BANGKOK — The European Union has barred Thai ministers from taking official visits to its member countries, according to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a statement released yesterday, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the measure applies to official visits undertaken by "Thai officials holding the ranks of Ministers and above."
Ordinary Thais can still visit EU countries with passports and relevant visa documents, the statement added.
The statement was released after a rumour spread on social media that Thai citizens have been banned from entering the EU.
Western countries such as the EU, the United States, and Australia have responded negatively to the 22 May military coup in Thailand, downgrading relations with the Kingdom, cutting military aid, and calling for an immediate return to democracy.
Two weeks ago the EU announced that it suspended signing a cooperation pact with Thailand and cancelled state visits in response to the 22 May coup.
The ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) claims that the coup was necessary to restore peace and order in Thailand after six months of political turmoil, in which anti-government protesters sought the ousting of then-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
You can also find Khaosod English on Twitter and Facebook
http://twitter.com/KhaosodEnglish
http://www.facebook.com/KhaosodEnglish
