister Yingluck as the US head of government.

Police, soldiers and security officers have been ordered to tighten up security for the president during his stay in Thailand.

All venues Mr Obama will visit, including Siriraj Hospital and Government House, and the streets he will travel through will be under close watch, police chief Kamronwit Thoopkrachang said.

US security officers will also tail the president by land, as well as by air with a helicopter.

The Royal Thai Air Force, together with its Security Force Command and police officers, will work with US officers to maintain security at Don Mueang airport where Air Force One will land, Royal Thai Air Force spokesman Monthon Satchukon said.

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