25 July
South Korean media say North Korea's Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho is unlikely to attend a regional security forum in Thailand next month.
There had been much speculation over the possibility of a meeting between Ri and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Bangkok on August 2.
There were expectations that the two would hold talks on North Korea's nuclear program.
Citing diplomatic sources, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency on Thursday said North Korea notified the Thai government that Ri will not be attending the forum.
In recent years, North Korea has sent its foreign minister to the annual forum.
Last week, North Korea slammed joint military exercises by the US and South Korea scheduled for August as a blatant attempt to put pressure on Pyongyang.
Observers say North Korea may be avoiding talks due to its opposition to the drills.
NHK
