Visit to the Kingdom of Thailand by Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs
(Overview of Results)

August 23, 2010

<Summary>

• Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited the Kingdom of Thailand from the evening of August 22 (Sun) to August 23 (Mon) following his visit to India on August 21 and 22. It was the first bilateral visit of a Japanese Foreign Minister to Thailand after a five-year interval, excluding visits made to attend international conferences and other occasions.
• During a Japan-Thailand Foreign Ministerial meeting, Minister Okada received explanations from his counterpart, Mr. Kasit Piromya, on the current situation of the investigation of the incident resulting in the death of Mr. Hiroyuki Muramoto during the Bangkok demonstrations. The two Ministers also exchanged views on situation in the region and United Nations Security Council reform.
• Minister Okada paid a courtesy call on Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. Minister Okada asked that the truth be found as soon as possible regarding the incident resulting in Mr. Muramoto's death and that compensation be made to cover damages incurred by Japanese companies during the demonstrations. They also exchanged views on the issue of Map Ta Put, cooperation in the Mekong region, and Thailand-Cambodia relations.
• Minister Okada signed his name in a signature book in a prayer for the recovery of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has been hospitalized. He also visited the place where Mr. Muramoto died and laid flowers.
• Minister Okada exchanged views with people from the local Japanese business community on issues that have to be addressed for ensuring smooth operations of their businesses in Thailand, including responses to the damages caused by the recent demonstrations.
• Minister Okada observed the sites of Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects-the Bangkok Subway Project and the Project for the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability-and exchanged views with the people involved in the projects.

1. Japan-Thailand Foreign Ministers' Meeting (Morning of August 23)

(1) Japan-Thailand relations

Minister Okada stated that while his visit to Thailand was the first bilateral visit of a Japanese Foreign Minister in five years, the two countries had enjoyed a long tradition of strong friendly relations and, as such, Japan has placed importance on Thailand. He indicated his hope for Japan and Thailand, both being democratic nations, to cooperate in leading endeavors by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and in the Asian region.

Minister Kasit responded that he considered Minister Okada's visit as an important opportunity to deepen Japan-Thailand bilateral relations, that while Thailand was experiencing a social change, it was important to advance reforms under the principle of democracy, and that he would work to regain trust in the stability of Thailand.

(2) Situation in Thailand

Minister Okada, after conveying to Minister Kasit that he visited, prior to the Foreign Ministers' meeting, the place where Mr. Muramoto died and that the Japanese side had a very keen interest on this issue, asked for explanations on the current situation of the investigation.

Minister Kasit responded that the Thai government took the outbreak of casualties in the recent destabilization seriously, especially the death of foreigners. He explained that the Department of Special Investigations of the Ministry of Justice was making its utmost efforts in the investigation, conveying to the Japanese side information it had gathered from various sources, and that despite their efforts for an early settlement of the issue, a lack of information and evidence had posed difficulties for the Thai side in pursuing the investigation. He stated that the Ministry of Justice was to make an announcement that day and that the Thai government would work to accelerate the progress of the investigation.

(3) Issue of Map Ta Put

Minister Okada expressed his hope for an early settlement of the issue of Map Ta Put, indicating Japan's intention to continue its cooperation. He also expressed his hope that efforts would be made so that companies suspending their business activities could resume their operations at an early date.

Minister Kasit stated that the Thai government led by Prime Minister Abhisit had been working intensively on the issue. He explained that the constitution required people's participation, to which the government responded by establishing various committees, among other initiatives, for an early settlement of the issue, and that he acknowledged the importance of taking into account the burdens on companies and, as such, meetings with parties concerned had been held on a weekly basis. Minister Kasit expressed his intention to provide assistance in an appropriate manner.

(4) United Nations Security Council reform

Minister Okada expressed his view that the advancement of United Nations Security Council reform will further strengthen the United Nations' legitimacy and will be to the benefit of Asia. He asked for Thailand's active cooperation and support for Japan's actions to obtain a tangible outcome. Minister Kasit replied that he would support Japan's efforts to exerting its leadership both in Asia and globally with a greater role in the international community.

(5) Situation in Myanmar

In light of the Myanmar government's announcement to hold elections on November 7, Minister Okada stated that it would be regrettable should general elections take place without the release of political prisoners, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, as they would not be free, fair, and inclusive elections. He expressed Japan's intention to continue urging the Myanmar government to understand the importance of free, fair, and inclusive elections. Minister Kasit responded that while he welcomed the announcement of the general elections as a first step for the diversity of the political parties, Thailand intended to explain to the Myanmar side that it was still necessary to release political prisoners in order for the elections to become credible. He also stated that it was important to cooperate in regards to Myanmar's efforts for human resources development by supporting the promotion of privatization and the activities of non-government organizations (NGO).

