On 8 October 2010, at the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Salil Shetty, the new Secretary-General of Amnesty International (AI), paid a courtesy call on Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of his recent appointment. During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the human rights situation in Thailand and around the world.
Mr. Shetty expressed his appreciation for the continued support extended by the Thai Government to Amnesty International as well as for the leading role played by the Kingdom in promoting ASEAN’s human rights agenda and the country’s active participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Mr. Shetty also praised Thailand for its treatment of displaced persons from Myanmar, illegal migrants and other migrants based upon humanitarian considerations. In this regard, the Foreign Minister stressed the importance attached by Thailand to the issue of capacity building and the development of human resources, particularly in the areas of education and vocational training for Myanmar displaced persons to help prepare them for their eventual return home.
Both sides also discussed the issue of freedom of expression and the human rights situation in the southern border provinces. In this regard, Foreign Minister Kasit emphasised that Thailand is a free country with an open society and that it welcomed advice from the international community regarding the strengthening of democratic institutions in the Kingdom. In addition, the Foreign Minister pointed out that Amnesty International could help promote the capability of civil society organisations operating in the southern border provinces.
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