On 28 June 2010, Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with 16 Muslim media representatives from Libya, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Tajikistan, and Egypt, who participated in the “Media Familiarization Trip to Thailand Programme” being held from 27 June — 3 July 2010. The Programme, which is a part of Foreign Ministry’s “Public Diplomacy”, aims to promote a better understanding about Thailand among the Muslim Media. It also seeks to increase good relations between Thailand and the Muslim Countries and increase opportunity for economic cooperation.
On this occasion, Foreign Minister Kasit emphasized how the Thai culture incorporates a great deal of influence from the Muslim culture and the willingness of the Royal Thai Government to cooperate with the Muslim world. Evidently, Thailand has continuously strengthened its diplomatic relations with the Gulf States, with the presence of Royal Thai Embassies in almost every State in the region, including the recently opened of the Royal Thai Embassy in Libya.
Foreign Minister Kasit also reaffirmed the Royal Thai Government’s confidence that, through numerous measures including promotion of good governance, education for all, improving public infrastructure, accessible healthcare, well-being of vulnerable groups, media reform, and public participation in national reform, Thailand will be able to move forward and restore peace and stability in the Kingdom.
During the visit to Thailand, the visiting media members are scheduled to visit various key places and meet with senior government officials in Bangkok, Ayudhaya, Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani. These visits would provide opportunities for them to gain fact and in-depth information about the Thai society and, in turn, facilitate the expansion of media network and the creation of the socalled “Friends of 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