BANGKOK, 7 September 2011 – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will pay an official visit to Cambodia on 15 September 2011 to introduce herself after the assumption of her post, according to Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.
Announcing the scheduled visit of the prime minister, Mr Surapong told the press that he was looking at a possibility for the prime minister to visit neighbouring Laos right after her mission in Cambodia.
As for the negotiation with Cambodia to help Thai Patriots Network coordinator Veera Somkwamkid and his secretary Ratree Pipatanapaiboon now detained in Prey Sar prison, the minister admitted that this issue remains unclear, and the appropriate timing is needed.
Mr Surapong admitted that if the issue could not be raised upon the visit to Cambodia on 15 September, another visit would have to be scheduled. He confirmed that the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh was taking care of the two inmates very well.
As for a report that the Democrat Party appointed its key figure Ong-art Klampaiboon as shadow foreign minister to inspect his operation, the minister welcomed the news, saying he would listen to any suggestion to be made.
Mr Surapong stressed that major responsibilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at present are to enhance relationship with neighbouring nations, take less engagement in politics and bring Thailand back as an ASEAN frontline state.
