Summary of the Weekly Press Briefing
by the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy MFA Spokesperson
on 6 February 2026 at 11:00 hrs.
MFA Press Conference Room

1. Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs attends the Critical Minerals Ministerial and related activities in Washington, D.C.
   
   

• On 3 - 4 February 2026, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended the Critical Minerals Ministerial and related activities in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the invitation of the U.S. Secretary of State.
• The meeting aimed to discuss ways to promote diversification and enhance the security of global critical minerals supply chains. In attendance were Ministers and high-level representatives from over 50 countries. The U.S. side presented an initiative to establish a trading bloc on critical minerals among allied and partner countries to enhance access to critical minerals, develop price-floor mechanisms, and prevent disruptions to critical minerals supply chains. Critical minerals are essential inputs for industrial manufacturing and the development of advanced technologies. Participants also exchanged views on strengthening global critical minerals supply chains to be sustainable, transparent, and accessible at affordable prices, in support of economic and national security.
• On the sidelines of the meeting, the Vice Foreign Minister also participated in a seminar entitled “Securing Critical Mineral Supply: A Government-Industry Dialogue” and a roundtable discussion on “Indo-Pacific Critical Minerals: Integrating Upstream and Downstream,” which provided platforms to exchange views on the role of public-private partnerships and to further strengthen cooperation networks on critical minerals with partners.
• During his visit to Washington, D.C., the Vice Foreign Minister also met with representatives from various sectors, including (1) the Honorable Michael George DeSombre, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs; (2) Congressman Joe Wilson (Republican-South Carolina), Co-chair of the U.S. - Thai Alliance Caucus, U.S. House of Representatives; (3) Congressman Warren Davidson (Republican-Ohio), member of the House Financial Services Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee; and (4) Dr. Darren Beattie, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State. Both sides exchanged views on ways to further promote the Thailand - U.S. partnership across various areas, particularly strengthening cooperation to combat online scams in Southeast Asia.
• Participation in the Ministerial meeting and related activities expanded opportunities for international cooperation on critical minerals, supported the development of future industries and advanced technologies, and enhanced Thailand’s long-term competitiveness.

2. Logo Design Competition in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of Thailand - New Zealand Diplomatic Relations

• The Ministry invites interested participants, both Thai and New Zealand citizens residing in Thailand or New Zealand, to participate in the competition by designing a logo that represents both Thailand and New Zealand, and accompanying text that commemorates the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
• The winner will be awarded 2,500 New Zealand dollars, or approximately 45,000 baht, and prizes from sponsoring agencies, including Air New Zealand, Tourism New Zealand, and Auckland City Council. The winning logo will be used in promotional media throughout the year. The logo competition has been open for entries since 21 January 2026, and interested individuals can still submit their entries until 16 February 2026. Please find more details on the posters and QR codes displayed on the screen.
• In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Royal Thai Embassy in Wellington and Team Thailand agencies, has plans to conduct various activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Thailand - New Zealand diplomatic relations, including (1) a business seminar in collaboration with the New Zealand - Thailand Chamber of Commerce; (2) Thai digital and technology sector delegation's participation in New Zealand TechWeek; (3) Thailand - New Zealand Investment Forum; and (4) Cultural Roadshows organized by the Ministry of Culture.

Watch the full session at: https://fb.watch/F5k8XR27Aj/?