Your Highnesses,
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates and DP World for organizing this important conference. I also wish to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates for the warm hospitality extended to our delegation. I am pleased to be here to strengthen the bond of friendship between Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.
I would like to join other speakers in expressing our utmost concern over the problem of piracy. Even though located further away, Thailand is also affected by Somali piracy. A number of Thai vessels and vessels transporting Thai products, including oil tanker, have been attacked and seized and our seafarers have also been held hostage by Somali pirates since 2008. The price for the ransom payment is also increasing. Determined to share international responsibility, Thailand dispatched two Royal Thai Navy’s Counter-Piracy Task Forces in 2010 and 2011 to join anti-Somali piracy operation under Combined Maritime Forces to support UN Security Council Resolutions and to minimize the dangers of piracy. A Thai senior naval officer has also been appointed the Commander of the Combined Task Force 151.
In Southeast Asia, Thailand has participated in the Malacca Straits Coordinated Patrols since 2008 and joined the air patrol known as “Eyes in the Sky” since 2009. These operations have helped reduce the numbers of piracy attacks in the region. We also play an active role in the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) and ASEAN Maritime Forum. Also, we also help exploring ways of increasing information-sharing and cooperation between ReCAAP and the three piracy information-sharing centers in Africa, established under the Djibouti Code of Conduct, as suggested by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me share with you Thailand’s views on how to eradicate Somali piracy and what Thailand hopes to contribute to the joint efforts of countries participating in the conference.
- One, since the root cause of the problem is the instability of Somalia, restoring enduring peace and stability is one of the most important priorities. Thailand is considering the possibility of providing training for Somalia’s law enforcement agencies in order to prepare them for their demanding duties;
- Two, effective prevention and suppression as well as greater exchange of information and intelligence are other keys to success. As a member of ReCAAP, Thailand is ready to support the ReCAAP’s activity in enhancing the capacities of the three information — sharing centers under the Djibouti Code of Conduct. Thailand also shares information and intelligence in the global pirates’ database developed by the INTERPOL with a view to facilitate the investigation of law enforcement agencies around the world. In the latter half of 2012, we will also dispatch the third Counter — Piracy Task Unit to join anti — piracy operation in the high risk area;
- Three, human resource development and capacity building are foundation for sustainable development in Somalia. Under the South — South Cooperation scheme, Thailand is a development partner for African countries and we have done a great deal in the field of agriculture and fishery, public health and income generation. We are willing to cooperate with Somalia in this matter. Also, Thailand has supported the IMO in the area of technical cooperation by hosting regional workshops and we are pleased to organize training to help Somalia to increase their capacities;
- Four, we need to disrupt illicit financial flow of piracy syndicates and break up their network. This is the area where governments and private sectors can work together. The Thai Anti - Money Laundering Office is ready to exchange information and intelligence regarding worldwide piracy networks and has financial investigation tools and expertise to be shared with Somali counterparts.
Protecting and safeguarding the Sea Lanes of Communication and maritime trade is a shared global responsibility. Combating piracy and robbery at sea these days requires greater cooperation. Rest assured that Thailand stands ready to work with the international community and to fulfill our commitment in the fight against piracy.
Thank you for your attention.
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