On 9^th June 2014, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs attended the ASEAN Regional Forum Senior Official’s Meeting in Yangon. The gist of the meeting is as follow:

The ASEAN Regional Forum Senior Official’s Meeting exchanged views on Regional and International issues. The meeting also endorsed the ARF activities for which co-chairs are identified for the years 2014-2015. In this connection, Thailand offered to co-host with China the Inter-sessional Meeting on Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crimes (ISM –CTTC) for 2014-2015. In addition, the Senior officials also discussed the future direction of ARF and made preparations for the 21^st ASEAN Regional Forum.

Under the agenda item Exchange of Views on Regional and International Issues, the Permanent Secretary offered his views that as we look at the strategic landscape of the region, there is a dichotomy with geo-economics going the right way with cooperation and prosperity while shifting geopolitics and competition among the major powers represent a concern for regional peace and stability. It is incumbent for major powers to manage their relationship. With regard to recent events in the South China Sea and the escalation of tension, Thailand underscores the importance of early conclusion of a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) while urging all parties to exercise utmost restraint and avoid all actions which might exacerbate the situation. On the issue of DPRK, Thailand wishes to see peace, stability and prosperity and to see all concerned parties return to dialogue and at the same time, has concerns with the humanitarian situation.

The Permanent Secretary also updated on the political situation in Thailand. He urges our friends to look at the situation in the political context of what has been going on for many years: the polarization of politics, the division of society and the paralysis of government. Thailand reaffirms its commitments to the principles of democracy. With the 3-stage Roadmap of reconciliation, reform and election, Thailand is working towards the path of sustainable democracy. Thailand understands the concerns of the international community but seek support, understanding and engagement. Thailand is not going to disappear, being the second largest economy of ASEAN. In conclusion, we also intend to play an important role in foreign policy especially in ASEAN.