On 27 September 2011, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered Thailand's statement at the General Debate of the 66th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
In his statement, the Foreign Minister said that the year 2011 was a monumental one in modern-day history, with the so-called Arab Spring underscoring the significance of people’s legitimate aspirations and the need to adequately respond to them. The phenomenon presented a challenge for every government, requiring national and international systems that were both inclusive and democratic so as to ensure that all voices were heard, real grievances and concerns addressed, and legitimate aspirations respected and fulfilled.
As far as Thailand was concerned, the country took another step forward in its democratic process with the general elections held on 3 July 2011, which went smoothly, reflecting the resilience of Thai democracy. The new government has been successfully formed, with a solid mandate from the people. Fully committed to implementing people-centered policies, the Yingluck Shinawatra Government has sought to bring about a strong, equitable and sustainable economic infrastructure as well as to promote reconciliation and uphold the rule of law to serve as a basis for harmony and unity within the country.
As far as Thailand's foreign relations were concerned, the Government would further enhance relations with neighbouring countries as well as friends from beyond the region. Thailand would seek to play a responsible and constructive role in the current international order that should be more inclusive and responsive to all states and civil society. Emphasis should also be placed on strengthening the partnership between developed and developing countries, assisting developing countries to enhance their national capacities to effectively cope with global challenges and improving working relations between states and the international civil society.
The three pillars of the United Nations -- peace and security, development, and human rights -- were all inter-connected and mutually reinforcing and would need to be addressed comprehensively in order to achieve the ultimate goal of “human security” for our peoples.
In terms of peace and security, the theme for the General Assembly’s Open Debate was very timely as mediation was a crucial tool to help resolve disputes peacefully. Thailand was convinced that peaceful resolution of conflicts was the most desirable and cost-effective approach — both in terms of human lives and financial resources. However, in many instances, the deployment of UN peacekeepers to stabilize conflict situations and observe peace remained necessary. Here, Thailand has continued to actively support the UN’s comprehensive peace operations and peacekeeping missions and has dispatched two Counter-Piracy Task Groups to join the international efforts in patrolling and protecting ships from pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden area.
The key foundation for durable peace was sustainable development. As the guiding principle for its social and economic policy, Thailand had long adopted a “people-centred approach” and adhered to the “Sufficiency Economy Philosophy” of His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej, which stressed living in moderation and striking a balance between economic growth and sustainable management of natural resources. Although the Kingdom has realized most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) ahead of schedule, it has been resolutely pursuing the MDGs Plus.
However, both peace and security as well as development could never be sustainable if respect for human rights lagged behind. For Thailand, human rights issues was a core agenda of its domestic and foreign policy. Thailand has striven to play a constructive role at both the regional and international levels, especially through its membership of the Human Rights Council (HRC), for which the Kingdom would stand for election again for the term 2015-2017.
The Foreign Minister also underscored the special importance attached by Thailand to the strengthening of the rights of vulnerable groups. In December 2010, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Rules for Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders, or the “Bangkok Rules”, which arose from the initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha. Thailand was committed to promoting the implementation of the Bangkok Rules globally and looked forward to continuing to work closely with all relevant stakeholders. Moreover, the advent of the country’s first female Prime Minister has confirmed that Thai society was open to women and that gender equality and empowerment of women has been continually promoted.
The Foreign Minister concluded by stressing that the United Nations has been an important cornerstone of Thailand’s foreign policy and that Thailand has been an active player in all three pillars of the United Nations. Thailand had therefore presented its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the term 2017-2018. This would enable the Kingdom to fulfill its commitment to work closely and constructively with all UN members in strengthening multilateralism, peace, and security for the common benefits of the international community and mankind.
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