BANGKOK, Feb 7 – Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul on Tuesday reaffirmed that Thailand will focus on strengthening relations and cooperation with its neighbouring countries as stated as the government’s urgent policy.
The foreign minister emphasised strategic policy implementation as he chaired a meeting of Thai envoys and consuls general posted in the country’s five neighbouring countries–Myanmar, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia.
He urged the Thai diplomats to adhere to the government’s urgent policy which places importance on fostering relations with the neighbouring countries.
Regarding overall relations between the kingdom and its neighbours, the foreign minister said he saw them as having gradually improved, particularly on bilateral cooperation on several issues.
The minister cited the improved relations between Thailand and Cambodia after documents on the border conflict were distributed to local residents to create better understanding, while the talks on the border dispute are also underway at various levels.
Ties between Thailand and Cambodia deteriorated following the border dispute centred on Preah Vihear temple and related sporadic clashes. Tensions flared up when Cambodia submitted a sole request to list the ancient temple as a World Heritage Site and then urged the International Court of Justice to provide a new interpretation of its 1962 ruling.
Mr Surapong stated that relations with Cambodia are now improving, and Thailand is focusing on trade and resolving human trafficking problems.
Regarding the help to secure the release of Thai activists Veera Somkwamkid and Ratree Pipattanapaiboon, now detained in a Cambodian jail for espionage, the minister said no progress has been made as they must serve at least one-third of their sentences first.
Mr Surapong said the ministry also planned to enhance border trade and open special economic zones to facilitate trade at the borders.
The planned special economic areas that the foreign minister referred to will be located in Mae Sot district in Tak province and Tak Bai, Sungai Kolok, and Wang districts of Narathiwat province. The latter intends to link Thailand with Malaysia’s Kelantan State.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra discussed with the neighbouring countries’ leaders when she officially visited them, suggesting that the current temporary border crossings should be developed into permanent ones and that the border crossing areas should be expanded to facilitate easier border crossing, according to Mr Surapong.
Mr Surapong said the establishment of distribution centres between Thailand and neighbours will pave the way for the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015.
The foreign ministry and the interior ministry will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding to allow Thais living overseas to apply or extend their identity cards without returning to the kingdom as part of the diplomatic mission to facilitate Thais living aboard.
