On 24 December 2008, his first working day at the Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya responded to questions by the press regarding his political roles and opinions expressed prior to assuming his new cabinet portfolio, as follows:
- Foreign Minister Kasit noted that what he did before 22 December was one period of his life. While not denying what he had said then, he said there could be varied interpretation of his words and actions, with some sentences being quoted and used out of context, causing misunderstanding about what he had actually said or intended to say.
- The Foreign Minister affirmed that what he had did or said throughout was, first and foremost, to uphold democracy in Thai society as well as for politics with ethical and moral values and a transparent society. That was his sole and steadfast intention.
- In this connection, the Foreign Minister expressed apology to Thai people if his remarks or actions might have been misunderstood or misinterpreted, as it had never been his intention to do harm to Thailand’s image.
- The Foreign Minister said that from 22 December 2008 onwards, he had been member of the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Abhisit. As such, he would discharge his duties to the best of his ability and in accordance with the nine-point code of conduct for Cabinet ministers as announced yesterday by the Prime Minister.
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-