On 31 August 2010, Mr. Theerakul Niyom, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, presided over the opening ceremony of the 2010 Consular Officials Meeting held at the Chaophya Park Hotel, Bangkok, from 31 August 3 September 2010. The Permanent Secretary was briefed by Mr. Jukr Boon-Long, Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs, on the background and objectives of the Meeting. The ceremony was attended by high ranking officials of the Foreign Ministry, as well as consular officials from 91 Royal Thai Embassies, Royal Thai Consulates-General, and Thailand Trade and Economic Office Taipei. In addition, the heads of Temporary Passport Offices from various provinces also took part in the event. The Foreign Ministry has invited several guest speakers from the Ministry and other relevant agencies to brief and exchange views with the participants.