Bangkok (NNT/VNA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand hasheld an e-Consular seminar for its consulate officials in countries around theglobe, as many are set to increase visa-free travel for Thai passport holders.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai officiated at the annual seminarfor Thai consulate officials at the Centara Grand Ladphrao Hotel in Bangkok,attended by 93 officials from Royal Thai Embassies and Royal ThaiConsulates-General globally, to be updated of the consular services developmentpolicy by the ministry.

The Foreign Minister delivered an opening speech, in which he emphasized thatthe key roles of Thai consulate officials are to promote the network ofofficials across the globe, and shift consular work towards the e-Consularservice for the people principle, improving relations between Thailand and allcountries with high respect for diplomatic protocols and refraining from anyinterference with other countries’ internal affairs, while taking care of Thaipeople living abroad.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to ensure Thai people are welcomed byother countries by increasing the number of countries offering visa waivers toThai passport holders, with the aim of improving the country’s ranking on theworld’s most powerful passports list to 20th position, from the current 68thposition which allows visa-free entry to 75 countries.

The Department of Consular Affairs Director General, Chatree Atchananant saysfuture consular efforts will be directed towards achieving best service goals,on the occasion of the department’s 20th anniversary, to yield the best benefitto Thai people around the world. The department is now in the process ofintroducing a third-generation electronic passport, accepting E-Visaapplications in foreign countries, and streamlining the department’s accountingregulations to better protect Thai people abroad.

At this event, 10 volunteers and good samaritans who have supported the work ofthe Department of Consular Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,including the famous Thai singer Saranyu Winaipanit, and actress KhemanitJamikorn, were awarded Volunteering Consular brooches. The awardees havefrequently helped with the issues of Thai overseas workers, assisting Thaipeople facing hardships abroad, and helping promote Thai culture to the world. –NNT/VNA