On 10 February 2010, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya met with representatives of 21 foreign chambers of commerce in Thailand to brief them on the current political and economic situation in Thailand as well as on the Prime Minister’s recent trip to Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum. 

Foreign Minister Kasit briefed the foreign business community that, while in Davos, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva – in meetings with a number of foreign political and business leaders as well as international media – had relayed key messages to the international community regarding Thailand’s adherence to democratic principles and progress of the Thai economy, which had successfully emerged from the economic downturn and is expected to see positive growth of around 4-5% this year, along with export growth of around 15%.  In this connection, the Foreign Minister assured the foreign chambers of commerce of the Government’s commitment to ensuring Thailand’s openness and competitiveness, to promoting transparency and accountability as well as to establishing a “creative economy”, enhancing connectivity with regional countries and improving the country’s infrastructure. 

With regard to the political situation and the planned series of anti-government demonstrations, the Foreign Minister noted the Government’s determination to ensure that the ordinary Thai people and the foreign community in the country be affected as little as possible.  He informed the foreign chambers of commerce of the meeting of the National Security Council chaired by the Prime Minister on 4 February 2010 which discussed contingency plans to deal with any eventuality. He in particular gave assurances that in handling the protests, the Government would proceed in accordance with the rule of law and use crowd control methods of international standards. He further reassured the foreign business community of the Government’s unity of command and of the close working relationship between the Government, the military and the police which would enable clear and smooth undertaking of security operations. The Foreign Minister also underlined that demonstrations have been confined to certain locations and never targeted foreigners or their businesses.

In addressing concerns regarding the Map Ta Phut industrial estate, Foreign Minister Kasit stressed the Government’s determination to resolve the problem with the involvement of all stakeholders and in compliance with the law. He also detailed progress on the matter and sought the understanding and patience of the foreign chambers of commerce while the issue goes through the legal process.  In response to other questions, the Foreign Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to move forward with its policies on 3G licenses, free trade agreement negotiations, and facilitating an open and liberal environment for doing business in Thailand. 

On their part, the foreign chambers of commerce stressed the importance attached to the issue of competitiveness of Thailand, which is underpinned by the country’s political stability and the rule of law.  They welcomed the Foreign Minister’s assurances of the Government’s effort in this regard.

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11 February 2010