On 1 July 2010, Ms. Vimon Kidchob, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, responded to media enquiries regarding the visit of former prime minister Police Lieutenant Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra’s legal adviser, Mr. Noppadon Pattama, to Washington D.C. to meet with members of the US executive branch and Congress, as follows:
1. This matter should not present any problems because the Thai authorities have been in close communication with the United States authorities, providing them with facts on the political situation in Thailand, including the Government’s efforts to resolve related problems and promote reconciliation. Thailand has confidence in the judgment of people concerned in the United States.
2. The United States - both its executive branch and Congress - fully understands that the present Thai Government assumed office through democratic means in accordance with the parliamentary system and is determined to resolve the political problems of the country in a peaceful manner while exercising restraint in dealing with the situation. The United States also supports the Prime Minister’s reconciliation plan. On 24 June 2010, the US Senate approved a resolution supporting its goals, while the US House of Representatives is in the process of considering a draft resolution of a similar nature. In this regard, the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington D.C. has been closely engaged in a continual exchange of information with the United States authorities concerned.
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