U.S. officials' recent focus on the idea of "interim steps" for a path towards North Korea's ultimate denuclearization is raising a flurry of questions about their intentions and the direction of America's policy on the recalcitrant regime. The idea has come into the spotlight in South Korea as some observers see it as a potential sign of Washington's greater desire for dialogue with Pyongyang amid little progress in its diplomacy to the North and security concerns heightened by the regime's military alignment with Russia. The diplomatic gesture came as former President Donald Trump has boasted his personal ties with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his reelection campaign, stressing that "America was safe" when he was in office from 2017-2021. Mira Rapp-Hooper, the National Security Council senior director for East Asia and Oceania, first said during a forum on Monday that the United States will consider interim steps on the pathway toward the North's denuclearization. In a separate forum a day lat er, U.S. Senior Official for North Korea Jung Pak noted the need for interim steps towards the North's denuclearization, which she underlined would not happen "overnight." These remarks raised questions about whether the U.S. is poised to employ a policy shift that goes beyond its oft-repeated mantra of the U.S. having "no hostile intent" toward the North and being ready to engage in dialogue with the North "without preconditions." In the negotiation lexicon for the North, interim steps usually involve such measures as Pyongyang's freeze of its nuclear weapons development in return for sanctions relief or other incentives to encourage the regime's denuclearization efforts. Asked if those officials' remarks signal any policy shift, Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesperson, said during a press briefing on Tuesday that it does not indicate a change in U.S. policy. Analysts gave a range of speculation on intentions behind the idea, with some saying that it might be designed to highlight that Washingt on is interested in reengagement with the North even on small, modest steps. "They don't want North Korea to have any misperception that the U.S. is only interested in complete denuclearization in the near-term," Frank Aum, a senior expert at the United States Institute of Peace, told Yonhap News Agency via email. Some others called attention to an ongoing U.S. move to manage North Korea-related risks at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. "(It reflects) growing administration concerns about the risks of escalation on the peninsula in 2024 and interest in exploring possible opportunities to engage with Pyongyang on risk reduction measures and stability," Robert Rapson, a retired veteran American diplomat, said. Concerns over the escalation of inter-Korean tensions have risen due to North Korea's bellicose rhetoric, continued weapons tests and its nullification of a 2018 inter-Korean military tension reduction agreement. Speculation has also persisted that the North could engage in prov ocative acts during the ongoing South Korea-U.S. military exercise and ahead of the parliamentary elections in South Korea next month and the U.S. presidential election in November. "A central aim has been to show that the chief obstacle to peace has been North Korea's arms buildup and not alliance activities," Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific security chair at the Hudson Institute, said of the remarks on interim steps. "A related aim is to put out an olive branch to show both North and South Koreans that tensions might be reduced if only the Kim regime would permit some engagement," he added. The issue drew particular attention in Seoul as some have raised worries that Washington could focus more on North Korea's nuclear proliferation issues rather than on the ultimate goal of the regime's complete denuclearization. Such concerns could rise further particularly if there is a lack of policy coordination between Seoul and Washington. But that may not be the case under the Biden administration that has put coop eration with its allies, including South Korea, at the core of its foreign policy. "Our position on the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula has not changed," a U.S. National Security Council spokesperson said Monday, in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency. "While we work towards this goal, there are a number of valuable discussions we seek to have with the DPRK, including on reducing the risk of inadvertent military conflict on the peninsula," the official added. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Some observers took note of the fact that the talk of interim steps emerged when President Joe Biden and his predecessor, Trump, are gearing up for a likely rematch for the White House in November. "They're trying to generate a positive news story on a foreign policy area in which the administration has had no success, arguably in comparison to the previous administration and likely future challenger in the presidential election," Aum sa id. The scholar added that the U.S. officials may be responding to North Korea analysts in Washington and Seoul, who have expressed concerns about what he said was the "administration's lack of focus and creativity on engagement." Such concerns have been steadily rising recently as Washington has been preoccupied with a series of ongoing challenges, including the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group and Russia's war in Ukraine. The display of the U.S.' interest in interim steps also came as opportunities for dialogue with Pyongyang have apparently arisen with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida eyeing a summit with Kim, and Western diplomats working to resume activities in Pyongyang. "In the wake of recent Tokyo-Pyongyang flirtations with engagement, maybe the U.S. sees a small window of opportunity here," Rapson said. Source: Yonhap News Agency Bangkok, Department of Mental Health in collaboration with Bangkok Insurance Campaign to create knowledge and understanding for Thai people to stay away from depression. Hope society helps take care of and protect it sustainably. Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health and Bangkok Insurance See the importance of mental health problems Especially the situation of people with depression is likely to increase. And it is a social problem that must be resolved and prevented from expanding. therefore joined in organizing a press conference along with participating in a discussion on the topic of promoting mental health Pay attention to your mental health for sustainable protection Emphasis is on creating awareness about depression among the general public. Including creating knowledge for people around you and family. Able to understandfully care for people who are depressed. in a correct and appropriate way Ready to release a commercial that reflects depression. which is caused by a mental reaction But it is a disease that can be cured. From mental health experts Through the transmission of stories by Mr. Pongkul Suebsung (Pop Pongkul), a good-humoured artist. And there was also Mr. Natee Ekawijit (Oui Buddha Bless) who shared his experiences as a therapist at The Glass House, Nai Lert Park on March 6, 2024. Dr. Phongkasem Khaimook, Director-General of the Department of Mental Health Ministry of Public Health Mentioning the depression situation in Thailand that 'Although the world has developed modern technology and innovation to help in every system. But it was found that Thai people still face increased mental health problems. People live with