On 13 February 2014, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs held a briefing for members of the Diplomatic Corps and International Organizations on the political situation in Thailand at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Fifty representatives from foreign embassies and four International Organizations attended the briefing. 

Mr. Surapong said that today’s briefing was a summary of the current situation in Thailand from the beginning of political demonstrations until the holding of general elections on 2nd February 2014, as well as other developments that have taken place hitherto. The main purpose was to promote better understanding of the situation in Thailand and to reassure the diplomatic corps of Thailand’s adherence to the democratic process in resolving the political conflict. With regard to the elections, the Deputy Prime Minister explained that the Election Commission would proceed with the by-elections in the affected constituencies in order to allow a new government to be formed and the reform process moved forward.