Summary of Weekly Press Briefing

Thursday, 6 October 2022 at 11:00 hours

Press Conference Room, MFA and via MFA Facebook Live

1. DPM/FM discussed with FM of Hungary (29 Sep 2022)

• DPM/FM hosted a working lunch in honor of H.E. Mr. Péter Szijjártó, FM of Hungary as Guest of MFA, discussing bilat issues, such as water management, trade, nuclear energy, the Ukraine situation, and peace efforts.
• Both sides also signed an MOU on Cooperation between the Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA) and the Hungarian Diplomatic Academy to promote cooperation in diplomatic training and exchange of information.

2. Ambassadors to Thailand called on DPM/FM (India/Türkiye/Vatican)

• On 29 Sep 2022, Archbishop Paul Tschang In-Nam, Apostolic Nuncio, and DPM/FM noted close and cordial Thai-Vatican relations, as marked especially by Pope Francis’ Apostolic Visit to Thailand in 2019 and the cultural and religious cooperation.
• On 30 Sep 2022, H.E. Mrs. Suchitra Durai, Amb. of India, was praised for her efforts in strengthening the bilat relations and cooperation and commemorating the 75^th of the establishment of Thailand-India relations throughout 2022. Both sides also discussed future bilat and multilat coop, including BIMSTEC and post-pandemic regional issues.
• On 30 Sep 2022, H.E. Mrs. Serap Ersoy, Amb. of Türkiye, had a discussion with DPM/FM on Economic and Technical Cooperation, security, education, cultural and people-to-people relations, as well as ASEAN.

3. Gov’t Easy Contact Center (GCC) Award (28 Sep 2022)

• Consular Affairs Dept. received the Gov’t Easy Contact Center (GCC) Award for its prompt and quality passport service.
• Over 25 Temporary Passport Offices, along with Mobile Consular Services, are available throughout Thailand.

4. Passport services are now available on weekends in Bangkok

• Since 1 Oct 2022, Consular Affairs Dept. has been offering passport services on weekends at the Temporary Passport Offices, MBK Center and Central Westgate. The operation is welcomed by the public.

5. A seminar on the draft Thailand-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (TH-EU PCA) (29 Sep 22)

• MFA organized a seminar on the draft TH-EU PCA for stakeholders to raise awareness of TH-EU PCA and its impacts on Thailand-EU cooperation. The event was attended by 120 participants from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society.
• The draft mainly focuses on both sides’ commitments to int’l norms and values, sustainable development and trade, along with a comprehensive partnership against the backdrop of the fast-changing world.
• TH-EU PCA will help expedite Thailand’s development efforts and raise the Kingdom’s overall int’l standards. Seminar participants also actively exchanged views on the challenges and opportunities of cooperation with the EU.

6. The extension of stay for certain groups of travelers

• MOI announced an extension of stay for aliens of certain countries to encourage more tourist arrivals and economic recovery.
• For more information, please visit: https://image.mfa.go.th/mfa/0/zE6021nSnu/เอกสาร/pdf. 

7. Weaving the Way: A Journey of Thai Silk Exhibition (9 – 12 Oct 2022)

• MFA will hold the “Weaving the Way: A Journey of Thai Silk Exhibition” at ICONSIAM on the auspicious occasion of H.M. Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother’s 90^th Birthday.
• The Exhibition will honor the Queen Mother’s Thai textile conservation and H.R.H. Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya’s determination to continue, preserve, and build upon such legacy.
• The three sections of the exhibition will cover the Queen Mother’s life story through Thai textiles, H.R.H. Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya’s commitment to support the national treasure, and a showcase of Thai textiles designed by world-class dressmakers in collaboration with Vogue.

8. Thailand’s position on the situation in Ukraine

• Following the recent profoundly worrying developments in Ukraine, Thailand would like to reiterate our principled position based on international law, in particular, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
• We urge all parties concerned to continue their utmost efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the conflict through all channels of dialogue.

Weekly Press Briefing: https://fb.watch/f_5cNwx7Ty/ 

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Press Division
Department of Information