Bangkok--Apr 21--MFA
On 18 April 2008 at the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Michael Williams, Special Representative of the British Prime Minister, on Myanmar, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama to exchange views regarding the situation in Myanmar, particularly with regard to the upcoming referendum on the draft constitution.
Foreign Minister Noppadon extended his warm welcome to Mr. Williams and accepted the latter’s invitation to visit the United Kingdom in early June this year. During the visit, the Thai Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet with Mr. David Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom. The authorities concerned of both countries would discuss further details of this matter accordingly.
Foreign Minister Noppadon took this opportunity to brief Mr. Williams on Thailand’s “Neighbor Engagement” policy towards Myanmar. Thailand was of the view that sanctions have not always resulted in a desirable consequence. The Thai Foreign Minister pointed out that the recent tragic death of 54 Burmese illegal workers in Thailand was a good example showing that many ordinary people in Myanmar attempted to get away from poverty in the country, caused by economic sanctions imposed by the international community. These distress people came to Thailand to seek better opportunities. Even worse, the aforesaid incident might also involve human trafficking.
Both sides exchanged views on Myanmar’s upcoming referendum on draft constitution which is scheduled to be held on 10 May 2008, and agreed that the referendum should be legitimate, credible and inclusive to create the political stability and economic prosperity in Myanmar. Mr. Williams hoped that Thailand would play a greater role on Myanmar issue as Thailand is a Myanmar’s immediate neighbor and would soon resume the ASEAN Chairmanship. He also expressed his concerns over the accessibility of the international press to observe the referendum and the involvement of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar.
At the end, the British side requested Thailand to consider the recognition of Kosovo. In this connection, Foreign Minister Noppadon responded that Thailand is studying the matter and follow the developments closely, based on the UNSC Resolution 1244 (1999).
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.
-PM-
On 18 April 2008 at the Foreign Ministry, Mr. Michael Williams, Special Representative of the British Prime Minister, on Myanmar, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama to exchange views regarding the situation in Myanmar, particularly with regard to the upcoming referendum on the draft constitution.
Foreign Minister Noppadon extended his warm welcome to Mr. Williams and accepted the latter’s invitation to visit the United Kingdom in early June this year. During the visit, the Thai Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet with Mr. David Miliband, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom. The authorities concerned of both countries would discuss further details of this matter accordingly.
Foreign Minister Noppadon took this opportunity to brief Mr. Williams on Thailand’s “Neighbor Engagement” policy towards Myanmar. Thailand was of the view that sanctions have not always resulted in a desirable consequence. The Thai Foreign Minister pointed out that the recent tragic death of 54 Burmese illegal workers in Thailand was a good example showing that many ordinary people in Myanmar attempted to get away from poverty in the country, caused by economic sanctions imposed by the international community. These distress people came to Thailand to seek better opportunities. Even worse, the aforesaid incident might also involve human trafficking.
Both sides exchanged views on Myanmar’s upcoming referendum on draft constitution which is scheduled to be held on 10 May 2008, and agreed that the referendum should be legitimate, credible and inclusive to create the political stability and economic prosperity in Myanmar. Mr. Williams hoped that Thailand would play a greater role on Myanmar issue as Thailand is a Myanmar’s immediate neighbor and would soon resume the ASEAN Chairmanship. He also expressed his concerns over the accessibility of the international press to observe the referendum and the involvement of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar.
At the end, the British side requested Thailand to consider the recognition of Kosovo. In this connection, Foreign Minister Noppadon responded that Thailand is studying the matter and follow the developments closely, based on the UNSC Resolution 1244 (1999).
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.
-PM-