On 22 September 2009, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya accompanied Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to attend the High-Level Meeting on Climate Change at the United Nations Headquarters and joined him in special luncheon with major US investors as part of the “Thailand: Investing from Strength to Strength” campaign, a speech by the Prime Minister at Columbia University and a meeting with the Thai community in the US.
During the High-Level Meeting on Climate Change, Prime Minister Abhisit exchanged views with other leaders on international environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and energy conservation. He also took part in the Interactive Roundtable Session: How to Transform the World Economy into Low-carbon Growth.
During the special luncheon with major US investors, the Thai Prime Minister talked about the measures undertaken by the government to address the “twin challenges” of the economic recession and domestic political conflict. He elaborated on the stimulus packages, particularly the current second package focusing on basic infrastructure i.e. transportation, communications, water resources management, alternative energy, education, public health, tourism and the service sector. The government is strongly determined, he said, to promote foreign investment by improving and streamlining the related rules and regulations.
In the afternoon, the Prime Minister delivered a speech on “Post-Crisis Thailand: Building a New Democratic Society” at Columbia University. He emphasized that different opinions in the Thai society reflected democracy in Thailand is vibrantly at work. Democracy is something that needs to be cultivated and learned. To strengthen democracy, the government has to focus on people and their needs, innovation, vision and education in society, reconciliation, openness of economies and attitudes, good governance, and regional cooperation and integration.
Later in the evening, the Prime Minister and his delegation met with the Thai community in the US. The event drew a crowd of over 500 Thais from major cities in the US. The Prime Minister took this opportunity to brief the participants that the health condition of His Majesty the King is improving. His Majesty is making good recovery. The Prime Minister also talked about the latest political and economic situation in Thailand and his activities in the US including participation in the 64th Session of UNG, the G-20 Summit and the “Thailand: Investing from Strength to Strength” campaign. During the questions and answers session, the questions raised by the participants included Thai Airways International’s direct flight between Bangkok-New York, the reform of the Thai educational system, the reform of the Royal Thai Police, constitutional amendment, conservation of Thai culture and language, Phra Viharn issue, and measures to help Thai exporters and investors in the US.
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