Thailand to take part in regional forums in Myanmar

BANGKOK, August 2 (TNA) - Thailand will participate in the 47th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related forums with dialogue partners of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Naypyidaw, Myanmar's capital, from August 5-10, 2014. Arthayudh Srisamoot, Director-General of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of ASEAN Affairs, told journalists that Acting Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkeow, who is also Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, will attend the upcoming regional forums, including the ASEAN+3 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, in which China, Japan and South Korea take part, the East Asia Summit Foreign ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). US Secretary of State John Kerry and the North Korean Foreign Minister will also attend the ARF meeting. Major issues expected to be raised at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting include a proposal by Thailand on ASEAN dialogue partners to support the 10-member bloc in tackling a new form of threats related to the ASEAN connectivity, danger along the border, transnational crime, outbreaks of diseases, human trafficking and other major issues prevailing in the region. Sihasak is also expected to explain Thailand's updated political development such as a recent appointment of members of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) and an expected formation of a provisional government soon. The acting Thai foreign minister is also scheduled to confer on bilateral cooperation with foreign ministers from Indonesia, Brunei, China, Australia, South Korea and North Korea on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Besides, the acting Thai foreign minister is expected to express Thailand’s concerns over missile tests by North Korea, which could increase tensions in the Korean Peninsula. (TNA)