Summary of Weekly Press Briefing

Friday, 11 November 2022 at 13:30 hours

Narathip Auditorium, MFA and via MFA Facebook Live

1. Investment Minister of Saudi Arabia visited Thailand (4 – 7 Nov 2022)

• During his visit to Thailand, H.E. Mr. Khalid Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Investment Minister of Saudi Arabia, met with DPM/FM to discuss trade and investment as well as the official visit of HRH Prince Mohammad bin Salman during the APEC Econ Leaders’ Week (AELW). The bilat meeting was followed by a welcome dinner.
• Investment Minister of Saudi Arabia also held talks with H.E. Mr. Supattanapong Punmeechaow, DPM/Energy Minister, and H.E. Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of NRE. Topics on discussion included energy cooperation and complementarity between Saudi Vision 2030 and Thailand’s BCG Economy model.
• Investment Minister of Saudi Arabia and over 200 Saudi investors participated in the Thai-Saudi Investment Forum organized by MFA, EEC Policy Committee,Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking(JSCCIB), and Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA). Investment Minister of Saudi Arabia also shared his strategy to incentivize more bilat investment, pushing for the signing of 8 MOUs on construction and gastronomy businesses.
• Thailand hopes to attract more Saudi investment to the EEC, while her counterpart is looking forward to more investment from the Thai side in health and tourism.

2. APEC Preparatory Meeting (9 Nov 2022)

• DPM/FM convened a preparatory meeting for the 29^th AELM and Related Meetings. Topics of discussion included formalities and protocols, substantive issues, public relations, as well as official visits and bilat meetings.
• The Gala Dinner will be an opportunity for foreign dignitaries to appreciate the traditions and cultural identities of Thainess through Thai cuisine and performances, among others.

3. Rescuing Thai women lured into prostitution in Nigeria

• The Dept. of Consular Affairs has been informed of the 12 Thai sex workers in Nigeria, who had been paid much lower than initially agreed.
• In this regard, RTE, Abuja has been providing assistance to the unharmed victims and will work to ensure their safe return to Thailand.

4. AELW (14 – 19 Nov 2022)

• On 14 – 19 Nov 2022, Thailand will host the first in-person AELW in four years at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) to welcome leaders, ministers, delegates, as well as int’l media. The meetings are under the theme “Open. Connect. Balance.”
• The AELW will begin with the Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting (CSOM) on 15-16 Nov to sum up the important work since the assumption of Thailand’s host year and prepare for the 33^rd APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) on 17 Nov and the 29^th APEC Econ Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) on 18-19 Nov.
• Chaired by PM, the AELM will discuss ways to advance the region amidst int’l challenges towards sustainability. Leaders are also expected to adopt the Bangkok Goals on BCG Economy with hopes to coordinate member economies on sustainable development. IMF Director will also join the forum.
• Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand will graciously grant an audience to all leaders, their representatives, and the Guests.
• Cultural and culinary showcases will be organized throughout the week to promote Thainess. The AELW will be operated under the “green meeting” concept in line with the BCG Economy Model as the soul of APEC 2022.

5. APEC Media Handbook

• The Info Dept. has published the Media Handbook for the AELW to provide over 2,000 int’l registrants with information on media opportunities, code of conduct, the Media Center, APEC 2022, shuttle buses, recreation activities, as well as media excursions and APEC Communication Partners Exhibition in line with the theme “Open. Connect. Balance.”
• The E-Media Handbook is available at: https://bit.ly/3TpJJD9.

6. APEC Communication Partners Exhibition (10.00 – 18.00 hrs. on 14 – 19 Nov 2022)

• At the Media Center, APEC Comm Partners will organize exhibitions to showcase their innovation, technology, and knowledge sharing in areas of their expertise.
• MFA has also been collaborating with key APEC Comm Partners to arrange a “Green Press Center” under “Care the Bear: Change the Climate Change project,” aiming to encourage behavioral changes through various sustainable practices.
• Further detail on the Exhibition is available at https://bit.ly/3WJsrnz.

7. Thailand’s bid to host the Expo 2028 in Phuket, Thailand (25 Oct 2022)

• MFA and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) discussed Thailand’s campaign for the “Expo 2028 – Phuket, Thailand” candidacy for the term 2027 – 2028. The meeting was joined by RTEs, RTCGs, Trade Promotion offices, and TAT offices around the world.
• Under the theme “Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity,” the proposed “Expo 2028 – Phuket, Thailand” aims to highlight Thailand’s 3 potentials as (1) the first country in Southeast Asia and South Asia to host the said event, (2) a solution to health, social, and environmental inequalities through the People-Planet-Prosperity approach, and (3) an int’l medical hub and medical tourism destination.
• Team Thailand has been campaigning for the country’s candidacy, and the efforts will continue till the election in 2023. Other candidates include Minnesota, Belgrade, Malaga, and Bariloche.

8. Recommended applications for Thai travelers

• “Tarng Rath” (Shortcut) is now available to provide Thais with easier access to routine public services.
• An updated version of “Thai Consular” will keep you up to date with travel advisory, RTE hotlines, legalization services, and other essential information for Thais living abroad.

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

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Press Division
Department of Information