It was yet confirmed whether Russian President Vladimir Putin would attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Bangkok next month, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said after the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Mr Don was responding to reporters’ questions about Mr Putin’s participation in the Nov 18-19 summit in Bangkok, as earlier reported.
The foreign minister said it had not yet been confirmed.
He knew Mr Putin wanted to attend the meeting. However, there might be other issues the Russian leader had to handle. His attendance would also involve Mr Putin travelling out of Russia, and this would require a lot of preparation, Mr Don said.
Asked to comment on an observation that Mr Putin’s attendance might deter leaders of several other countries from also participating, Mr Don said the matter should not be expanded to that extent.
It was reported in the middle of last week that Mr Putin had accepted Thailand’s invitation to attend the Apec summit, citing a security source.
The source said the Foreign Ministry had informed security agencies to prepare security arrangements for the summit.