On 1 November 2010, Mrs Kyung-wha Kang, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to exchange views on the work of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Thailand.
On this occasion, Mrs. Kyung praised Thailand’s continued support to various regional offices under the United Nations operating in the country. Foreign Minister Kasit reiterated that Thailand attaches great importance to issues relating to human rights, which has been emphasized by the setting up of mechanisms that help promotes human rights in the country such as the National Human Rights Commission and the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection under the Ministry of Justice. However, the promotion of human rights requires cooperation from both public and civil sectors in order to enhance the efficiency of human rights related agencies. Mrs. Kyung expressed her hope that Thailand will be the core actor in promoting human rights issues in ASEAN, which Foreign Minister Kasit reassured her that the Thai people adheres to the principles of human rights and democracy.
Foreign Minister Kasit emphasized that Thailand and the United Nations should cooperate with one another to promote human rights in Thailand by providing knowledge on the issue in academic institutions as well as to police and military personnel. In this regard, the United Nations can provide technical know-how on the matter to Thailand.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th