The House Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy and National Reform met with H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to exchange[...]

On 23 August 2024, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Mr. Rangsiman Rome, Chair of the House Committee on National Security, Border Affairs, National Strategy and National Reform, and his team, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to meet senior executives of the Ministry for an open and useful exchange of views and updates. The discussion was aimed at advancing common efforts to work together to protect and promote national interests on a variety of security issues. In particular, the discussion centered on the topic of combatting transnational crime, and the Ministry shared its efforts in advancing cooperation with neighboring countries to prevent and suppress drug trafficking and online fraud, which are considered threats to the country's security and have a significant impact on the Thai people. The Ministry also updated members of the House Committee on the Ministry's consistent efforts in this regard, in promoting international cooperation at the ASEAN and sub-regional levels. Most recently, on 16 August 2024, the 9^th Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Chiang Mai Province issued a joint statement on strengthening cooperation in combating transboundary crime. On that same day, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry had met with Foreign Ministers of Myanmar, China and Lao PDR, and agreed to elevate cooperation in this area, particularly as it relates to illicit drugs and online fraud.

In addition, the Ministry is accelerating the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which will be an important tool for screening and tracking the movement of foreigners entering Thailand.

With regard to previous recommendations received from the House Committee regarding information alleging financial transactions related to human rights violations in Myanmar, Mr. Paisal Rupanichkij, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, shared the outcome of a meeting he chaired on 24 July 2024 with the relevant agencies that agreed on a clear approach for ensuring that Thai financial institutions operate within the legal framework and comply with international standards. In addition, the Ministry has been coordinating with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar and considering approaches advanced by other countries in this regard, all of which must take into account the protection of Thailand's interests as a key priority.

With regard to the overall situation in Myanmar, Thailand prioritizes promoting peace, stability and development in Myanmar, especially peace along the Thai-Myanmar border areas. The Ministry is advancing the following three-pronged approach: proactive diplomacy at all levels, support for the peace process in Myanmar and humanitarian assistance for the people of Myanmar. Thailand has consistently played a constructive role, both through bilateral channels and international organizations.