On 24 June 2014, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and acting Foreign Minister, held a press conference after a bilateral meeting with Mr. Jesus Miguel Sanz, Ambassador of the European Union to Thailand, on the conclusions adopted by the European Union Foreign Affairs Council regarding the situation in Thailand.

The Permanent Secretary said that Thailand is disappointed by the EU’s measures, which have not taken into account the positive developments in Thailand since 22 May 2014 including the restoration of peace and order, the continuation of the national administration, and most importantly, the restoration of normalcy in the Thai society. Thailand calls upon the EU and its Member States to recognize the ongoing efforts from all sectors of Thai society to bring about national reconciliation, which will foster an environment conducive for sustainable democracy, as laid out in the 3-phase roadmap.

The Permanent Secretary reiterated to the EU Ambassador that the EU should reconsider the suspension of the Official Visits to and from Thailand and the decision not to sign the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with a view for the long-term mutual interest. The Permanent Secretary also stated that Thailand has urged the EU to review the above-mentioned measures at the earliest opportunity and to remain engaged with Thailand in a constructive and positive manner.

During the Q&A session, the press asked whether the EU will apply any economic sanctions to Thailand or not, to which the Permanent Secretary insisted that trade and investment between EU countries and Thailand will be continued. Moreover, the EU Foreign Affairs Council did not mention any measures on the Free Trade Agreement between Thailand and the EU, which implies that both sides will be able to continue their talks. The measures from the EU will not affect Thailand’s participation in the multilateral meetings including the ASEAN – EU Ministerial Meeting in Brussels in July 2014 and the ASEM Summit in Milan in October this year. The Permanent Secretary stated that the Foreign Ministry has been working closely with the EU, which he himself had met with several ambassadors from the EU countries to explain the political situation in Thailand. In parallel, Thai diplomatic missions in European countries have continuously provided information and developments on the situation in Thailand to the respective host governments.