In response to inquiries from the media on the meetings between the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Responsible for Bilateral Relations) and Ambassadors at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between 10 -11 April 2019 regarding the presence of diplomatic representatives at Pathumwan Police Station to observe the legal proceedings of Mr. Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, the Ministry wishes to inform the following:

The Deputy Permanent Secretary expressed disappointment and concern at the presence of the Embassies’ representatives at the police station, where Mr. Thanathorn reported to hear the charges being made against him. In particular, the Embassies’ action was seen to be a show of moral support for Mr. Thanathorn as well as a taking of sides in Thai domestic politics. This action is clearly beyond the functions of a diplomatic mission, an interference in Thailand’s internal affairs, and in breach of Article 41 of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The Ministry therefore urged the Embassies to prevent the recurrence of such actions in the future.

The Ambassadors and representatives were from the Embassies of France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America, Finland, Belgium and the Delegation of the European Union.