Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha proposed during his UN speech that Thailand serve as a bridge between strong and weak nations, as part of the government's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council from 2017-2018.
In his 15-minute speech in New York early Wednesday (Thailand time) entitled "The United Nations at 70 - The Road Ahead to Peace, Security and Human Rights", delivered at the 70th Regular Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 70), the premier stressed the role middle-income countries can play in spurring development for their poorer neighbours.
He urged the global community to draw on their experiences to bridge widening global inequalities. "This middle group of countries actually constitutes the majority. They may be strong enough to stand on their own feet while still remaining in touch with the instructive experiences of their growth and development. Therefore, they can serve as a crucial link between the strongest and the weakest," he said.
- PM's speech: Full text
According to Gen Prayut, development cannot be truly sustainable when some countries forge ahead and leave others behind.
His speech stressed the "Thailand Plus One" policy for all-inclusive, region-wide economic and industrial development, including projects to increase transport connectivity in Southeast Asia and create special economic zones in border areas.
Gen Prayut said Thailand is campaigning for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC because the government attaches importance to building a culture of peace and actively participating in international efforts to address global challenges.
"We believe that we can constructively serve as a bridge-builder among UNSC members and non-members. We believe that we can play a constructive role in bridging different cultures and beliefs.
"In undertaking this important responsibility, we hope to be able to promote good understanding and enhance international cooperation in our collective pursuit to achieve the common goals of the United Nations," he said.
The premier's proposal comes as the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) announced its support for Thailand's bid to sit on the UNSC in two years' time.
The vote will take place in September next year at the 71st UN General Assembly. Bangkok has served as a non-permanent member once before, from 1985-1986.
"We [Asean] reaffirm support for Asean candidatures, where appropriate. In particular, Asean supports the candidature of Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines to become non-permanent members of the UNSC," Asean said in a ministerial statement.
According to the statement, Asean supports the candidatures of Thailand for the term 2017-2018, Indonesia for 2019-2020, Vietnam for 2020-2021 and the Philippines for 2027-2028.
The bloc also announced it will support Cambodia as a candidate for the UN Economic and Social Council (Ecosoc) from 2017-2019.
Gen Prayut attributed Thailand's economic success over the past three decades to the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of His Majesty the King. The strategy aims to make the country stable, prosperous and sustainable, he said.
"Thailand's socio-economic success over the past three decades, its ascension to the rank of a middle-income country and its current status as an equal partner for development, owe a great deal to the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy of His Majesty the King of Thailand.
"Fondly known as the 'Development King', His Majesty has been working tirelessly for over half a century to raise the living standards of his people," he said.
The prime minister urged the world community to help developing countries beset by obstacles to growth -- such as trade barriers -- by supporting their agricultural sectors and empowering vulnerable groups at risk from human rights violations and trafficking.
He said the Thai government is making comprehensive efforts to prevent, suppress and rehabilitate human trafficking victims -- which he says will contribute to regional and global efforts in tackling this scourge that is blighting mankind.
Gen Prayut congratulated the UN on its 70th anniversary, saying the world body has made significant contributions to maintaining peace and security, protecting and promoting human rights and advancing the welfare and well-being of all people.
He also thanked member countries for their condolences and messages of solidarity following the bombing in Bangkok on Aug 17 and pledged to work with all countries to uphold peace and stability.
The statements made by Gen Prayut at UN forums this week have not only shed light on the country's role as an active member of the UN, but also helped to clarify misunderstandings about the country, said a source, adding that the premier's attendance was the result of the hard work of the Thai ambassador and permanent representative to the UN, Virachai Plasai.
