Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop says Canberra supports a return to democracy in Thailand and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop shakes hands with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House during her visit on Friday. Ms Bishop said the Australian government supports a return to democracy in Thailand and the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. (Government house photo)
Following her meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn on Friday, Ms Bishop reiterated Australia's views while highlighting the strong relationship between both countries.
"The purpose of my visit was to gain a better understanding of the government's roadmap," she told the Bangkok Post.
The Australian minister said she held a long and productive discussion with Gen Tanasak about "what has occurred" and the future prospects for Thailand's political situation.
During her visit, she also met Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.
"This is in accordance with my practice of meeting with opposition leaders and members of other parties," she said.
Ms Bishop said she passed on the same message to Ms Yingluck and Mr Abhisit that Australia supports a return to democracy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on her schedule.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said the Australian minister also pledged to give assistance to Thailand's political reform efforts by sending experts to discuss these points and share their experience.
Another area of cooperation Ms Bishop discussed with her Thai counterpart was the launch of the New Colombo Plan, an initiative to grant 160 Australian university students scholarships to study or conduct internships in Thailand.
It is important for Australian youth to be Asian-literate, Ms Bishop said.
"It is an investment in our future bilateral relationship," she added.