On 23 August 2010, at the Foreign Ministry, the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington D.C. led a congressional staff delegation to pay a courtesy call on Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, under the project of congressional staff delegation’s visit to Thailand, to exchange views on various issues of common interest.
Foreign Minister Kasit stressed the importance of the US role in Southeast Asia, particularly the US engagement with the ASEAN member countries as equal partners. Recently, ASEAN has extended an invitation to the US to attend the East Asia Summit (EAS) to be held in Hanoi at the end of this year. Moreover, the US also plays a significant role in the sub-regional framework of cooperation on development called “the United States — Lower Mekong Initiative (USLMI).”
In addition, Foreign Minister Kasit reiterated that Thailand is a democratic society with a democratically elected government as stipulated in the constitution. Thailand stood ready to enhance technical cooperation with the US and international community in promoting good governance, strengthening independent institutions, and human resource development, which would strengthen the democratization process in the Kingdom.
On this occasion, the congressional staff delegation enquired on the imposition of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situation, B.E. 2548 (2005) in some areas. Foreign Minister Kasit stated that the said Emergency Decree had been applied to ensure safety and security of Thais and foreigners so that they could live their lives normally. The measure also aimed to prevent the use of violence or the threat to use violence to facilitate the authorities concerned to carry out their duties efficiently. As for the question about the Thai economy, Foreign Minister Kasit stated that the Royal Thai Government had implemented the 1st and 2nd stimulus packages in order to strengthen the Thai economy and create confidence among foreign investors. The Thai economy has improved in the right direction.
The project of congressional staff delegation’s visit to Thailand aimed at enhancing staff-to-staff relationship between the US Congress and the Thai Foreign Ministry and providing an opportunity for their exchange of views on various issues of mutual interest. On this occasion, the delegation is also scheduled to meet with representatives from Thai security and economic agencies, private sector, academics, and the legislative body. They will also visit the Doi Tung Development Project in Chiang Rai Province.
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