On 3 May 2012, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Director-General of the Information Department and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, gave a press interview regarding the visit of the high-level delegation of the Organsiation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to Thailand during 7 — 13 May 2012 upon invitation extended by Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.
The OIC high-level delegation will be led by Ambassador Sayed Kassem El-Masry, Adviser of the OIC Secretary General and Special Envoy of the OIC Secretary General on Thailand. The purpose of the visit is to receive information concerning the latest development, efforts and policy of the current Thai Government on the administration and development of the Southern Border Provinces (SBPs). The high-level delegation is scheduled to call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Secretary-General of the National Security Council, Secretary-General of the SBPs Administrative Centre (SBPAC) and Army Commander Region 4, amongst others. The OIC delegation will also visit the SBPs to exchange views with local authorities in order to gain a better understanding of the situation on the ground. In addition, the delegation will hold consultations with Thai Muslim community and academicians.
The visit will provide the OIC delegation with the opportunity to be updated on the efforts of the Thai Government to address root causes of the situation through promotion of economic and social development.
The visit reflects the on-going engagement and cooperation between Thailand and the OIC. Thailand received the first OIC delegation led by Ambassador El-Masry in 2005. Then, in 2007, Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsahnoglu, OIC Secretary General, paid an official visit to Thailand. The Thai Government looks forward to a constructive and fruitful visit of the OIC delegation.
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