On 27 February 2012, Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul gave press interview on the High Level Segment of the 19th Session of the Human Rights Council (HRC.) In his statement, the Foreign Minister reiterated Thailand’s commitment to democracy, in particular, the smooth transition in Thailand’s democratic process, as reflected in last July’s general election. In this regard, since assuming office, the Thai Government has translated several social and human rights policy into concrete actions in various areas. This includes the creation of the National Women’s Development Fund, enhancing the provision of universal healthcare, utilizing technology to support education and promoting the rights of persons with disability, in which Thailand has requested support for the candidature of Mr. Monthian Buntan, Thailand’s candidate for the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In addition, continuous efforts are in supporting the work of the Truth for Reconciliation Commission of Thailand (TRCT) and in compensating all sides for losses incurred in the past political conflict in order to reach reconciliation in the country.
The Foreign Minister also reiterated Thailand’s determination to deliver on its pledges made to the international community, such as becoming a signatory to the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, receiving the Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, especially children and women and arranging for more mandate holders to visit Thailand in the near future. On support for the Universal Periodic Review, Thailand has actively engaged in the review process and has accepted most of its recommendations for serious consideration.
In dealing with urgent situation as highlighted by the HRC, the Foreign Minister stated that the Council needs to enhance a cooperative approach under a spirit of dialogue and engagement with involved countries. Such an approach is indeed applicable to cases such as that of Sri Lanka. The Foreign Minister also expressed appreciation for the ongoing positive developments in Myanmar and insisted that for this year’s resolution, there should be balance and acknowledgement of the progress made in Myanmar. With the pressing and urgent situation which requires decisive action, the Council must act with unity of purpose to prevent a further worsening of the on-going humanitarian crisis, as in the current situation in Syria.
On the bilateral level, the Foreign Minister met with Mrs. Navanethem Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Vuk Jeremic, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Mr. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Ministry of Plantation Industries/Special Envoy of the President of Sri Lanka on Human Rights.
In the meeting with Mrs. Navanethem Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Pillay congratulated on Thailand’s achievement in promoting human rights in Thailand and the region, as well as Thailand’s Presidency of the HRC in the latest term. Moreover, Ms. Pillay thanked Thailand for the supporting fund given to HRC when the country was facing severe flooding crisis. The Foreign Minster informed on the progress of national reconciliation and opinioned on this year’s resolution on Myanmar, that it should be balanced and receive consensus from all parties involved.
In the meeting with Mr. Vuk Jeremic, the Serbian Foreign Minister, both sides exchanged views on the Visa Exemption Agreement for Diplomatic and Official passports between the two countries. The meeting agreed to expedite the signing of the Agreement. The Serbian Minister was seeking Thailand’s support for the Serbian candidature for the Chairmanship of the 68th United Nations General Assembly. At the same time, the Foreign Minister invited his counterpart to visit Thailand at a convenient time. The Serbian Foreign Minister also expressed his belief that both sides may take this opportunity to sign the Agreement.
In the meeting with Mr. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Plantation Industries/Special Envoy of the President of Sri Lanka on Human Rights, Mr. Samarasinghe thanked Thailand for supporting and understanding the ongoing domestic situation in Sri Lanka. The Foreign Minister wished that the national reconciliation process in Sri Lanka would proceed smoothly. In addition, Mr. Samarasinghe was also pleased with the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, in particular, the cooperation in water management and anti-human trafficking efforts. He also invited the Thai Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka. The Foreign Minister took this opportunity to seek support from Sri Lanka on Thailand’s candidature to the HRC once again for the term 2015-2017 and to the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2017-2018. In this regard, Sri Lanka expressed its strong support to Thailand for the HRC. As for the UNSC, Mr. Samarasinghe said he would forward the request through the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry to consider.
The Foreign Minister will also meet with Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), where he will exchange views on the position of Thailand and other countries on the draft 13th UNCTAC Resolution to be used as information for Thailand’s participation in the forum in April 2012
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