Foreign envoys asked to help invite tourists to Songkran
Foreign Minister Surapong Tohvichakchaikul on Wednesday asked the foreign envoys to help invite their people to come to Thailand to enjoy the Songkran festival given that the state of emergency has already been cancelled."
He was speaking after updating foreign diplomats on the domestic political situation, including the relaxation of security measures. He said 21 ambassadors and consuls from 60 countries and representatives of four international organisations attended the briefing at the Foreign Ministry’s headquarters on Si Ayutthaya Road. Security was tight with police and soldiers guarding the safety of participants.
Surapong said he explained the invocation and revocation of the emergency decree and use of the Internal Security Act (ISA).
“The decree could be reinstated if the situation becomes worse. On the other hand, the ISA can be lifted if the situation returns to normal,” he told reporters.
He ensured the envoys that Thailand is still a centre of trade and investment in the region despite the political problems.
“I expect that the envoys will cooperate and review the level of travel warnings.” The diplomats did not bring up any specific issues, he said.
He said he would visit China, Japan and South Korea in two weeks because their visitors to Thailand were dwindling and their businessmen were reportedly considering relocating their investment to other countries.