MFA explains Thailand's situation at UNHRC

BANGKOK, June 12 (TNA) - Thailand, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will explain the updated domestic situation to the international community during this week's meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Sek Wannamethee, who is also the ministry's Director General of the Department of Information, told journalists on Thursday that Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow has left for Geneva, Switzerland, to attend the UNHRC meeting, set from June 12-15 (local time). Sek said that Sihasak is taking the opportunity to explain Thailand's updated situation and to assure that Bangkok has a clear plan for a national reform and a fresh general election. According to the spokesman, Sihasak will also inform the meeting that Thailand continues to respect human rights and is ready to join relevant activities with other countries. On the occasion, the spokesman acknowledged, Sihasak is also scheduled to meet the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The spokesman also said he and Colonel Weerachon Sukhonthapratiphak, Deputy Spokesman of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), explained the updated domestic situation to foreign correspondents at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand in Bangkok on Wednesday and they better understood the domestic situation. Regarding Thai Army and NCPO Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha's meeting in the capital on Wednesday with 23 Thai ambassadors and consuls-general stationed in 17 countries and one special administrative area, the spokesman revealed that General Prayuth asked them to explain Thailand's situation and issues concerning the royal institution to foreign journalists in those countries. The spokesman stated that the mass media retains their right to analysis but it needs to be based on facts.(TNA)