Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa today outlined what he described as Thailand’s proactive diplomacy that will, among other things, see the country host the ASEAN Troika Plus meeting later this year to discuss efforts to help resolve the crisis in Myanmar.
ASEAN countries endorsed the Thai initiative during their recent ministerial meeting in Vientiane which Maris said demonstrated the grouping’s recognition of Thailand’s role in finding a peaceful solution to the conflict.
The timing of the meeting has yet to be decided but is expected to be held after the ASEAN Summit which will take place in Vientiane in October.
The ASEAN Troika is a consultation mechanism of the 10-country grouping dealing with the Myanmar crisis which comprises foreign ministers of the previous, present, and future chair countries of the bloc -- Indonesia, Laos, and Malaysia, respectively. The "plus" refers to other ASEAN members interested in contributing to resolving the Myanmar crisis.
“Thailand will continue to be proactive in engaging key countries, especially ASEAN, in dialogue on Myanmar,” Maris said at a press conference at the Foreign Ministry to discuss priorities of the Paetongtarn government’s foreign policy.
He said they are designed to advance what he described as “diplomacy for the people” and “proactive diplomacy.”
Maris said high on the agenda are transboundary issues, specifically narcotic drugs, water management, call scams and air pollution.
Priority will also be given to efforts to bring peace back to the three strife-torn southern provinces through economic cooperation between Thailand and Malaysia which he said are working on a special economic zone project to be set up in the border area.
To help promote tourism, Maris said the Foreign Ministry is introducing what is known as “Destination Thailand Visa” which aims to provide long-term visa for a stay up to 180 days to attract global talents, such as digital nomads wanting to live and work remotely in Thailand.
Also on the cards is a single tourist visa under the so-called “six countries, one destination” policy designed to promote tourism and connectivity in the sub-region.
Maris, who is now serving his second stint as foreign minister, said the Foreign Ministry also intends to play an active role in promoting Thailand “soft power” with a plan to stage Thai festivals worldwide in at least 30 countries by 2025 to showcase local Thai products.
