Thailand says former Sri Lanka president Rajapaksa seeks visit, not seeking asylum

Thailand has received a request for former Sri Lanka president Gotabaya Rajapaksa to visit the country, but he has no intention of seeking political asylum, Thailand’s foreign ministry said on Wednesday (Aug 10).

Ministry spokesperson Tanee Sangrat said Thailand saw no problem with Mr Rajapaksa entering on a diplomatic passport, which would allow him to stay 90 days.

He did not say when Mr Rajapaksa intended to visit.

Earlier in the day, reports quoted two sources as saying Mr Rajapaksa is expected to arrive in Thailand on Thursday.

Sri Lanka's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Thailand would be the second South-east Asian country Mr Rajapaksa is seeking temporary shelter after fleeing his island nation last month amid mass protests.