On 24 October 2011, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the celebrations marking the Commemoration of the United Nations’ Day 2011 and Bangkok’s role as the United Nations hub in the Asia Pacific region. The event was also attended by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Yingluck delivered a statement to congratulate the occasions of the 66th Anniversary of the United Nations and the 62nd Anniversary of the United Nations’ presence in Thailand. Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of the United Nations’ contribution to the world, especially in the areas of peace, security and development. She also expressed appreciation to the United Nations for all the support extended to Thailand, including assistance in alleviating the suffering of flood victims, the plan for recovery and disaster management. The Thai Prime Minister also reiterated the role of Bangkok as a United Nations city and looked forward to working closely with the United Nations to build a better life for Thailand, region and the world.
Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, United Nations Under Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary, also delivered a statement during which she reiterated the humanitarian relief and recovery support extended by the United Nations to Thailand and other United Nations member states on natural disasters in recent months. Furthermore, Dr. Heyzer highlighted the importance of Bangkok as a United Nations hub for promoting development in the Asia-Pacific region. In his remarks, Mr. Manaspas Xuto, President of the United Nations Association of Thailand (UNAT) stated that today (24 October 2011) was the day to launch Bangkok as the United Nations hub which was the desire of Major General H.R.H. Prince Wan Waithyakon Krommun Naradhip Bongsprabandh, President of the 11th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and the founder of UNAT. The Prince wished that more United Nations offices and, particularly, the Specialised Agencies would be present in Bangkok. UNAT and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have since continued to follow up his intention.
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