Thailand confident Vietnam will understand situation : Sihasak
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Thailand expects Vietnam and other Asean member nations to view positively and understand the overall situation in the country following the seizure of power by the military in the May 22 coup, a top official from the Thai foreign ministry said on Thursda
Permanent Secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow, now on a twoday official visit to Vietnam, met Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on Wednesday.
He said it was necessary for him to make Vietnam better understand the situation in Thailand and why the military had to seize administrative power.
The junta has now taken three clear steps to achieve reconciliation and work towards a general election and it is hoped that the world community will understand Thailand.
He said Foreign Affairs Ministry officials plan to visit other Asean members followed at a later date by Japan, China and Australia to brief officials about Thailand’s situation.
Sihasak said he also plans to meet foreign journalists based in Thailand so as to enable them to accurately report on situation in this country.
Speaking of the countries that decided to suspend cooperation or cut their financial assistance to the kingdom after the coup, Sihasak said this was their prerogative but that it would be better for them to look at the longerterm benefits.
Detention of certain figures was carried out in line with international conventions and in accordance with human rights principles and for peace.
No one was detained longer than the seven days permitted under the law, he said, adding that he hoped that foreign countries would understand.
