Summary of Weekly Press Briefing

Friday, 2 September 2022 at 13:30 hours

Press Conference Room, MFA and via MFA Facebook Live

1. Conclusion of the 3^rd APEC Senior Officials' Meeting (31 Aug 2022)

• On 15 – 31 August 2022, Thailand hosted the 3^rd APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM3) and Related Meetings in Chiang Mai. Over the past 16 days, APEC senior officials, delegates, and experts gathered in 67 meetings to work towards realising APEC 2022’s priorities to promote free and open trade and investment for inclusive opportunities, reconnect the region through safe and seamless cross-border travel, and promote sustainable economic growth.
• Four sectoral APEC Ministerial Meetings were also held during this period, including tourism, forestry, health, and food security. Key developments and achievements are as follows:
• Opening trade and investment opportunities for all. SOM3 continued the refreshed conversation on the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) in the post-COVID-19 context. Building on the successful outcome of the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in May 2022, APEC experts started developing the FTAAP multi-year work plan, based on the 3 economic drivers of the Putrajaya Vision 2040, namely Trade and Investment; Innovation and Digitalisation; and Strong, Balanced, Secure, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth. Experts will continue the discussion and report to the APEC Ministerial Meeting in November.
• Reconnecting the region through safe and seamless cross-border travel. The 3^rd and final meeting of the SPTF convened during SOM, where key discussions included the implementation of safe passage proposals endorsed during SOM2. These include Thailand’s initiative to create an APEC travel information portal, which is set to launch in September 2022. The meeting also discussed ongoing initiatives, such as a more inclusive APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC). The SPTF highlighted the importance of having a mechanism to carry out APEC’s safe passage coordination work, to continue addressing ongoing challenges and create long-term resilience. The 12^th High-Level Meeting on Health and the Economy exchanged views on ways to strike a balance between economic policies, safe and seamless cross-border travel, and Covid-19 preventive measures to ensure preparedness against future crises. Investment in the wellness industry is of particular importance.
• Promoting an inclusive, balanced, and sustainable growth. SOM3 highlighted the importance of the whole-of-society approach. A Roundtable discussion was held on the margins of SOM3 bringing together key stakeholders from the government, private sector, financial sector, academia, and youth to share their success stories and best practices in forging a partnership and transforming their businesses on a sustainable path. SOM3 also advanced the discussion on the Bangkok Goals on BCG Economy. A dedicated session was held for economies to comment on the revised draft Bangkok Goals. The draft will be further revised before it is submitted for endorsement by APEC Leaders in November 2022.
• The four sectoral Ministerial Meetings also centred around ways to promote sustainable economic recovery. This includes (1) rebuilding the region’s tourism industry with the regenerative tourism concept to promote a more inclusive and sustainable tourism policy that also conserves biodiversity and cultural diversity, (2) promoting sustainable forest management by using technology and innovations to create value and sustainable businesses that contribute to local community development, (3) balancing health and economic policies to prepare for future pandemics and other health threats, including through enhancing investments in health security, and (4) transforming agri-food system in a sustainable manner that ensures viable livelihood of smallholders and MSMEs, in alignment with the global efforts towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending hunger.
• APEC SOM3 has made significant progress towards achieving Thailand’s key deliverables leading up to the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok on 18-19 November 2022.

