On 9 July 2009, Mr. Kasit Piromya, Foreign Minister of Thailand, departed Sydney, Australia, for Auckland, New Zealand, to participate in the 1st Thailand-New Zealand Joint Commission Meeting. He started the first day of his official trip with a visit to the New Zealand Institute of Environment Science and Research (ESR), then proceeded to the Auckland University of Technology to give a talk on “Current Situation in Thailand and its Prospects”. A dinner was held in his honour by the Thai Chapter, ASEAN-NZ Combined Business Council (ANZCBC) hosted by Mr. Michael Whale, Thailand’s Honorary Consul to Auckland.
At the ESR, the Foreign Minister Kasit was briefed about the structure and operations of the institute, a research leader in environmental science, public health, and forensics, particularly DNA testing. The institute has assisted the Royal Thai Police in developing forensic science expertise, including by providing training for Thai officials tasked with proof of identity and related fields. The Foreign Minister exchanged views with the institute’s Chief Executive Officer, admiring the institute’s independence, which allowed its researchers to do their work with transparency and free from influence, and seeing it as a possible role model in the development of forensic science in Thailand.
In his talk at the Auckland University of Technology, the Foreign Minister explained the development of Thai politics over the past 15 years, noting that in the last few years public participation has increased, reflecting real democracy in Thai society. He stressed the government’s determination to run the country with transparency and to provide opportunity for people of all levels. He praised New Zealand as a good example for Thailand in national development. New Zealand and Thailand both have economies in which agriculture plays a prominent role. Yet, New Zealand has focused more on education, technological research, and productivity improvement in the agricultural sector.
During the dinner with New Zealand businessmen, he said that the government’s economic policy was friendly to both Thai and foreign private sectors. Thailand stood ready to promote trade and investment from New Zealand, particularly in such sectors as alternative energy, agricultural technology, environment, logistics, public health, eco-tourism, and water management. He also mentioned the One-Stop Service Centre established in Bangkok to facilitate foreign businessmen wishing to do business in Thailand, providing such services as visa extension, and advice and information on investing in Thailand.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th