Summary of Weekly Press Briefing

by Director-General of the Department of Information and MFA Spokesperson

16 May 2024 at Press Briefing Room, MFA, and MFA Facebook Live

1. Overseas trips of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs

• During 15 - 24 May 2024, the Prime Minister has led a Thai delegation to visit France, pay
  an official visit to Italy, and visit Japan, whereas the Minister of Foreign Affairs is also in attendance.
• During 15 - 16 May 2024, the Prime Minister led a Thai business delegation to participate in the Thailand - France Business Forum & Roundtable in Paris with objectives to promote bilateral trade and encourage more French businesses to invest in Thailand. He will also meet with H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, to follow-up on bilateral cooperation, especially the strategic partnership. Since the Prime Minister’s official visit to France earlier in March, there have been a number of concrete achievements, including a follow-up trip to Thailand by Formula E representatives to explore further possibilities in organising a race in Chaing Mai province, and a visit of Comite Colbert executives and cooperation in value-added products and fashion.
• During 17 - 21 May 2024, the Prime Minister will pay an official visit to Italy and have a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mrs. Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, to promote Thailand’s vision to become a regional hub in various key industries. He will also discuss with high-level executives from the public and private sectors, including Mr. Attilio Fontana, President of Lombardy Region, Italy’s most important economic region and a world-class fashion hub.
• During 22 - 24 May 2024, the Prime Minister will travel to Japan to deliver a remarks on Thailand's economic vision at the 29^th Nikkei Forum Future of Asia under the theme "Asian Leadership in an Uncertain World." He will also discuss with major Japanese companies to attract more investment to Thailand.

2. Foreign Minister's trip to Singkhon-Mawtaung Special Point of Entry

• On 13 May 2024, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited Prachuap Khiri Khan Province to be briefed and discuss with local authorities and the private sector on the current security and economic situation along the Thailand-Myanmar border near Singkhon-Mawtaung Special Point of Entry.
• Important topics included (1) an upgrade of the Singkhon-Mawtaung Special Point of Entry to an international point of entry in order to increase options for cross-border transportation and boost Thailand-Myanmar border trade; and (2) maximising economic potential of the Singkhon-Mawtaung Special Point of Entry in transit of goods, as well as border crossings for business, tourism, and educational purposes.

3. Thailand hosts annual FIFA Congress

• During 13 - 17 May 2024, Thailand is hosting the 74^th FIFA Congress in which football leaders gather to select the host for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, among others.
• Thailand is the first ASEAN country and the 5^th in the Asia-Pacific region - after Japan, South Korea, Qatar, and Australia - to host this event.
• As a host, Thailand hopes to gain (1) economic growth and tourism promotion; (2) increased visibility of Thai cultures and ways of life; and (3) more opportunities for young Thai football talents to interact with FIFA.
• As a member of the 74th FIFA Congress preparatory committee, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has active roles in visa facilitation, protocol arrangements for dignitaries, and public outreach campaigns to raise awareness and promote Thailand’s positive image.

4. Thai Festival Tokyo 2024

• During 11 - 12 May 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo organized the 24^th Thai Festival Tokyo at Yoyogi Park, presided over by H.E. Mr. Witchu Vejjajiva, Ambassador of Thailand to Japan. Guests of honour include Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and President of Tourism Council of Thailand.
• This year’s Thai Festival was held under the theme “Thai Entertainmen,” or “Thai En-ta-me” as being called in Japanese, to present Thailand’s comprehensive entertainment industry, which has gained popularity among Japanese people. Highlights of the event included Thai En-ta-ma-Land Exhibition and the showcase of Thai textile products under the “Pha Thai Sai Hai Sanuk” (Thai Fabrics are Fun to Wear) project.
• The event was well received by both Thais and Japanese, both in person and through social media platforms. Hashtag #ThaiFestivalTokyo2024 was mentioned extensively.
• The Thai Festival Tokyo was first held in 2000 and has become the biggest foreign festival in Tokyo with over 300,000 attendees each year.

Watch the full session at: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/Dv5G2pjYSxj9wPN7/

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