Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs held a talk with the US Ambassador to Thailand

On 17 June 2014, Ms. Kristie Kenney, the US ambassador to Thailand, had a bilateral discussion with Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Acting Foreign Minister. Both sides exchanged views on US - Thailand relations. Gist as follows:

The US ambassador expressed understanding about the political developments in Thailand and appreciated being briefed on the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO)’s 3-phase roadmap towards the next general elections. She also hoped to see more progress in the future.

In addition, the State Department is expected to release the 2014 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report on 20 June 2014. Thailand has been categorized in Tier 2 Watch List for the past 4 years, and the Permanent Secretary conveyed to the US Ambassador the great importance that Thailand and the NCPO continues to attach to combatting and eradicating human trafficking.  Thailand has spared no effort in enforcing the law to prosecute perpetrators, as evident in the increase in the number of cases, which arose to 400 with more than 200 perpetrators being punished. This reflects the strong determination of Thailand to tackle the issue of human trafficking. It is hoped that 2014 TIP Report will reflect Thailand’s substantial progress on this matter during the past year and will not be affected by the current political situation.

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                                                                                      17 June 2014

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