Speech by H.E. Dr. Manaspas Xuto Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand At the Bali Democracy Forum on 10 December 2008, Bali, Indonesia
Speech by
H.E. Dr. Manaspas Xuto
Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand
At the Bali Democracy Forum
10 December 2008, Bali, Indonesia
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Your Excellency President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,
Honourable Prime Minister Rudd,
Your Majesty the Sultan of Brunei,
Your Excellency Prime Minister Gusmao,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honour and privilege for me to be here at the Bali Democracy Forum as the Special Envoy of the Kingdom of Thailand. Commendation is in order for the initiative taken by the Government of Indonesia to organise this Forum at this time, when the democratic doctrine is being widely debated across the region. Let’s face it — democracy did not originate here in Asia. It came to us in varying forms. And we have adapted it to suit our respective conditions and circumstances. But what is clear is that the elements or ingredients of democracy are widespread in Asia.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thailand began to develop a democratic system of government in 1932, when the Absolute Monarchy was changed into a Constitutional Monarchy. Despite the occasional aberration in our democratic development, the Thai people continue to hold firm to democratic values and Thailand has always returned to the path of democracy. Thailand desires to achieve sustainable democratic rule.
To us, democracy is not simply a system of governance or a set of institutions. Democracy governs the way we think and behave. As a political system, it defines the relationship between individuals and society. Democracy is a culture, which is rooted in and sustained through the experience of the community. Once the culture of democracy is nurtured, it empowers citizens to participate effectively in civic life. It is far easier to create the processes and institutions of democracy — elections and representative legislatures etc. — than it is to nurture and sustain the culture of democracy.
We must, therefore, think strategically and long-term, beyond the scope of just one or two elections. Our goal is to make democracy sustainable. So we should emphasise education, awareness-raising and meaningful civic engagement. All of this will help to create a public able to make informed choices. And it is this public that is key to a full and vibrant participatory democracy. We also need to ignite and nurture our sense of community, restore a sense of mutual recognition and responsibility in our democratic culture so that we are better able to meet the challenges we face: poverty, inequity, unequal access to health care, inadequate education and so on. And, of course, in order to create the conditions that make democracy sustainable, we must focus on accountability, the promotion of public participation and respect for civil and human rights as well as the rule of law. At the same time, we must strike the right balance between individual rights and collective responsibility and between civil liberties and social stability.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The racial, cultural, religious and historical diversity of the Asia-Pacific region makes it one of the most fascinating and lively areas in the world. Each country in this region is culturally and historically unique and has its own context and background. These are some of the things that must be kept in mind when we envision the type of democracy that best suits each society. This is because there is no one universal model of democracy that applies to all. And there is no such thing as a perfect democracy.
That is why I think that a forum such as this is necessary and useful for countries in our vast region to exchange views and best practices. There is much that we can learn from one another, through more active cooperation and exchange between countries and among stake-holders. NGOs and foundations can be encouraged to play an even greater role in these exchanges.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wish to reaffirm that Thailand is determined to carry on our path towards sustainable democracy which is in accord with the recognised principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Incidentally, today marks the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As ASEAN Chair, Thailand will strive to make ASEAN more relevant and meaningful to our peoples as well as more outward-looking. The ASEAN Charter itself is a people-centred document. I refer here to ASEAN in the full realisation that Thailand was a founding father of this regional organisation. Let there be no misunderstanding about Thailand’s responsibility to make ASEAN a vibrant organization. Forty-one years ago in Bangkok, we chaired the birth of ASEAN. Even if forty-one years later some aberrant events have delayed the 14th ASEAN Summit in Thailand, I hope that fellow ASEAN colleagues will understand the short-lived predicament. In a few days, we will convene at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta a special Foreign Ministers’ Meeting to formalise the coming into force of the ASEAN Charter. And very soon afterwards, the ASEAN Summit will take place in Thailand, where it was born.
As Chair of the High-Level Panel on the Human Rights Body, ASEAN will be apprised of the progress which has been made shortly. I share with you, Mr. Chair, the belief that we should equip this mechanism with more than the rudiments. This is in recognition of the great importance such a body deserves. I myself inaugurated a public hearing on this body two weeks ago. The Thai response was overwhelming.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In conclusion, I wish to applaud Indonesia for its democratic achievement as well as for its success as a multi-cultural state. Indeed, your success as the world’s third largest democracy is an inspiration to many.
Thank you.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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