2. The 6^th – 7^th APEC Media Focus Group & Informal Media Roundtable (25-26 Aug 2022)

• On 26 August 2022, MFA and the Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration, Chiang Mai University (CMU) co-hosted the 6^th APEC Media Focus Group (AMF) on “Sustainable MSMEs, Women and Business.” The event was moderated by Mr. Natapanu Nopakun, DDG of the Info Dept., and was well attended by participants from various sectors in Chiang Mai, including entrepreneurs, press members, academics, and students.
• PS/APEC2022 SOM Chair delivered a keynote address highlighting Chiang Mai as the regional and national hub for development as well as a main driver of the post-pandemic recovery. Prof. Dr. Pongruk Sribanditmongkol, M.D., President of Chiang Mai University, focused his welcoming remarks on how the university has integrated the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into strategic policy to foster sustainable long-term growth and promote Chiang Mai as City of Innovations.
• During the first session “Sustainability with MSMEs,” Mr. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, DDG of the Int’l Econ Affairs Dept. /Thailand’s APEC Senior Official, explained how the development of Chiang Mai was linked to the APEC aspirations. Other speakers, comprising innovation experts, CMU, and MSMEs women representatives, discussed and exchanged ideas on various topics. These included opportunities for MSMEs, women and the youth, cross-border business facilitation, socio-economic-environmental development in a balanced manner through the BCG Economy model, as well as challenges and ways to promote MSMEs. The forum also focused on women empowerment and business practice sharing.
• On the same date, PS and Mr. Prajon Prachsakul, Governor of Chiang Mai, participated in the “APEC2022 on tour: Chiang Mai” opening ceremony at Central Festival Chiang Mai. The exhibition aimed to raise awareness of Thailand’s APEC host year. There were over 100 participants, including representatives from the public sector, private sector, community enterprises, and local media. The exhibition was held during 26-31 August 2022.
• On 25 August 2022, the Info Dept. organised an Informal Roundtable Discussion on “Revitalising Sustainable Economic Growth through BCG” with approximately 50 participants from int’l, nat’l and local media, private and public sector representatives. Key highlights were the Bangkok Goals on BCG Economy, BCG Economy Model for sustainable development, and the critical role of the private sector in implementation beyond the adoption of the Bangkok Goals. The session was moderated by DG of the Info Dept. /MFA spokesperson. From the perspective of small businesses, this would be possible only if the public sector raises awareness of BCG implementation methods, practices, and guidelines for small businesses.
• On 26 August, MFA and Techsauce Global Summit 2022, Asia’s biggest seminar for start-ups and the tech community, co-hosted the 7^th APEC Media Focus Group at ICONSIAM. The goal was to provide information and serve as a forum for the public and private sectors to exchange views on how Thailand’s APEC host year benefited start-ups and SMEs.
• AMF7 was divided into 2 sessions: “Policy Support for Start-ups and Innovation in APEC”,and “ESG in Startup: Towards a Responsible and Balanced Ecosystem in APEC,” respectively. Speakers included Dr.Parinat Apirat, DDG of the Int’l Econ Affairs Dept.; Asst.Prof.Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President & CEO, Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA); Dr.Pun-Arj Chairatana, ED of Nat’l Innovation Agency (NIA); Dr.Soraphol Tulayasathien, Senior Executive VP, Head of Corp. Strategy Division, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET); Mr. Jirayut Srupsrisopa, CEO of Bitkub; Mr. Aukrit Unahalekhaka, Co-Founder & CEO (Thailand) of Ricult; and Mr. Michael Bäk, Country Head of Public Policy at Meta, Thailand. AMF7 was moderated by Mr. Thanawat Sirikul, DDG of the Info Dept. Recorded sessions are available on MFA Facebook and YouTube Channel.

3. ACMECS Senior Officials’ Meeting (25 Aug 2022)

• H.E. Ms. Arunrung Phothong Humphreys, Amb. Attached to the Ministry and Thai SOM Leader for Mekong Cooperation, attended the ACMECS SOM in Vientiane, hosted by the Lao PDR in its capacity as ACMECS Chair.
• The Meeting agreed in principle to the establishment of ACMECS Interim Secretariat in Thailand, with the Mekong Institute (MI) as back office/technical support. The Secretariat will be launched at the 10^th ACMECS Summit which will be organised by the Lao PDR by the end of 2022, and will become operational by early 2023.
• The Meeting also took note of the progress on the establishment of ACMECS Development Fund (ACMDF) aiming to be set up by 2023 to support ACMECS cooperation projects under the ACMECS Master Plan 2019 - 2023, and the establishment of ACMECS Project-based Financing Mechanism (ACMPF). Both ACMECS financing mechanisms will provide channels for ACMECS Development Partners and external partners to finance the ACMECS projects.
• The Meeting discussed the preparation for the ACMECS Summit, which the Lao PDR proposed the theme “Towards Seamless Connectivity for the Mekong Sub-regional Integration” and prepared the draft Vientiane Declaration to be adopted as the Summit’s outcome document.

