MFA:Foreign countries hope Thailand to achieve democracy soon

BANGKOK, August 22 (TNA) - Foreign countries appear to understand Thailand’s improving political and economic situation and hope to see the Kingdom achieve democracy soon. Acting Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who is also Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, told journalists of the positive prospect on Friday, after chairing the 15th Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation, held in Bangkok from August 19-22. Sihasak revealed that senior officials of 36 countries attending the four-day cross-continental forum also asked and congratulated Thailand on having a new prime minister and enquired on next steps of the roadmap toward the country's fresh general election, expected by next year. Army and National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha was unanimously selected by National Legislative Assembly members to become Thailand's 29th prime minister on August 21. Sihasak said foreign countries participating in the forum should see for themselves that the situation in Thailand has been returning to normal and ready to return to the democratic system, reflecting as well that the national economy has been moving forward and the Kingdom has upheld strong democratic roles and foreign policies. Asked whether the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs is concerned over working under the incoming military-dominated government, Sihasak stated that he believes his ministry can work with the incoming interim government without obstacles, as both the interim administration and his ministry focus on future public and national interests, while all foreign countries are also believed to understand that Thailand is moving toward the democratic system soon with a national reform, in which people of all Thai sectors are allowed to participate. On foreign media reports that Thailand had a new prime minister within 15 minutes, the acting foreign minister indicated it showed that Thailand has the most suitable person to become the next prime minister. The acting foreign minister acknowledged that the four-day forum also provided a good opportunity for countries in Latin America and East Asia to confer on their cross-continental culture, trade, investment, education and science. (TNA)