Summary of Weekly Press Briefing by

Director-General of Department of Information/Spokesperson of MFA

Thursday 3 October 2024 at 11.00 hrs.

Buakaew Room, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and MFA FB Live

1. The Situation in the Middle East and Actions Taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• The recent escalation in tensions in the Middle East has prompted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to instruct the Thai Embassies in the region to further raise the level of alertness. On 1 October 2567, the Permanent Secretary chaired a meeting with the Thai Embassies in the region to assess the overall situation and plan for any necessary assistance extended to Thais in the area once needed.
• The Thai government is deeply concerned about the safety of Thai nationals in the Middle East (particularly in the affected areas) and urges them to strictly follow the instructions of the local authorities and the relevant Thai embassies in the area. In this connection, there are no reports of Thai nationals suffering any casualties in Israel or Lebanon as a result of the recent air attacks.
• The Thai government continues to monitor the situation with deep concern and call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and cease any actions that may risk escalating tensions further. The Thai government also calls on all parties to respect international law and return to the path of peace and negotiations toward an immediate ceasefire.
• With regards to the remaining Thai hostages in Gaza, the Thai government will continue to exert all efforts possible to advocate for their return. The Government continues to be in contact with key players in the region to discuss and seek their good offices towards the release of the Thai hostages.
• Regarding the the security of Thai workers in Israel, this issue continues to be a top priority and the Thai Government will continue to work with the Israeli side to ensure their safe working conditions in those zones that are not at high risk. At the same time, the Ministry is currently in discussions with the Ministry of Labour to delay – at this time – further sending of Thai workers to Israel at this time.

2. Outcomes of the 79th Session of the 79^th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York

• On 23-28 September 2024, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, led the Thai delegation to attend the UNGA79 in New York. He delivered statements at the Summit of the Future and the General Debate of UNGA79, in which he reflected views of the future world where everyone will be protected and able to prospwer, which require political will to address common global challenges. He also reiterated Thailand’s commitment to pursuing a people-centred policy and its pledge to serve as a bridge-builder, fostering dialogue and trust among nations, as well as promoting North-South development cooperation.
• The Foreign Minister also attended a reception hosted by the U.S. President, chaired the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Global Health, and participated in other related meetings, such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting.
• In addition, the Foreign Minister held bilateral discussions with foreign ministers, UN Secretary-General, Secretary-General of the OIC, UNSG’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, and executives of key U.S. companies, such as Oracle Corporation and Zoom Video Communications.
• On the same occasion, the Thai delegation or representative participated in a number of meetings, such as luncheon with the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), Ministerial Meetings of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), BIMSTEC and Group of 77 and China, including hosting a reception on the presentation of Thailand's candidature to the Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2025-2027.

3. Participation at the 3rd Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit in Doha, Qatar

• The Foreign Minister is currently in the Thai delegation led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra attending the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit in Doha, Qatar, under the Chairmanship of Iran.
• The meeting is held under the theme Sports Diplomacy, with the aim to promote cooperation in sports diplomacy among its member countries, discuss ways to address geopolitical challenges, promote unity, peace, prosperity and the role of the private sector in generating investment opportunities, as well as to advance cooperation on tourism, culture, energy, climate change and connectivity. The meeting will endorse the Doha Declaration as an outcome document.
• On the sidelines of this meeting, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister will meet with His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, and Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to strengthen cooperation in various fields.
• In 2025, Thailand will assume Chairmanship of the ACD once again after assuming this function in Thailand hopes to see the ACD become a Forum of Asia that promotes Asian interests in the Asian Century. Thailand is committed to bridging the interests of member countries to promote peace and shared prosperity.

4. Participation at the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Vientiane, Lao PDR

• The Foreign Minister will join the Thai delegation led by Prime Minister to attend the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related Summits from 9-11 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR, under the ASEAN Chairmanship of Lao PDR, on the theme "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience".
• In addition to the ASEAN Leaders' Meeting, the Prime Minister, joined by the Foreign Minister, will also attend the ASEAN Leaders' Meetings with their dialogue partners, including China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Australia, India, the United States and Canada, as well as the United Nations, to discuss how to strengthen the ASEAN Community, promote cooperation between ASEAN and external partners, and relevant regional and international issues.
• In addition, the Prime Minister, joined by the Foreign Minister, is also scheduled to participate in discussions with representatives of various sectors and leaders from various countries who will come to attend the meeting.

Watch the full session at: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/QddbegvjKhramH5b/

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