Thai govt rejects visa for Dalai Lama's sister

Thursday, March 04, 2010

The Nation
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File Photo: Jetsun Pema, known as Ama La or "Mother" to Tibetan Children, delivers a speech in an event held in her honor as the receiver of an award recognizing her for her persistence to fight for the Rights of the Child, May 16, 2006. Children from countries around the world voted last month for Jetsun Pema over two others that were nominated for the International Award. (EPA Photo/Jeremy Rushane)

Thai government has rejected visa for Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's sister Jetsun Pema who was scheduled to give a speech at a cultural event this weekend.

Thai Foreign Ministry said the rejection was decided out of fear that the Jetsun Pema, a younger sister of Dalai Lama, would use the visit to deliver a political message and that would certainly upset China.

China that has considered Tibet as part of its territory and Thailand has insisted that it respects the One-China policy.

Jetsun Pema was supposed to be in Thailand between March 5 and 7 to join the Tibetan spirituality, art and culture event, entitled "From the Himalayas to the Chao Phya River" hosted at Bangkok Art and Culture Center.

She was scheduled to deliver speech on "Buddhist Education for Tibetan school in exile and Tibet: My story," on March 6.

Foreign Minister's Secretary Chavanond Intarakomalyasut told The Nation that visa applications of Jetsun Pema and her husband was rejected as Thailand did not want to have any political difficulties with country in concern.

"We don't have any problem with a cultural and art event from Tibet. But reserved our rights to reject any political-related issue which might affect good relations with other countries," he said. He did not name the country in question.