Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has asked Thai ambassadors and consul-generals in overseas posts to speed up their work to create understanding with foreign governments on Thai political developments, particularly progress on the country's roadmap.
Speaking to the press after presiding over the annual meeting of ambassadors and consul-generals yesterday, Gen Prayut said he appreciated the work of top diplomats who have worked to build relations with foreign countries after the political change.
He said ambassadors and consul-generals have played a key role in regaining the confidence of the international community and the results have been positive, based on previous international meetings which Gen Prayut attended with dignity.
"I appreciated their hard and swift work in explaining to our foreign friends using substantive information about the political developments," Gen Prayut said.
"But we have to advance their understanding of our progress on the roadmap and the draft charter, which we will follow strictly."
When asked about countries which still have doubts about Thai politics, Gen Prayut refused to answer, saying the media already knows which countries do not understand the Thai political situation.
"They have their own democratic views since they overcame their political difficulties a long time ago," Gen Prayut said.
"Although we have to follow the [democratic] rules of the international community, we have to consider whether we can use all the rules from outside."
The prime minister also advised senior diplomats to deliver key policies, such as the Thai foreign affairs strategy, details of the draft charter, and updates on the roadmap.
"I want to use this opportunity to explain the issues to you, including the economic and social situation and reforms under way, to help you perform your work properly under the current circumstances," he said.
Gen Prayut also emphasised trade and investment, saying they are key for Thailand's economic growth.
Ambassadors and consul-generals should have a clear picture of what to say from the ministers of key government departments, he said.
One-stop services on trade and investment should be set up in foreign countries to provide economic information to foreign investors, Gen Prayut said.
Key ministers also attended the meeting, including Commerce Minister Chatchai Sarikalya, who shared views on trade promotion, and Transport Minister Prajin Juntong, who discussed trade expansion and connectivity.
All 69 ambassadors and 29 consul-generals attended the meeting at the ministry's headquarters.
The meeting was postponed for three years due to several reasons, including political uncertainty.