(6) Thailand-Cambodia relations

In response to Minister Okada's inquiry on the recent situation, Minister Kasit explained that Thailand intended to advance its relations with Cambodia under the principle of good governance and expressed his hope for an early advancement of Thailand-Cambodia relations.

(7) Situation in the region

The Ministers exchanged views on matters such as China, third-country cooperation, India, and international division of labor in the region. On China, Minister Kasit stated that relations with China constituted an important issue and he intended to seek improved policy transparency. Minister Okada said that China is a very important country and relations allowing frank discussions were important. He also stated that Japan intended to respond to issues, such as the South China Sea issue, with interest. On third-country cooperation, Minister Kasit explained, while making reference to cooperation on the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability, about the scale of significance of holding third-country training in Thailand.

2. Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Abhisit (Afternoon of August 23)

(1) Japan-Thailand relations

Key points of Minister Okada's statements:

1. (a) Japan and Thailand have enjoyed strong historic and industrial relations. Relations with Thailand are of great importance to Japan.
2. (b) To secure the safety of Japanese nationals abroad is one of the most important missions the Government of Japan, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is tasked with. It is requested that the truth be found out as soon as possible regarding the incident resulting in Mr. Muramoto's death. Consideration is also requested for compensation to cover damages inflicted on Japanese companies during the demonstrations.

Key points of Prime Minsiter Abhisit's responses:

1. (a) The importance of Japan-Thailand relations remains unchanged. The Thai economy is recovering and it is intended that Japan-Thailand relations will be strengthened by utilizing the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) even more actively.
2. (b) Condolences are expressed once again for the death of Mr. Muramoto. While the Department of Special Investigation of the Ministry of Justice has been working to make progress in the investigation and information has been provided to the Japanese Embassy in Thailand, the evidence is not sufficient. Efforts will continue to be made to progress the investigation. Responses will be made to the damaged companies in an appropriate manner.
3. (c) Concerning the issue of Map Ta Put, the criteria for the types of businesses to be regulated were announced at today's meeting of the National Environment Board. The cooperation that Japan has provided in the area of the environment, including for pollution countermeasures, is appreciated.

(2) Cooperation in the Mekong region

Minister Okada expressed his hope for strengthening cooperation between Japan and Thailand, toward the second Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting in October, in areas such as the reduction of regional disparities, the maintenance of connectivity, and the environment and climate change (the Green Mekong initiative). Prime Minister Abhisit stated that he appreciated Japan's cooperation for the development of connectivity and expressed his intention to cooperate with Japan in making efforts for human resources development in neighboring countries.

(3) Thailand-Cambodia relations

While expressing his full understanding that Thailand-Cambodia relations are an issue between Thailand and Cambodia, Minister Okada stated that Japan watched the development closely with concern. Prime Minister Abhisit appreciated Japan's concerns and stated that he was convinced that Thailand and Cambodia will see concrete progress in their bilateral relations in the near future.

3. Signing at Siriraj Hospital (Morning of August 23)

Minister Okada visited Siriraj Hospital where His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been hospitalized since last September. He signed his name in a signature book in a prayer for His Majesty's early recovery.

4. Visit to the place where Mr. Muramoto died (Morning of August 23)

Minister Okada visited the place where Mr. Muramoto died during the Bangkok demonstrations on April 10 this year, and laid flowers.

5. Visit to Japan's ODA sites (Morning of August 23)

Minister Okada visited the sites of the Bangkok Subway Project, to which Japan had provided loan assistance in order to reduce traffic jams and air pollution in Bangkok, and the Project for the Asia-Pacific Development Center on Disability, for which Japan had provided grant aid and technical assistance. In each site, Minister Okada exchanged views with people involved in the project for the further improvement of the effectiveness and efficiency of ODA projects.

6. Visit to the Ban Pho Plant of Toyota (Afternoon of August 23)

Minister Okada visited the Ban Pho plant of Toyota Motor Thailand to observe a manufacturing line of automobiles that are to be sold in Thailand and exported to more than 100 countries globally. He also observed a tree planting site and biotope area where the plant conducts its environment activities, and planted a commemorative tree there.

7. Courtesy Call by Executives of the Japanese Association in Thailand and Meeting with Japanese Businesspersons in Thailand (Evening of August 23)

Minister Okada met with executives of the Japanese Association in Thailand and received explanations on the current situation of the Japanese community in Thailand, including the management of Japanese schools, and issues involving daily living and security conditions in Bangkok. He also exchanged views with the attendees on the Japanese government's efforts.

Minister Okada also met with people from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok and exchanged views on matters such as issues to be tackled to ensure smooth operations of the Japanese businesses in Thailand, including responses to the damage caused by the recent demonstrations.