Summary of Weekly Press Briefing

Friday, 30 September 2022 at 15:00 hours

Press Conference Room, MFA and via MFA Facebook Live

1. 77^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA77) (19 – 27 Sep 2022)

• DPM/FM participated in UNGA77 and key side events in New York City to (1) reconnect Thailand with her counterparts; (2)reaffirm Thailand’s faith in the multilateral system; (3) reshape the global agenda through int’l participation, especially as APEC 2022 Host; and (4) revitalize the ties between the Thai public sector, the Thai communities in the US, and the US private sector.
• At the General Debate (GD) on “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges,” DPM/FM stressed the urgent need to strengthen multilateral cooperation to address current global crises by maintaining open global supply chains, expanding Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and advancing SDGs through BCG. DPM/FM also announced Thailand’s candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) membership for the term 2025-2027 and highlighted Thailand’s readiness for climate action as well as her APEC host year.
• DPM/FM also participated in the following side events: (1) Mental Health in Schools and Education Settings: An Urgent Call to Action for World Leaders and Donors, (2) Group of Friends of UHC and Global Health (Investment in Health Systems for UHC), (3) Regional Pathways to the Global Goals: ASEAN’s Approach towards SDGs Implementation and Sustainable post Covid-19 Recovery, (4) COVID-19 Global Action Plan (GAP) for Enhanced Partnership, (5) Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and (6) Foreign Policy and Global Health (FPGH) Initiative.
• DPM/FM had bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Indonesia, as well as UNSG. During his conversation with UNSG, DPM/FM discussed regional and global issues, urging the int’l community to use the ASEAN Summit, G20, and APEC2022 with the UN at the core to address the Ukraine crisis.
• DPM/FM met with USABC and USCC to foster business sentiment and expand investment opportunities through cooperation in S-Curve industries, EEC, BCG, supply chains, digital economy.

2. DPM/FM attended the State Funeral of Mr. ABE Shinzo, former PM of Japan (27 Sep 2022)

• DPM/FM represented the RTG at the State Funeral of Mr. ABE Shinzo, former PM of Japan at Nippon Budokan, Tokyo. In the evening of the same date, DPM/FM attended a greeting event for foreign representatives attending the State Funeral at the Akasaka Palace, where they were greeted and extended appreciation by H.E. Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, PM of Japan, H.E. Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, FM of Japan, Mr. MATSUNO Hirokazu, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, and Mrs. ABE Akie, spouse of former PM ABE.
• There were over 4,300 participants comprising both prominent Japanese figures and representatives.

3. 8^th APEC Media Focus Group (AMF8) (27 Sep 2022)

• MFA, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), and Thai PBS co-hosted AMF8 on “APEC and Food Security: Sustainability beyond global uncertainties” at the KMITL Auditorium with a broad range of panelists and approximately 1,500 participants.
• Prof. Dr. Komsan Maleesee, Acting President of KMITL, highlighted KMITL’s commitment to research and innovation, including for food security. DG of Info Dept./MFA Spokesperson urged participants to explore food security's negative impacts and potential within and beyond APEC.
• Prinat Apirat, DDG of Int’l Econ Affairs Dept., advanced focused efforts on food production and distribution, and sustainable food systems. Ms. Pasinee Napombejra, MOAC, articulated the inter-sectoral frameworks and actions on food security within APEC. Assoc.Prof. Dr. Naphatrapi Luangsakul, Dean of KMITL School of Food Industry, cited notable research networks related to food security. Mr. Sirichet Chiraphongwatthana, CEO of MANTRA Plant-Based Seafood, shared business perspectives on the intersecting issues of nutrition and food security.
• KMITL student representatives shared their views on awareness-raising, food waste, and probiotic and prebiotic research. H.E. Jonathan Kings, Amb. of New Zealand, represented the previous APEC host economy and emphasized the distinct and ongoing nature of APEC’s work while Dr. Steve Olive, Director,of USAID Regional Development Mission for Asia, represented the incoming host economy and noted current challenges, APEC cooperation, and US efforts towards regional food security.
• A lively discussion with the audience ensued, on the role of information technology in food security, policy and regulatory issues in the food trade, and effective public communication on food security.

4. DPM/FM visited the Thai community in New York (24 Sep 2022)

• DPM/FM visited the Thai community in NY, celebrating the naming of a street as “Little Thailand Way,” located at Woodside Ave. and 77^th St, Elmhurst. The renaming in is considered a national success and pride, which in turn reflects the acceptance of and admiration for Thai communities in the US.
• DPM/FM believed this street helped promote Thainess through Thai food, Thai culture, and Thai identity. In this connection, Thai communities are essential to the conduct of Thailand’s cultural diplomacy and soft power.
• DPM/FM also touched upon the goals of Thailand at UNGA77 to elevate her international status and strengthen Thailand-US relations.

5. 2^nd Advance Visit at key APEC venues (29 Sep 2022)

• APEC 2022 Task Force, MFA, organized the 2^nd Advance Visit at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center to provide updates on Thailand’s preparation ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW). The briefing focused on the program plan, registration, security measures, health and safety protocols, Media Center, and media accreditation, among others. There were over 200 participants comprising representatives from APEC member economies, Guests of the Host, and the APEC Secretariat.
• In the afternoon, MFA and APEC delegations departed for site inspections at key APEC venues, such as the airports and the Royal Thai Navy Convention Hall, in which the Gala dinner will be held.
• APEC delegates expressed confidence in Thailand’s diligent efforts to set up the stages for the AELW as well as previous meetings throughout her host year, believing the highly anticipated AELW is vital to the pursuit of Asia-Pacific’s shared aspirations.

6. Special lecture on Thailand’s int’l legal affairs (4 Oct 2022, 09.00 – 14.00 hrs.)

• of Treaties and Legal Affairs will organise a special lecture on “Yorn Adeed Lae Anakod” (“Looking Back and Beyond”) to discuss and exchange views on lessons from past treaties of amity and their implications for the future of Thai foreign policy. An exhibition will also be held to showcase the original copies of such legal documents.
• Speakers will include Assoc. Prof. Dr. Predee Phisphumvidhi, Faculty of Liberal Arts, Mahidol University; Dr. Anuson Chinvanno, Director of Int’l Studies Center; Miss Papisuti Saichampa, a professional archivist; and Dr. Suphanvasa Chotikajan Tang, DG of Treaties and Legal Affairs Dept.
• For more information, please follow MFA on Facebook.

7. The announcement of Public Diplomacy Award (PDA) 2022 (6 Oct 2022, 11.30 hrs.)

• MFA and Thailand Foundation will announce the winner of PDA2022 to recognize individuals, associations, or organizations contributing to the conduct of Thailand’s public diplomacy through various activities abroad, such as humanitarian assistance, cultural exchange, sports, and innovations, among others.
• For more information, please follow MFA's FB.

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

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Press Division
Department of Information