Bangkok--Aug 28--MFA
On 27 August 2008, Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag responded to inquiries from reporters about demonstrations by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), as well as the request for political asylum by Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra and the latter’s passport as follows:
1. On 26 August 2008, the Foreign Ministry circulated to all Thai embassies and consulates abroad a chronology of yesterday’s events along with clarification guidelines concerning PAD’s demonstrations. Today (27 August 2008), the Foreign Ministry will again update all Thai embassies and consulates about the latest developments.
2. While the demonstrations may have some effect on Thailand’s tourism industry and economy, the Foreign Minister hoped that the situation will not escalate and turn violent as this would not benefit the Kingdom. The Thai economy is currently doing well, with the Government trying to introduce further stimulus measures to ensure that the economy continues to expand during the second half of this year at a rate comparable to the 5.3 per cent growth registered during the second quarter of this year.
3. The incident that occurred is part of Thailand’s political evolution and the democratic process in the Kingdom. PAD’s trespassing into government properties though should not be appropriate. However, the Foreign Minister believed that the agencies concerned are handling the situation.
4. To date, the Foreign Ministry has not yet received any queries from other countries about the demonstrations as they could themselves follow developments from various news reports. At the same time, the Foreign Ministry does not anticipate being asked by foreign missions based in Thailand since they could themselves also monitor the various media outlets in the Kingdom.
5. When asked whether recent developments in Thailand would benefit Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin’s request for asylum in the United Kingdom, the Foreign Minister replied that he did not know whether Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin would use the current situation as a reason for his request for asylum or not. The Foreign Minister also did not know the status of Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin’s request for asylum.
6. Concerning the status of Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin’s passport, the Foreign Minister was informed by the Prime Minister that he has already received the Foreign Ministry’s note on the matter and would consider it.
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 27 August 2008, Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag responded to inquiries from reporters about demonstrations by the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), as well as the request for political asylum by Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra and the latter’s passport as follows:
1. On 26 August 2008, the Foreign Ministry circulated to all Thai embassies and consulates abroad a chronology of yesterday’s events along with clarification guidelines concerning PAD’s demonstrations. Today (27 August 2008), the Foreign Ministry will again update all Thai embassies and consulates about the latest developments.
2. While the demonstrations may have some effect on Thailand’s tourism industry and economy, the Foreign Minister hoped that the situation will not escalate and turn violent as this would not benefit the Kingdom. The Thai economy is currently doing well, with the Government trying to introduce further stimulus measures to ensure that the economy continues to expand during the second half of this year at a rate comparable to the 5.3 per cent growth registered during the second quarter of this year.
3. The incident that occurred is part of Thailand’s political evolution and the democratic process in the Kingdom. PAD’s trespassing into government properties though should not be appropriate. However, the Foreign Minister believed that the agencies concerned are handling the situation.
4. To date, the Foreign Ministry has not yet received any queries from other countries about the demonstrations as they could themselves follow developments from various news reports. At the same time, the Foreign Ministry does not anticipate being asked by foreign missions based in Thailand since they could themselves also monitor the various media outlets in the Kingdom.
5. When asked whether recent developments in Thailand would benefit Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin’s request for asylum in the United Kingdom, the Foreign Minister replied that he did not know whether Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin would use the current situation as a reason for his request for asylum or not. The Foreign Minister also did not know the status of Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin’s request for asylum.
6. Concerning the status of Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin’s passport, the Foreign Minister was informed by the Prime Minister that he has already received the Foreign Ministry’s note on the matter and would consider it.
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-