The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invited the Deputy Chief of Mission from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok to discuss Thailand’s security after the latter’s posting of terror warnings last week.
Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, said that Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary of Foreign Ministry, on Tuesday, invited Ms. Judith Beth Cefkin, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, to a meeting on Thailand’s security situation.
The meeting cane on the heels of the US Embassy’s last week posting of terror warnings for American citizens in the Thai capital.
Ms. Celfkin joined the meeting on behalf of Ambassador Kristie Kenney, who is on mission overseas.
According to the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mr. Sihasak has expressed Thailand’s concerns over the terror alerts, which should have been handled with caution and discretion as such actions could have serious impacts on Thailand.
He added that the meeting has seen both sides reiterating the importance of battling all acts of terror and a closer cooperation.
In addition, Mr. Sihasak has assured Ms. Cefkin that Thailand’s security situation is not to be worried about while necessary safety measures have been put in place to cope with any unexpected circumstances.
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson added that Ms. Cefkin has acknowledged Thailand’s stance and actions to keep the situation under the control.
Moreover, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok has promised to consider removing the warnings soon.
When asked about travel advisories issued by various governments, Mr. Thani said that each advisory will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis as other countries have only followed the US Embassy’s move and have not banned their citizens from visiting Thailand.
News from NNT