On 30 January 2009, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva chaired the Meeting of Thai Ambassadors and Consul-Generals to European and Mediterranean countries, providing policy guidelines to 28 Ambassadors, Consul-Generals and Charge d’Affaires from 21 European countries and 4 Mediterranean countries, namely Morocco, Egypt, Jordan and Israel.
The Prime Minister outlined his views about the situation in Thailand, in which politics-wise, the situation has returned to normal with ever-growing stability. The legislative process has resumed as exemplified by the endorsement of the 39 framework documents for the ASEAN Summit. Thailand as the ASEAN Chair is confident of hosting the ASEAN Summit at the end of February through early March, and there is the possibility that all countries concerned will be able to meet for the ASEAN+6 Meeting in April 2009. The Government gives priority to national reconciliation and is beginning the process of conferring with various parties concerned on the matter of political reform. The Government also gives importance to working on the basis of the rule of law and will expedite important pending cases in a transparent and matter-of-fact manner.
On the economy, the Prime Minister told the Meeting that Thailand’s financial foundations remains strong, but the global financial crisis has weakened the purchasing power of Thailand’s important markets. The Government thus had to readjust monetary and financial policies to cope with the crisis. Currently the aim is to increase domestic purchasing power, which should help stimulate the domestic economy and decrease the problem of layoffs. In formulating the various policies, the Government had consulted with all segments of society. The Prime Minister stressed that the confidence of foreign investors is of great importance. The Labor Ministry has been asked to help prevent protests by factory workers from getting out of hand. The Prime Minister asked that the Ambassadors and Consul-Generals remain confident and take a proactive approach in promoting Thailand. Following the Meeting, the Prime Minister will proceed to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he will to use the opportunity to talk about Thailand’s economy, including the tourism and agricultural sectors, and also meet other world leaders and prominent members of the international media.
On the situation in Southern Thailand, the Prime Minister noted that it is a good sign that the frequency of acts of violence has declined. The Government will give priority to resolving the situation through economic and social development while also ensuring due process and the rule of law.
The Meeting was of the view that European countries welcome Thailand’s return to normalcy with a Government from the parliamentary process. Western governments are satisfied that the Government has resolved various issues without resorting to force and welcome the Head of Government’s receptiveness to listening to problems and ability to clearly clarify issues to the media. In Eastern Europe, Thailand’s image remains good with many countries viewing that the Thai people are indeed fortunate to have the monarchy as the soul of the nation.
The Meeting of Ambassadors and Consul-Generals will continue until 1 February 2009. On the last day, the Meeting will submit a report to Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya to forward the comments and suggestions in the report to the Government for further consideration.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
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