Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to undertake its responsibilities as ASEAN Chair

On 18 September 2008, Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, gave a press interview about Thailand’s readiness to undertake its responsibilities as the ASEAN Chair and host the 14th ASEAN Summit. Gist as follows:
 
1. Thailand stands ready to perform its duties as the ASEAN Chair and convene the 14th ASEAN Summit and other related meetings. The Royal Thai Government has established a national committee and various sub-committees to prepare for the said Summit. During the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), held in Hua Hin during 3-5 September 2008, attended by the permanent secretaries for foreign affairs of ASEAN member countries, Thailand briefed the participants on the logistical and substantive progress made in the preparation of the Summit. The SOM expressed their satisfaction with Thailand’s readiness.        

2. Regarding the press interview by the Cambodian Prime Minister regarding the ASEAN Chairmanship of Thailand, Permanent Secretary Virasakdi said that the Cambodian Prime Minister has clarified that he did not question Thailand’s capability as the Chairman of ASEAN but that he had expressed his concern about the current political situation in Thailand which he hoped would return to normal by the time of the ASEAN Summit. He also wished for the success of the meetings. 
 

                                                                                            September 19, 2008

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