On 22-23 October 2010, Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand visited Tak province to meet with the Commanding-General of the 3rd Army Region, Governors of Thai-Myanmar border provinces, and local administrative authorities with a view to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the local authorities on cross border issues in order to collectively address the problems in a timely and more effective manner. In this regard, the Ministry is considering dispatching its representative to work with local authorities in the provincial areas. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Kasit also shared information regarding the Ministry’s and Government’s efforts in enhancing relations with the Government of Myanmar and in engaging on Myanmar issues both at the bilateral and multilateral levels. At the bilateral level, the Prime Minister had visited Myanmar on 11 October 2010. Both sides agreed to continue to work closely on issues of common interests such as development of connectivity in the region and eradication of human and drug trafficking. At the multilateral level, discussions included the meeting of the Group of Friends of the UNSG on Myanmar at the United Nations at which Thailand encouraged the international community to “look beyond” the election and focused on human capacity development for Myanmar people.
On this occasion, Foreign Minister Kasit visited the Mae La temporary shelter area for displaced persons from Myanmar in Tak Province to meet with relevant Thai authorities, NGOs and the Mae La Camp Committee to obtain information on displaced persons’ living conditions and exchange views on humanitarian assistance and how to improve displaced persons’ livelihoods, with a particular emphasis on environmental, educational and health issues. Further capacity building is needed so as to enhance the potential of displaced persons as valuable human resources that could contribute to socio-economic development. Foreign Minister Kasit undertook to further develop cooperation with relevant stakeholders, both at national and international levels, to ameliorate quality of life in the temporary shelter areas and surrounding communities, as well as to promote socio-economic development in neighbouring countries to narrow development gaps amongst countries in the region. Foreign Minister Kasit believes that this approach would bring about long-term and sustainable solutions to the problem.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th