Ambassador Antonio V. Rodriguez and eight other ASEAN ambassadors to Thailand paid a joint courtesy call on new Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on 12 Oct 2006. The joint call was an initiative of Ambassador Rodriguez and was arranged through the Thai MFA.

ASEAN's joint call was the first in a series of four courtesy calls during the day by members of the diplomatic corps in Bangkok. The second group to call on PM Surayud was 23 ambassadors from Asia and Africa, followed by 11 ambassadors from the Americas and the Pacific, and then 25 ambassadors from Europe. Representatives of 19 international organizations in Thailand were also invited to pay a courtesy call on PM Surayud.

During the meeting, the ASEAN ambassadors expressed felicitations on PM Surayud's appointment. On his part, PM Surayud welcomed the ASEAN ambassadors to Government House and expressed his appreciation for 'sparing time' to see him. The premier and the ASEAN ambassadors discussed various important issues, particularly the political situation in the country and the interim government’s efforts towards a return of democratic rule in Thailand. Ambassador Rodriguez took the opportunity to welcome the continuation of foreign policies begun under the Thaksin government, especially in the context of the ASEAN spirit.

The courtesy call was held at the Santi Matri Hall of the Government House. ASEAN embassies in Bangkok were represented by the ambassadors of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore and Viet Nam. Aside from the Prime Minister, the Thai side included Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram, Deputy Foreign Minister Sawanit Kongsiri, Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Krit Garnjana-goonchorn, and other high-ranking Foreign Ministry official.

The Philippines
Office of the President
Department of Foreign Affairs
Department of Trade & Industry
Department of Tourism
Philippine Media
° The Manila Bulletin Online
° The Philippine Daily Inquirer
° The Philippine Star

Thailand
Office of the Premier
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Thai Media
° Bangkok Post
° The Nation