NEW YORK - Thailand has won endorsement by the group of 77 developing nations (G-77) to chair the 51-year-old bloc at the United Nations for 2016-2017 despite calls by international rights groups for the country to end the repression of human rights and restore democratic civilian rule.
Bangkok was endorsed in the single candidate race because of its assurance that it would play a leading role in promoting cooperation among the developing countries, Apichart Chinwanno, who represented Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai at the 39th annual meeting of G-77 foreign ministers, told reporters after the endorsement.
"This reflects the international community's confidence and trust in Thailand and the country is ready to serve as a 'bridge-builder' among G-77 members, and also with other UN member states," he said.
Asked whether its role in G-77 will benefit Thailand's bid for a seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member, Mr Apichart who will be the next Foreign Ministry permanent secretary, said he was optimistic.
"If we are successful in the chairman role and clearly show the world community that we have potential to protect the group's interests, it will definitely benefit our bid for the UNSC seat," he said in New York.
Thailand is campaigning for a UNSC seat for the 2017-2018 term and the vote will take place in September next year at the 71st UN General Assembly.
Thai ambassador and permanent representative to the UN, Virachai Plasai, who will be G-77 chairman as a result of his position has insisted that Thailand will not use the chairmanship to bolster support for the UNSC bid, but will use this opportunity to contribute benefits to the bloc for reaching development goals.
"We will not use the G-77 as a tool for our own interests as the group is a key mechanism for all countries to cooperate for the achievement of sustainable development," Mr Virachai said.
Thailand is one of the founding members of the G-77, which was formed in 1964 by 77 developing countries but the group's members have since expanded to 134.
G-77 is the largest inter-governmental organisation of developing countries in the UN. It serves as a platform for developing countries to build their economic cooperation and development.
It also contributes to the progress of South-South cooperation.
Regarding the chance of winning the UNSC seat, international affairs academic Panitan Wattanayagorn from Chulalongkorn University said it is possible Thailand could join the UNSC next year following the G-77 success, which he believed came from the country's strong determination.
However, maintaining internal stability at home will be the main factor deciding the UNSC bid.
"If the country enters another political crisis, it will surely affect the UNSC bid or other roles in the international community. The government has to build political stability and move towards democracy as several countries believe the military regime does not want to cling to power," said Mr Panitan, who is also adviser on security issues to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, has arrived in New York to attend the 70th United Nations General Assembly, deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukhondapatipak said.
Arriving at One UN New York Hotel, Gen Prayut, accompanied by his wife, Naraporn, was welcomed by a group of Thais who turned up to give him moral support.
He later met Thai diplomats in the US, led by the Thai ambassador to Washington Pisan Manawapat to discuss policy issues.
During the meeting, Mr Pisan told the prime minister that Thai-US relations were improving, judging from better bilateral cooperation at all levels which have almost returned to normal.
According to Maj Gen Werachon, Gen Prayut urged Thai diplomats in the US to promote Thai interests and help the government push through reforms by trying to talk to all sectors in the US. He pointed out that several foreign governments were satisfied and had a better understanding about the Thai political situation.
On Saturday, Gen Prayut is scheduled to attend a speech by Pope Francis at General Assembly Hall, to be followed by the opening of the UN assembly.
In the afternoon, he will deliver a speech on "Ending Poverty and Hunger" and visit an exhibition on the sufficiency economy. He is also scheduled to meet business leaders in the evening.
It is reported that Gen Prayut's political supporters plan to a hold a rally near the UN from Saturday until Monday, while anti-military government protesters plan to hold a counter rally nearby.