On 19 June 2014, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and in his capacity as Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, invited Mr. Shigekazu Sato, Ambassador of Japan to Thailand, to update Thailand’s political development and exchang views on enhancing closer cooperation between the two countries. Mr. Sek Wannamethee, Director-General of the Department of Information and Ministry’s Spokesperson, briefed the media on the outcome of the discussion.

The Acting Foreign Minister updated Ambassador Sato on Thailand’s political development which include the recent curfew lift nationwide and the National Council for Peace and Order’s (NCPO) 3-phase roadmap which would lead the country toward the general elections and on a path of sustainable democracy. Mr. Sihasak reiterated that Thailand regards Japan as a long-term partner with close cooperation in all dimensions. In economic dimension, the Permanent Secretary reiterated that Thailand attaches importance in nurturing a conducive business environment for foreign direct investment. The Board of Investment (BOI) of Thailand recently approved investment projects which had been delayed from the protracted political stalemate. Progress has also been made in approving the national budgets for fiscal years 2014 and 2015. Japan continues to be the leading country in providing sources of foreign direct investment to Thailand. In addition, Thai government is committed to the safety of foreigners including Japanese communities and tourists in Thailand.

The Japanese Ambassador expressed appreciation to the Acting Foreign Minister for the briefing on the way forward in enhancing Thai-Japanese partnership. Japan also reaffirmed its position for Thailand to return to democracy at the earliest. The Ambassador informed the Acting Foreign Minister that updates on the Thai political development will be reported back to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan. Furthermore, the Ambassador reiterated Japan’s commitment in strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation. The plan for the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Acting Foreign Minister’s visit to Japan in the near future was well received and of which details will be further coordinated between the two sides.