Summary of Weekly Press Briefing

Wednesday, 30 November 2022 at 11:30 hours

Department of Information Meeting Room, MFA and via MFA Facebook Live

1. Outcomes of APEC 2022

• APEC 2022 has achieved the following concrete milestones:
  • (1) The Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) Agenda Work Plan 2023 – 2026 to help build capacities of economies for post-pandemic trade issues;
  • (2) The Safe Passage Taskforce’s recommendations to continue building resilience in the region’s travel infrastructure against future disruptions;
  • (3) The adoption of the Bangkok Goals on BCG Economy, as APEC’s first comprehensive goals on sustainability and inclusivity (please see bangkokgoals.apec.org).
• The APEC achievements have manifested Thailand’s readiness to reopen her economy to foreign investors and visitors in the post-pandemic world. Such a significant increase in business sentiment largely owes to the economic and cultural showcases witnessed by over 3,000 delegates as well as 2,200 press members throughout the week.
• To build upon such successes, Thailand will ensure that concerned public agencies continue to facilitate trade and investment in a sustainable manner, businesses expand in accordance with the BCG Economy Model, and the civil society produces responsible consumers well-equipped with the necessary skills to altogether pursue a better future for all.

2. 22^nd Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Meeting of the Council of Ministers (COM) (24 Nov 2022)

• VFM attended the 22^nd IORA Meeting of the COM on “Saving Environment of the Indian Ocean” in Dhaka, Bangladesh to exchange views on regional cooperation.
• Thailand urged IORA member states to: (1) develop sustainable and resilient economies to cope with current geopolitical challenges and promote sustainable use of ocean and marine resources; (2) incorporate a sustainable approach and implementation in its maritime work plans; and (3) draw on the Bangkok Goals on BCG Economy and APEC’s sustainability agenda to advance sustainable economic recovery and inclusive regional development.
• The Meeting adopted the Dhaka Communique which acknowledges the IORA progress and commitment to post-pandemic economic recovery and climate action.
• Established in 1995, IORA aims to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development of the region. Currently, IORA has 23 member states and 10 dialogue partners.

3. PS discussed with IOM Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific (29 Nov 2022)

• Sarah Lou Ysmael Arriola, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, paid an introductory call on PS Sarun after her assumption of duty in Oct.
• Arriola appreciated Thailand’s proactive roles to advocate for progressive implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and shared updates on the work of the Regional Office, including cooperation with and support provided to ASEAN in relation to labor migration management. The two sides exchanged views on challenges posed by COVID-19 on migration.
• PS reiterated Thailand’s commitment as the host country to support the work of IOM Regional Office and Country Mission.

4. Prince Mahidol Award (PMA) Youth Program Scholarship 2022

• MFA and the PMA Foundation under the Royal Patronage announced the recipients of the PMA Youth Program Scholarship 2022 as follows:
  • Ms. Napasiri Putthanbut, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
  • Mr. Pranaidej Hengswat, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
  • Mr. Piyawat Kantagowit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University
  • Mr. Sarute Chawvavanich, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
  • Mr. Setthanan Jarukasemkit, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University
• The laureates will receive a one-year scholarship for a research study, professional training, or community development abroad. MFA will organize a preparatory briefing and instruct respective RTEs to contact and facilitate the recipients during their stay abroad.

5. Retrieving Suk Surin for treatment in Thailand

• MFA was informed and has been investigating with concerned agencies the improper treatment of Sak Surin (Muthu Raja), one of the three gift elephants from Thailand to Sri Lanka in 2001, whose ownership had been transferred to Kande Vihara Temple to perform its religious duty.
• The parties concerned have agreed that the elephant must be brought back to Thailand due to its urgent need for medical care. The repatriation process must also be approved by Sri Lanka and followed by related regulations, in accordance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
• In this regard, the RTE at Colombo has been working closely with relevant agencies and following developments for the required export permit.

Weekly Press Briefing: https://fb.watch/h6Eih0rkpE/

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Press Division
Department of Information