4. MFA provided assistance to 9 Thai nationals lured to work illegally in the Philippines

• On 23 August 2022, Dept. of Consular Affairs received a request for assistance from relatives of Thai nationals who were tricked into working illegally in the Philippines.
• RTE in Manila later reported that Filipinos police had helped 9 Thai victims of the same broker, all of them have already returned to Thailand. RTE in Manila has provided accommodation, food, prepared Emergency Travel Documents, and is coordinating with concerned authorities to allow these Thai nationals stay in the country before being repatriated back to Thailand.
• On 30 August 2022, DG of the Dept. of Consular Affairs also discussed with Ms. Paweena Hongsakul, Chairman of the Pawena Foundation, to ensure close coordination with the Foundation to help the Thai victims, expressing readiness to share relevant information to the Foundation.
• MFA has worked continuously to ensure the safety of Thai nationals abroad and carry out warnings for Thais regarding illegal work scams. For further assistance, please contact the Dept. of Consular Affairs via call center 02 572 8442, or RTE/RTCG.

5. Warning for Thais looking for opportunities to work aboard via social media

• MFA (Dept. of Consular Affairs) and RTEs have received requests for assistance from Thais deceived to work abroad through false advertising. Many cases also involve violence, imprisonment, forced labour, and ransom.
• MFA wishes to issue a warning for Thais to be careful about employment opportunities in: (1) the entertainment venue in Myanmar; (2) online admin and marketing in Cambodia; (3) online admin, public relations, and marketing in the Philippines. Please look for work opportunities via reliable/trust-worthy sources. For further information, please contact MOL at 02 247 9423/02 248 4743/ Hotline at 1506 ext. 2 & 1694/or MOL provincial offices.
• For further assistance, please contact the Dept. of Consular Affairs anytime at HOTLINE 02 572 8442. The Dept. of Consular Affairs will then coordinate with the RTEs/RTCGs.

6. South Korea requires Thai nationals traveling to Jeju Island register for Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) in advance (1 Sep 2022)

• South Korea requires Thai nationals traveling to Jeju Island, as well as Seoul, to obtain Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before arrival, starting 1 September 2022.
• K-ETA registration is available at www.k-eta.go.kr or the K-ETA application. You will be requested to attach a photo and fill in personal details, such as email address, passport information, nationality, date of birth, telephone number, occupation, address, annual income, and purpose of travel to South Korea. After paying a fee of 10,000 won (excluding VAT), the registration result will be notified back via email.
• Holders of approved K-ETA may proceed to book their flights and enter South Korea without having to fill out an immigration form.
• Holders of approved K-ETA may still be inspected under probable cause, as the immigration officers still have the authority to deny entry and repatriate illegal travelers back to Thailand.

7. Muay Thai Flashmob (10 Sep 2022 at 16.30 hrs.)

• MFA and ICONSIAM invite you to a Muay Thai Flash Mob Dance (feat. “Muay Thai All Around The World” song and unique Muay Thai dance moves) to promote Thailand’s soft power at River Park, ICONSIAM.
• For more information, please see below:
  • Song and dance moves >> https://bit.ly/3AWTNh1           
  • Registration >> https://bit.ly/3CH6KwF

8. Impact NOW: Sustainable Enterprise Showcase and Multi-chamber Networking (14 Sep 2022 at 07.30 - 22.00 hrs.)

• “Impact NOW” on “Sustainable Enterprise Showcase and Multi-chamber Networking” will be held on 14 September 2022 during 07.30-22.00 hrs. at Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok by MFA, Thailand NOW, Nat’l Innovation Agency (Public Org), the British Council in Thailand, and 13 Chambers of Foreign Commerce.
• Participants will have an opportunity to meet with Sustainable Enterprises, whose practices have contributed to UN SDGs. To name just a few, these include: (1) Find Folk, a company promoting sustainable and responsible tourism; (2) Happy Grocers, a gastronomic startup serving sustainable agricultural products in eco-friendly packages; (3) moreloop, a business based on circular economy with hope to reduce and add value to textile waste; and (4) Vulcan Coalition, an AI developer initiated by a group of people of disabilities.
• You will also get to vote for the winner of the Impact NOW “Best in Show” Award 2022.
• “Impact NOW” aims to highlight Thailand’s role in promoting sustainable development through the BCG Economy model as the key driver of her APEC host year.
• For more information and registration, please visit www.thailandnow.in.th/event/impact-now.

Weekly Press Briefing: https://fb.watch/fhA1Kca54Z/

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Press Division
Department of Information