Thai citizens in the United States should avoid breaking the law and become more productive, the Foreign Ministry says, mindful of US President-elect Donald Trump's tough policy against illegal migrants.
Expressing his opinion Thursday on the next US president's migration policy, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai suggested Thais living in the US behave themselves by complying with the law and sustaining their livelihoods with legal jobs.
"Thais in the US must adapt themselves to the changing situation. If they make themselves a benefit to the country, they will be accepted there. On the contrary, they could be targeted easily if they live their lives in vain," he said
Thais living illegally in the United States are known as 'Robin Hoods'.
"No matter what viewpoints people have on the US election, they have to accept and adapt themselves to it," said Mr Don.
"I believe that no matter who won the presidency, he or she is full of good intentions and aims to enhance their own country and people including international relationships," he added.
Mr Don also mentioned The Apprentice, the US television programme once hosted by Mr Trump, saying the programme mirrored Mr Trump's human resources management style which might show up during his presidency.
With a longstanding relationship between the US and Thailand spanning over 183 years, Thailand has experience dealing with both the Republican and Democratic parties.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha told a meeting of Thai ambassadors and consuls at the Foreign Ministry that Thailand will cooperate with the US, regardless of who is president, and with other countries in responding to global change to ensure future security, prosperity and sustainability.
Gen Prayut was speaking at a meeting with about 100 top diplomatic officials -- Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, Thai ambassadors and consuls-general and permanent representatives to trade offices in 97 countries -- at the ministry.
The prime minister said Thailand will continue to cooperate with the US following the presidential election there, as well as with other countries.
Gen Prayut said he would like to meet Thai diplomats on a bi-annual basis, in addition to contact normally made through the Foreign Ministry.
The ministry also must adjust to the changing world situation, he said.
"The world keeps changing every day. The US presidential election will bring about change. We have to be prepared for change in areas of security, economics and social fields. If we are well-prepared, we will be able to talk to any country on any and every matter," he said.
Also Thursday, ousted premiers Thaksin and Yingluck Shinawatra issued statements, congratulating Mr Trump on his election as the US's 45th president.
"I am certain that with your knowledge in business and world affairs, you will bring significant change and make America great again," Thaksin said in his letter.
Discussing protests in the US against Mr Trump's election, acting national police deputy chief Pol Gen Detnarong Suthichanbancha said there had been no similar incidents in Thailand.
However, he issued instructions to boost the police presence at the US embassy and other important locations.