Summary of Weekly Press Briefing

Wednesday, 12 October 2022 at 11:00 hours

Press Conference Room, MFA and via MFA Facebook Live

1. MFA Statement on the tragic incident in Nong Bua Lamphu

• MFA Thailand, on behalf of the RTG and the Thai people, wishes to express its deep appreciation for the messages of condolence from heads of state, heads of government, heads of international organizations, faith leaders, ministers of foreign affairs and other country representatives in various positions, as well as friends of Thailand, regarding the tragic incident that occurred at a childcare center in Uthai Sawan Sub-District, Na Klang District, Nong Bua Lamphu province on 6 October 2022, which has shocked and deeply saddened people all over Thailand.
• The overwhelming moral support from people all over the world who have expressed their concern and well wishes to Thailand have reassured us that we are not alone in this tragedy. Your kind words have given strength and courage to the families of the deceased and the injured to continue with their lives and for that we are most grateful.
• In this connection, on 8 Oct 2022, DPM/FM attended the veneration of the deceased at the Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram temple, making merit and offerings to the victims of the incident. On 9 Oct 2022, RTCG, NYC also joined the local Thai community on the Little Thailand Way Street in mourning for the dead.

2. “Weaving the Way: A Journey of Thai Silk” Exhibition (9-12 Oct 2022)

• HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya presided over the Grand Opening of the “Weaving the Way: A Journey of Thai Silk” Exhibition on the occasion of 90^th Birthday Anniv. of HM Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother at Charoen Nakhon Hall, ICONSIAM. The Grand Opening was attended by DPM/FM, MFA executives and officials, members of the diplomatic corps, spouses, and media.
• The Exhibition honors the Queen Mother’s Thai textile conservation and HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya’s determination to continue, preserve, and build upon such legacy.
• The three sections of the exhibition cover the Thai Silk Journey through the life’s work of the Queen Mother, HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya’s commitment to promoting the national treasure, and a showcase of Thai textiles designed by world-class dressmakers in collaboration with Vogue.

3. Preparatory Meeting on the APEC Econ Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) (10 Oct 2022)

• PM chaired a meeting on the progress of Thailand’s preparation of the 29^th AELM at the Gov’t House.
• MFA provided updates on substantive preparation, protocol and reception, and public communications, among others:
  • On substantive issues, Thailand has had the discussion of the APEC agenda under the theme “Open. Connection. Balance.” Member economies support Thailand's initiative in refreshing the conversation on the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP), reconnecting the region through safe and seamless cross-border travel, and finalizing the Bangkok Goals on BCG Economy.
  • On public relations, the Info Dept., PRD, and partners have been continuously raising public awareness of Thailand’s host year through numerous outreach activities, such as a series of APEC Media Focus Group and Informal Roundtable Discussion, and to educational organizations. The Info Dept. is also establishing the Media Center at the Queen Sirikit Nat’l Convention Center (QSNCC).
• PM was confident the AELM would live up to the int’l expectations of Thailand’s host year. Many leaders and High-Level representatives from APEC economies and Guests of the Chair and int’l organizations have confirmed to join the Meeting.

4. KIOSK machines now accept payment for passport services (5 Oct 2022 onwards)

• Customers can pay for their passports through KIOSK machines without extra charges at the Temporary Passport Offices, MBK Center and Central Westgate.
• The KIOSK self-service is available to passport holders above 20 years of age. For more information, please contact the Call Center at 02 572 8842.

5. Media registration for the 29^th AELM and Related Meetings on 14 - 19 Nov 2022 at the QSNCC, Bangkok, Thailand (Now – 31 Oct 2022)

• All media interested in covering the AELM at the QSNCC are required to register in advance and wear badges at all times. On-site registration is not available.
• Please submit the following information to [email protected]: (1) full name, (2) email address, (3) media agency, and (4) letter of employment (issued by your agency). After your email is approved, the Secretariat Team will reply with guidelines to complete your registration on the APEC 2022 Media Portal.
• Registration is limited to one request per account and will be available till 31 Oct 2022.
• For more information on media accreditation, media badge collection, and media booth reservation, among others, please visit https://www.apec2022.go.th/media-kit/.

Q&A Session

• Will the President of the Russian Federation participate in the AELM?
  • MFA is currently coordinating with the Russian counterpart, and there has yet to be an official confirmation from the Russian side. MFA will provide the public and the press with a timely update once new details are available.

Weekly Press Briefing: https://fb.watch/g5-BP0MGov/

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Press Division
Department of Information