Summary of Weekly Press Briefing

Thursday, 6 January 2023 at 11:00 hours

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

• We would like to express our condolences to the demise of His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on 31 December 2022. PM and DPM/FM Don Pramudwinai have already sent their Messages of Condolences, and the latter, on behalf of PM, has also signed the book of condolences at the Apostolic Nunciature Embassy of the Holy See.
• Regarding the loss of HTMS Sukhothai, we truly appreciate the outpouring of condolence letters and messages to the Government, MFA, and the people of Thailand.

1. The tragic accident at the Grand Diamond Hotel, Cambodia (29 Dec 22)

• Regarding the recent fire that broke out at the Grand Diamond Hotel in Poipet, Cambodia and resulted in the loss of lives of 19 Thai nationals and the missing of 4 Thai nationals, MFA wishes to inform that the RTE, Phnom Penh has been working very closely with Sa Kaeo Province and concerned authorities to ensure Thai nationals will return home safely. As of now, through online channels, over 100 Thai nationals have been issued with necessary travel documents.
• Another important task of the RTE, Phnom Penh is to facilitate the transportation of the human remains back to Thailand, all of which have been brought back to Thailand already. For five bodies that are uncertain whether they are Thai nationals or not, parts of their bodies were also brought back to Thailand for DNA examination. The result of the DNA examination should be coming out very soon.
• On compensation to the victims and their relatives, the RTE is working closely on this issue.
• For the Grand Diamond Hotel, Cambodian and Thai authorities are working closely to ensure that there is no risk from the hotel building in terms of collapsing. We have close cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia on disaster relief and assistance in the border areas of the two countries. Sa Kaeo Province will be sending officers to investigate and work on this issue with Cambodian authorities.

2. Thailand’s application to host Expo 2028-Phuket

• Thailand wishes to present her candidacy to host the Specialized Expo in Phuket during 21 March – 20 June 2028. The five candidates include Thailand, USA, Serbia, Spain, and Argentina. In June 2023, the voting will take place among the 170 member countries of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
• The theme is set as “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity,” which stresses: (1) Thailand as the first Southeast Asian country to host the Expo; (2) the People-Planet-Prosperity approach to the inclusivity of access to the public health as well as work on social and environmental issues; and (3) Phuket as a regional and global hub for wellness and for medical tourism.
• A successful host would require close collaboration between relevant agencies, such as MOPH, MFA, MOC, TCEB, as well as Phuket Province and the Thai people.
• A briefing and reception will be hosted by MFA on 12 January 2023, and DPM/FM Don will be inviting members of the Diplomatic Corps and the foreign chamber of commerce. Members of the media are also invited. We hope everyone will support Thailand and Phuket for hosting the Expo 2028.

3. Advice to Thai nationals traveling to South Africa

• This is not to single out South Africa. People traveling to any country should be taking precautionary measures, making sure they follow the advice of the RTE/RTCG(s) in the country. RTEs and CGs of Thailand acorss the world are ready to assist all Thai nationals when you travel abroad.

Q&A

• Has there been any development on Thailand’s COVID-19 measures in response to the upcoming easing of China’s travel restrictions?
  • The relevant agencies have been continuously assessing existing disease control measures in preparation for incoming Chinese tourists who have been very important to the tourism and service industries of Thailand.
  • However, an immediate influx of Chinese tourists is unlikely. It is expected that around 300,000 visitors will come to Thailand in Q1/2023. Concerned agencies, industries, and businesses should, therefore, be prepared to welcome incoming travelers.
  • Thailand welcomes travelers from everywhere. Our disease control measures adhere to the following principles: (1) equality and non-discrimination; and (2) full confidence in the public health system in Thailand. In the past three years, Thailand has been known for being able to contain the spread of COVID-19 viruses due to its preparedness in the public health system, the availability of vaccines, as well as the disciplines of Thai people who strictly follow health guidelines. We welcome Chinese tourists as well as tourists from all countries, and we have been talking to entrepreneurs, and those working in the hotel industry and travel industry to be well prepared.
• How prepared is MFA amidst the gradual increase in Chinese tourists?
  • MFA has always been ready to welcome international tourists from anywhere, realizing the economic importance of tourism. Since the pandemic started, MFA has been facilitating tourist arrivals with, for instance, the issuance of necessary documents and E-Visa. Considering the current quarterly estimation of Chinese tourist arrivals, the situation should be manageable.

Weekly Press Briefing: https://fb.watch/hTwpV87nLZ/

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Press Division
Department of Information