Remarks by H.E. Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
at the Celebratory Reception in honour of
Professor Dr. Kriangsak Kittichaisaree,
Member of the United Nations International Law Commission,
5 January 2012, Vithes Samosorn
Good evening, Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Firstly, I would like to warmly welcome all of you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It is my great pleasure to join you in congratulating Professor Dr. Kriangsak Kittichaisaree, Ambassador of Thailand to Australia, who was elected to the International Law Commission of the United Nations or the ILC on 17 November last year.
After a twenty-five year gap, Ambassador Kriangsak became only the third Thai national to be elected as a member of the ILC. Along with the International Court of Justice, the ILC makes up the two main pillars of the United Nations in the field of international law.
I am afraid I cannot do justice in such a short time to Ambassador Kriangsak’s many years of established credentials and accomplishments. His achievements in the academic world of international law are well known.
His publications have become required reading in law schools. As a diplomat, he has served his country in various capacities with great distinction.
I have no doubt that his expertise and experience will surely serve to advance the objective of the ILC, which is the “promotion of the progressive development of international law and its codification”.
Ladies and Gentlemen, your presence here this evening is much appreciated. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our friends for the support given to Ambassador Kriangsak. It reflects our longstanding ties and recognition of Thailand’s commitment and contribution to the progressive development of international law in the global legal communities. I look forward to your continued support.
Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in a toast to congratulate Ambassador Kriangsak and wish him great success in his new capacity; and to all of you a very happy new year!
Thank you.
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