stress, anxiety, depression, mental health problems and drugs. It can be seen that the number of psychiatric patients in Thailand has almost doubled from 1.3 million people in 2015 to 2.3 million people in 2021. According to the latest data on the HDC reporting system of the Ministry of Public Health, in 2023 it was found that psychiatric and drug patients Adhe red to outpatient treatment An increase of more than 300,000 cases, or 12.09 percent, including estimates that 1.5 million Thai people aged 15 years and over are sick with depression, and only 1 in 3 may receive treatment and care. which if not taken care of in a timely manner It can lead to more severe mental health problems. Because statistics were found that Depression is one of the main causes of suicide among Thai people. And depressed patients have a higher tendency to commit suicide than the general population. And there is a 70 percent chance of premature death. It was found that the ratio of 1.25 psychiatrists is required to take care of 100,000 Thai people. Therefore, it is very necessary that all sectors move to participate in helping. For Thai people to have good mental health universally It doesn't have to be in the public health sector alone. But it may come from the private sector that is interested and attentive to the good mental health of Thai society. Participation from various sectors It w ill produce results that are different from current mental health operations. Helps create new innovations That has never happened before. And it can happen anywhere, anytime. This may be the answer to good mental health and sustainable happiness of Thai society. The Department of Mental Health is very pleased to see the company. Bangkok Insurance Public Company Limited has taken part in supporting and pushing for awareness and awareness of mental health. Especially in issues related to depression. Not only will it help patients and families struggling with these problems, it is also an important collaboration that reflects the image that Mental health is not just a matter of one person. But it is a matter for all Thai people.' Dr. Abhisit Anantanaratana, Chairman of the Executive Board and President of Bangkok Insurance Public Company Limited, said, 'With the Sustainable Organization Development (ESG) policy that emphasizes the importance of operating a business that adheres to Firm in the principles of goo d governance Quality risk management Taking into account every group of stakeholders Along with supporting and promoting a good quality of life for people in society, communities and the environment. Let's grow sustainably together. In particular, the company has focused on cooperating with various network organizations. By supporting activities to care for and help those in need. Ready to truly participate in solving social problems.' 'And from the fragile social situation with various problems and environmental factors. As a result, people in Thai society experience a state of accumulated stress. Being weak both physically and mentally until it became depression Both consciously and unconsciously This results in a negative imaginary image of oneself. And if there is no advice or care given properly or in the right way It may lead to self-harm. And the worst is suicide. This is a shameful waste of a valuable resource for society. Currently, people with depression tend to increase continuously. Bangkok Insur ance would like to be a part of the campaign to reduce such problems. Along with promoting good mental health. To have sustainable immunity Therefore, it is the origin of cooperation with the Department of Mental Health. Ministry of Public Health To create knowledge and understanding for the public about mental health. Especially for people with depression. and those around you who must take care of those with symptoms closely Because depression is considered a symptom of a disease that can be cured. By receiving advice from mental health specialists, the company has created campaign media in the form of advertising films. for thorough communication There are also plans to organize various activities throughout the year so that Thai people can understand the problem and be aware of ways to care for people with depression. It's not just people who are depressed. but also to the people around Both family and friends in order for them to understand Able to communicate and care for people with depression appropri ately It also helps prevent problems in the long run.' At the press conference, the Department of Mental Health and Bangkok Insurance A commercial has been launched to create knowledge and understanding for the public about depression. that are considered symptoms of a disease that can be treated Because most Thai people will understand that Depression is a weakness. It's not necessary to see a doctor, but depression is a condition that can happen to anyone. It's no different from other physical diseases. This can be caused by many factors such as physical, mental, and various environmental conditions. What the advertising film wants to convey is to create understanding for the public to know that Depression is a symptom of a disease that is not caused by weakness. Or it's not just a feeling and want them to go see a doctor to receive proper treatment which can ask for advice At the Department of Mental Health hotline, call 1323, telling this story through Mr. Pongkul Suebsung (Pop Pongkul), a good-humoured artist. In this event, there were also invited guests to join in the discussion on the topic. Promoting mental health Pay attention to your mental health For sustainable prevention, with Dr. Worat Chotipitayasunon Spokesperson of the Department of Mental Health Ministry of Public Health The person who provided knowledge about caring for people with depression said, 'The situation of people with depression tends to increase. and is becoming a social problem that must be urgently solved and prevented There is a first solution that everyone can help with and it is not difficult. Because of giving people in such situations the opportunity to express their feelings. It is important to create an atmosphere of being a safe space to tell stories. That alone can be greatly resolved. As for giving advice that fighting can be done, but you must understand that What are people with depression battling? First listen to what you're suffering from. People say don't say fighting, but actually the word fighting can be said o nly when we know what he's struggling with. If we listen to him until we understand, we will know that What problem is he struggling with? What is this kind of problem from his perspective? Understanding and acknowledging the situation first can provide appropriate encouragement. Or maybe just sitting still and listening can be considered another way of giving encouragement. Also known as Just telling the story is easy. Because people are not lucky to have someone listen. But if you can be one person who listens to someone. That was one of the best kinds of help.' In addition, Mr. Pongkul Suebsung (Pop Pongkul), singer and presenter of the said commercial. Along with Mr. Natee Ekawijit (Uai Buddha Bless), host, artist, and therapist, they also participated in a discussion to raise awareness. along with revealing his experiences with people who are depressed How should we treat or care for these people? And what can we do to keep ourselves away from depression? You can watch commercials to better understand people with depression on various social media and television media. From today onwards And if you need mental health counseling You can contact the Department of Mental Health hotline, tel. 1323. Source: Thai News Agency