Key facts
- Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow met with the Chinese ambassador to Thailand.
- The Thai Foreign Minister urged the Chinese ambassador to foster understanding between the two nations.
- The Thai Foreign Minister asked the ambassador to clarify Thai regulations for Chinese tourists.
- Recent incidents involving Chinese tourists prompted the minister's call.
- The minister stated that diplomats should prioritize maintaining relations over solely defending their country's interests.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has formally requested that the Chinese ambassador to Thailand work towards fostering better understanding between the two nations. Phuangketkeow specifically asked the ambassador to help clarify Thai regulations for Chinese tourists, a measure prompted by recent incidents involving Chinese visitors. The minister emphasized that the primary role of diplomats should be to maintain and strengthen bilateral relations, suggesting that this objective should take precedence over solely protecting their own country's interests. This directive highlights Thailand's concern over recent events and their potential impact on tourism and diplomatic ties with China.