Gist of PM Abhisit Vejjajiva’s Address at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Hong Kong (FCCHK), 15 May 2009 and Q&A Session

May 25, 2009 Ministry of Foreign Affairs

(Myanmar)

Q: (IHT – Mark McDonald) As the holder of the ASEAN Chair, is it not time for you personally, as a Prime Minister of Thailand, and ASEAN overall to speak out against the rather alarming treatment of Aung San Suu Kyi in [Myanmar]? And barring any comment, is it acquiescence by silence on the part of ASEAN? PM: Yesterday, I already expressed my concerns about what has been happening in Myanmar because at the last ASEAN leaders’ meeting, Myanmar briefed us on her plans to achieve the roadmap and we had clearly issued the statement, chairman’s statement – and also in our discussions – on the desire to see an inclusive political process that would be accepted by the international community and we have encouraged Myanmar to work with the United Nations because we have expected the United Nations, maybe the Secretary General, to pay a visit and try to resolve the issues. Obviously, what has been happening over the last couple of days or a little longer is of real concern. The Foreign Ministry, since Thailand is the Chair, is now seeking the views of all the other ASEAN members.

Q: (Reuters) You mentioned that the situation of Aung Sang Suu Kyi is of real concern to yourself and ASEAN. Could you elaborate on that – your concern about manner of her detention, her health being denied of a doctor in the past. What time frame do you think you will be able to get a collective answer from the members on this? PM: Clearly her health situation is of concern, and that should be a concern to everybody. The second thing is the bigger picture of what this means as far as the implementation of the roadmap. And I have already said ASEAN has expressed our desire to see what we called an inclusive process that would be key to the acceptability of the political process. So clearly the events raised these concerns, health concerns and concerns as to what this means for the future of the implementation of the roadmap. The Foreign Ministry is asking for views of other ASEAN countries, and it went out yesterday, and because I’m here today I cannot tell you how quick the response we can expect, but I will certainly follow up on that with my Foreign Minister when I get back.