More than 2,300 journalists from around the world have registered to cover the Asia Pacific Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) in Bangkok on 18th and 19th November, according to a foreign ministry official.
The senior official, who asked not to be named, told Thai PBS World that these journalists are from nearly 30 countries. There are 22 economies taking part in the AELM, which will be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC). Senior officials from member economies have already begun their important deliberations on key outcome documents, ahead of the AELM meeting itself.
The largest contingent of foreign journalists is from China,with more than 200 media staff, followed by Japan, with well over 100 journalists. There are fewer than 50 American journalists attending, due to the absence of President Joe Biden. Vice President Kamala Harris is representing him atthis important event.
Nearly 500 local journalists are registered to cover the event, including several dozen bloggers.
In a related developmental, November 16th through 18th have been declared public holidays, to facilitate the APEC meeting. There are 19 hotels near the QSNCC which are being used by the foreign guests.
To mark this important occasion, a commemorative 20-baht coin and a 5-baht commemorative stamp will be issued.
