Summary of Press Briefing by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

on The Visit to Qatar and Egypt by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs

Friday, 3 November 2023 at 11:00 hours

Press Conference Room, MFA and via MFA Facebook Live

• After the situation in Israel began, the Royal Thai Government has been very concerned with the situation. We try to reach out to those who can connect to Hamas and networks, which can help with the release of Thai hostages.
• DPM/FM visited Qatar and Egypt on 30 Oct – 2 Nov 2023 and met with 4 ministers, including 1) Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, 2) Minister of State of Qatar, 3) Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, who was in the middle of his visit in Qatar, and 4) Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt.
• Topics of Discussion

1. DPM/FM informed the prime minister and the ministers the nature of Thai nationals’ work in the area, which is mostly in agricultural sector to send remittances home. Thus, Thai workers in Israel are unrelated to the situation.
2. DPM/FM got informed that there are more than one group of Hamas, thus there may need to be more than one channel of negotiation.
3. DPM/FM asked for the support for Thais to be released at the earliest opportunity. The three countries agreed to use their best efforts and asked for Thailand’s support for the ceasefire, which can help the release to be sooner.

• PM/FM and Minister of State of Qatar believes that Thais will be amongst those who will be released first. FM of Iran agreed to help secure release, while FM of Egypt agreed to help convey the message at the earliest opportunity.
• DPM/FM asked for any developments to be conveyed to Thai Ambassadors as soon as they are known, so the Royal Thai Embassies can prepare to bring Thai people back home. DPM/FM also asked FM of Egypt for permission for Thai officials to the border of Egypt and Gaza, if the hostage is released there.
• DPM/FM appreciated all parties’ efforts to support the release of Thai hostages at the earliest opportunity.