Japanese ambassador Shigekazu Sato confirmed yesterday Japan will continue to cooperate with Thailand due to the countries’ long-standing relations and mutual interests.
Japanese ambassador to Thailand Shigekazu Sato, left, meets permanent secretary for foreign affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow yesterday. Pattanapong Hirunard
Permanent secretary for foreign affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow yesterday welcomed Mr Sato to a briefing on Thailand’s political developments.
It was the first bilateral meeting between Mr Sihasak and Mr Sato since the coup was declared on May 22, and lasted 40 minutes.
The Japanese ambassador was called in because Mr Sihasak wanted to explain the situation in Thailand to him and the operations of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said Mr Sihasak said the NCPO was paving the way for national reconciliation and a general election it deems “fundamental” to the strength of Thailand.
“Thailand is building a good climate for foreign investment at the moment by setting up the Board of Investment committee, approving infrastructure projects and considering the budget for the next fiscal year to create confidence,” Mr Sek said.
The biggest investors in Thailand are the Japanese, and tourists from the country make up the third largest group of visitors to Thailand.
Mr Sihasak said the safety of Japanese tourists was paramount and assured Mr Sato that NCPO measures were “relaxed”, Mr Sek said.
Mr Sato told Mr Sihasak on behalf of the Japanese foreign ministry that he is welcome to visit any time. Mr Sihasak is expected to visit Japan next month.
The Japanese envoy said his government has stressed the importance of cooperation between the countries due to their long-standing bilateral ties and extensive mutual interests, Mr Sek said.
Previously, Thailand’s ambassador to Japan, Thanatip Upatising, had confirmed that Japanese investors had not lost confidence in the Thai economy.