On 24 December 2008, Mr. Kasit Piromya came to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following his appointment as Thailand’s new Foreign Minister. Upon arrival, the new Foreign Minister paid homage to the statue of HRH Prince Devawongse Varoprakarn, recognized as the Father of Thai Diplomacy. On this occasion, New Foreign Minister also gave the press interview, gist as follows:
Minister Kasit said that since 22 December 2008, he had been a member of the Cabinet. 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 by the Prime Minister.
He 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 new Foreign Minister confirmed 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.
He expressed apology to the 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.
Later that day, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs met with high-ranking officials of the Ministry, during which he received a detailed briefing about the work and responsibilities of the Ministry and discussed priority issues that needed to be addressed both in the immediate and long-term.
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.