Summary of Weekly Press Briefing

Friday, 20 January 2023 at 11:00 hours

Department of Information Meeting Room, MFA and via MFA Facebook Live

1. Official Visit to Thailand of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal (16 -17 Jan 2023)

• E. Mr. João Gomes Cravinho, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic, paid a courtesy call on DPM/FM Don, on the occasion of his visit to Thailand. Thailand is the first Southeast Asian country the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Portuguese Republic paid a visit after he assumed office in March 2022.
• The discussion touched upon cooperation on trade and investment, which DPM/FM Don invited Portugal investors to invest in the EEC. Both sides also discussed cooperation on labour, culture, language, gastronomy and tourism and agreed to convene the 3^rd Political Consultations at the earliest opportunity. Both sides also discussed regional situations on Myanmar, Ukraine and ASEAN.
• FM of Portugal also met with Thai businessmen investing in Portugal at the Embassy of Portugal in Thailand and also visit Santa Cruz Neighborhood (Kudi Chin), a setttlement of Portuguese in the capital.
• This year marks 512 years since the first Portuguese diplomatic mission to Siam. DPM/FM Don, (then FM), officially visited Portugal on 17-19 December 2019, marking the first visit at the level of foreign minister in almost 30 years.

2. Venerable Ajahn Jayasaro’s Visit to Maharashtra State, India (8-16 Jan 2023)

• Venerable Ajahn Jayasaro visited Maharashtra state, India, at the invitation of the Buddhists in the state. This is an example of people-to-people relations. This visit was facilitated by Mr. Donwit Poolsawat, Consul-General of Royal Thai Consulate - General, Mumbai.
• Ajahn Jayasaro visited Buddhists communities, and hosted dharma talks and practices in 7 cities in India. Ajahn Jayasaro also launched his book, “Without and Within” which has been published in Marathi language (the official language of Maharashtra state) for the first time. The book collects questions and answers on the teachings of Thai Theravada Buddhism. The English version can be downloaded at https://amaravati.org/dhamma-books/without-and-within/
• The Thai Embassies/Consulates-General aboard have made efforts in strengthening the Thai communities through various activities including Buddhist temple activities. MFA also facilitated the Muslims joining the Hajj in Mecca and participating in the Al-Quran Reading competition.

3. 3. Developments of Consular Services by MFA

• PS for Foreign Affairs and MFA executives visited the Dept. of Consular Affairs and discussed plans to develop consular services provided for both Thais and foreigners including:
  • Developing technology to facilitate passport applications, i.e. self- applications through website in 2026;
  • Extending the passport kiosk services to various provinces this year. Currently, there are kiosk machines available at Pathum Wan Office of Foreign Affairs (MBK Center) and Bangyai Office (Central Westgate);
  • Improving the efficiency of document legalization service through e-Legalization;
  • Extending the coverage of e-Visa to more countires. Currently e-Visa services are avaiable in 38 Embassies/Consulates in 23 countries.

4. The Presentation Ceremony of Prince Mahidol Award 2022 (26 Jan 2023)

• Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, as the Representative of His Majesty the King, will preside over the Presentation Ceremony of the Prince Mahidol Awards 2022 at the Chakri Throne Hall on 26 Jan 2023.
• The Prince Mahidol Award is given to individuals or organizations who have outstanding research in medicine and public health which brings benefits to mankind, consisting of two fields: medical and public health field.
• This award is organized by the Prince Mahidol Award Foundation under the Royal Patronage which was established in 1992 on the occasion of the 100^th anniversary of the birth of HRH Prince Mahidol of Songkla. The Presentation Ceremony took place during the month of January each year.
• The Prince Mahidol Award 2022 in the field of Medicine is awarded to
  • Professor Ralph A. DeFronzo, M.D., (USA) for his research on the mechanisms of diabetes and obesity.
• The Prince Mahidol Award 2022 in the field of Public Health is awarded to
  • Douglas R. Lowy, M.D., (USA) and Dr. John T. Schiller, Ph.D., (USA), and Professor Ian H. Frazer, MB.ChB, M.D., (UK/Australia), for their studies that led to the HPV vaccine.
• There were 88 persons/organizations from 34 countries nominated.
• The Prince Mahidol Award comprises (1) Certificates (2) Medals (3) Prize money of 100,000 US dollars each. From 1992 – 2021, a total of 90 individuals/organizations have received this award.
• The live broadcast of the Ceremony can be watched on Thursday 26 January 2023 from 16.10 hrs.
  • Channel 9 MCOT HD television station is the host broadcaster.
  • English-Thai audio will be broadcasted by Radio Thailand. There is also a live broadcast available through the website http://tv.Mcot.net/index and www.princemahidolaward.org

5. The Launch of E-Book of Saranrom Radio Journal

• Saranrom Radio has been operated by the MFA through AM 1575 KHz. It presents news and information on foreign affairs and is currently available online through saranrom.mfa.go.th and Facebook “Saranrom Radio”.
• Since 1992, the Dept. of Information, MFA has produced 89 Saranrom Radio Journals to compile interesting articles on diplomacy, foreign affairs, and useful information to enhance public understanding of foreign affairs.
• Saranrom Radio Journal E-Book can be downloaded from website: saranrom.mfa.go.th and www.mfa.go.th

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Weekly Press Briefing: https://fb.watch/i9Wjw864T3/