Pursuant to the participation of some diplomatic missions in the briefing at the Pheu Thai Party Head Office on 23 April 2010, a certain number of which also made a visit to the rally site of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) as invited, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would like to state the following:
1. On 27 April 2010, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya met with H.E. Mr. Antonio Venus Rodriguez, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines in his capacity as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps to Thailand, to inform him that the Royal Thai Government understands and has no objection to the participation of diplomatic missions in the briefing organised by the opposition party, as this is considered part of their normal performance of duties. However, the Government is concerned by the visit made by some diplomatic missions to the rally site at Ratchaprasong Intersection which could be misconstrued as the rally is illegal and many UDD leaders have outstanding warrants for their arrest issued by the courts. In this regard, the Foreign Minister asked the Philippine Ambassador to convey to the diplomatic corps that they should exercise caution given the sensitivity of the present situation. He also expressed through the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps his appreciation to the diplomatic corps for their patience and understanding, as well as for acting within the bounds of propriety in monitoring the situation in Thailand as a whole.
2. Subsequently, on 28 April 2010, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent an Aide-Memoire to the Philippine Ambassador, in his capacity as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps to Thailand, conveying its concern regarding the visit by some members of the Diplomatic Corps to rally site, as earlier expressed by the Foreign Minister during the afore-mentioned meeting.
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