Summary of Weekly Press Briefing

By Director-General of Department of Information/Spokesperson of MFA

Friday, 19 April 2024 at 11.00 hrs.

Press Conference Room, MFA and MFA FB Live

1. Development of situation in Myanmar

• Thailand has been monitoring developments in the situation in Myanmar closely. We are prepared to handle different scenarios in a comprehensive manner, including the possibility of a large number of displaced persons fleeing unrest.
• The Prime Minister has instructed the agencies concerned to form a special Committee to monitor the situation, which will hold its first meeting in due course.
• Thailand views humanitarian issues as a priority. We are open to more dialogue and ready to speak to all stakeholders, should they all be ready to do so and see the usefullness of engaging Thailand. We welcome and support dialogue and reconciliation towards peace, stability and unity in Myanmar, which should be the result of a dialogue and a direction that the various groups in Myanmar decide on for themselves.
• Regarding next steps in our humanitarian initiative, Thailand is now considering how to scale up our assistance, as appropriate and we will be meeting with various organizations in the coming weeks.

2. Thailand’s preparation on the Israel-Iran situation

• Due to the unfolding situation in Israel-Iran, the Ministry has released a warning for Thai nationals living in the area to avoid travelling there as we also continue to monitor developments closely.
• The Royal Thai Embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran have been in contact with Thai communities in both countries to update them on developments in the situation. The Ministry has been evaluating the situation closely, especially in preparation to provide urgent assistance or evacuate Thai nationals if necessary.
• Thailand calls for all parties to restrain and not deteriorate the situation any further, as there would be an inevitable impact on innocent civilians. The Ministry also encourages Thai nationals in the region to follow the news and advice of the local authorities, as well as the Royal Thai Embassies in their areas.

3. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs’ visit to Paris to present the original copy of the Letter of Intent for OECD membership application (15-17 April)

• On 16 April 2024, the DPM/FM gave a policy speech to the OECD Council, underscoring Thailand’s readiness and strong determination to become an OECD member at the earliest opportunity, including an emphasis on Thailand’s shared common values and goals with OECD members, especially in terms of democracy, rule of law, human rights, open and free market economy, sustainability, inclusivity, and green transition. He also elaborated Thailand’s 42-year journey of engagement with the OECD and its long-term aspiration to becoming an advanced economy by
• Going forward, Thailand will work closely with the OECD in order to upgrade policies and standards in doing business, on sustainability and on good governance aimed at increasing competitiveness, promoting trade and investment, and improving living standards. A study by the Thailand Development Research Institute Foundation (TDRI) indicates that becoming an OECD member will increase Thailand’s GDP for 1.6 percent, which equals to an approximate amount of 270 billion baht.

4. The official visit of the Prime Minister of New Zealand (16-18 April)

• During 16-18 April 2024, The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, paid an Official Visit to Thailand upon the invitation of the Prime Minister, which is the first official visit to Thailand in 11
• On 17 April 2024, both Prime Ministers had a bilateral discussion on ways to enhance cooperation in defense and security, economics, trade, clean energy, innovation, education and culture, people-to-people relations, and regional issues. They also agreed upon a Joint Statement, indicating the elevation of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership by 2026, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of Thailand-New Zealand diplomatic relations, and witnessed the signing of two MOUs.

5. The commemoration ceremony to celebrate 30th anniversary of opening the 1st Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (21 April)

• On 21 April 2024, The Deputy Prime Minister will attend, on behalf of the Prime Minister, the commemoration ceremony to celebrate the 30th anniversary of opening the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge “Nong Khai-Vientiane” in Nong Khai province. The bridge is the first bridge to cross lower Mekong River as cooperation between Thailand, Laos, and Australia.
• The bridge was officially open on 8 April 1994 and has spurred great benefits in various areas for the peoples in the North East of Thailand and Laos. it has also become the largest transport route for goods in term of value, accumulating to almost 35 percent of all border trade between Thailand and Laos.
• On the same day, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs will lead the diplomatic corps from ASEAN countries, Timor-Leste, and negotiation partners in Thailand to learn more about lifestyles, cultures, and the economic potential in Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces, and will also join the abovementioned commemoration ceremony.

6. Prime Minister of Bangladesh to pay official visit to Thailand (24-29 April)

• On 24 - 29 April 2024, E. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, will pay an official visit to Thailand, at the invitation of the Prime Minister, which will be the first official visit to Thailand since 2002.
• The visit will be an opportunity for both sides to meet and discuss ways to expand cooperation in multiple areas, especially the commencement of FTA negotiations. Thailand and Bangladesh will also explore possibilities to deepen collaboration in development cooperation, connectivity, and people-to-people ties.
• On this occasion, both Prime Ministers will witness the signing of various Agreements and MoUs. During the visit, PM of Bangladesh will be granted a royal audience to Their Majesties and also attend the 80th session of the UNESCAP.

* * * * *