Top Thai envoys in ASEAN told to develop proactive strategies

BANGKOK, July 15 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul told Thai ambassadors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to study information of neighbouring countries in order to develop Thailand's proactive strategies accordingly. Surapong handed out the assignment when he opened a meeting of Thai ambassadors and consuls-general in ASEAN to introduce the Thai government's policies and strategies, noting that Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has brought Thai business persons along in her overseas trips and the policy has, thus, facilitated the overseas roles of Thailand. Surapong suggested that the top Thai envoys in ASEAN also work proactively and present initiatives in international forums. According to the Thai deputy prime minister, representatives of many countries praised Thailand for creating understanding about the ASEAN Community (AC) and being eager to participate in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Brunei last month. Besides, the deputy premier told the top Thai envoys to gather information on agriculture in neighboring countries to facilitate the prime minister's barter trade policy, citing barter between rice and petroleum products, like gas and oil, as an example. The deputy premier also urged the top Thai envoys in ASEAN to promote Thai products overseas. (TNA)