Summary
Highlights
The Foreign Minister reaffirms Thailand's dedication to multilateralism and the United Nations, noting the UN's critical juncture at its 80th anniversary. Thailand recognizes the need for the UN to evolve to meet current challenges and aims to play a constructive role in fostering peace, development, and human rights globally.
The minister emphasizes the importance of global unity in the face of division, conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza, and climate change. He highlights the responsibility of all nations to promote peace and security, advocating for women's full participation in peace efforts. Thailand's contributions include peacekeeping missions and mine clearance. The speech also addresses challenges in the ASEAN region, particularly the ongoing situation in Myanmar and a regrettable dispute with Cambodia.
The minister directly refutes allegations made by Cambodia, portraying Thailand as a victim of Cambodian aggression, citing Thai soldiers injured by landmines and civilians attacked by rocket fire. He highlights Thailand's humanitarian efforts in hosting Cambodian refugees in the past and expresses disappointment with Cambodia's inconsistent communication regarding peace and cooperation, accusing Cambodia of provoking conflicts and violating Thailand's sovereignty.
Thailand reaffirms its commitment to human rights, emphasizing its role in the Human Rights Council and the Third Committee. The minister stresses the importance of advancing the rights of women, people with disabilities, and ensuring universal access to healthcare, drawing from Thailand's successful universal health coverage model. He also discusses efforts in combating non-communicable diseases and preparing for future pandemics. The speech also connects peace and human rights with sustainable development, advocating for open and fair trade and Thailand's 'sufficiency economy philosophy' for balanced growth and environmental protection.
As the UN turns 80, the minister calls for renewed dedication to multilateralism and stresses the urgency of fulfilling promises to maintain the UN's credibility. He supports the 'Pact for the Future' and advocates for reforms, including for the Security Council, to make the UN more representative, transparent, and adaptive. He also highlights the importance of strong regionalism, with ASEAN serving as a model for practical cooperation, and emphasizes the crucial role of youth in shaping the future.