On 29 November 2022, Mr. Sarun Charoensuwan, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs received a courtesy call from Ms. Sarah Lou Ysmael Arriola, the new Regional Director (RD) of International Organization for Migration (IOM) for Asia and the Pacific, who has assumed the duty since early October.

Ms. Arriola appreciated proactive roles played by Thailand as one of the Champion Countries advocating for progressive implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and shared updates on the work of the Regional Office, including cooperation with and support provided to ASEAN in relation to labour migration management. The two sides exchanged views on challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on migration. The Permanent Secretary reiterated Thailand’s commitment as the host country to support the work of IOM Regional Office and Country Mission.