BANGKOK – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the Prime Minister will attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, while a government spokesperson has stated that the European Parliament’s invitation to ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra is a personal matter, unrelated to state affairs.
Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai reported that several world leaders, including Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, will be attending the UN Climate Change Conference, COP 21 or CMP 11. Gen Prayut will take this opportunity to voice Thailand’s support for counter-terrorism efforts, in light of the recent attacks in Paris.
Thai embassies across the world have been ordered to follow local developments in their host countries and stand ready to assist Thais abroad in the event of violence. The order came after the US State Department issued a worldwide travel alert “due to increased terrorist threats.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Government Spokesperson Maj Gen Weerachon Sukhontapatipak addressed the European Parliament’s invitation last month to ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra to share her insight on the political situation in Thailand.
He said the details of the invitation have not been unconfirmed and the government is only aware of information disseminated via mass media. The government views the invitation as a “personal matter” that does not concern the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
If Ms. Yingluck chooses to accept the invitation and submits a request to the NCPO to travel outside of Thailand, Maj Gen Weerachon said the government will verify the authenticity of the letter, as well as the purpose of the meeting.
