Thailand 'ready' for global affairs

New York: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn has reaffirmed Thailand's willingness to take part in international forums on human rights issues and peace.

Gen Tanasak, who is currently attending the 69th United Nations General Assembly in New York, yesterday joined an informal meeting of Asean foreign ministers to discuss regional affairs, with a focus on preparations for the Asean Economic Community next year.

He said Asean members pledged to support Thailand's bid to join the UN Human Rights Council in 2015-17 and to secure a seat as a non-permanent member on the UN Security Council in 2017-18.

Gen Tanasak thanked the Asean community for helping promote regional participation in international forums.

The deputy premier earlier attended a US-Asean business council breakfast talk joined by Asean ministers and representatives of 20 US companies, including Citi Cooperation, Coca-Cola and Chevron.

Gen Tanasak reassured the meeting that Thailand is moving towards democracy and said the government has implemented a stimulus plan to build a good investment environment under its economic road map.

The senior military official said the government recognises the importance of US business ties and vowed to support investors who are already operating in Thailand, as well as potential new investors.

Representatives from the US firms expressed confidence in the Thai economy, saying the country could make a rapid comeback after its political turmoil. 

Gen Tanasak said the companies still see Thailand as the regional centre of Asean and the economic bridge to trade with neighbouring countries and southern China. Gen Tanasak also joined an
Asean-UN meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.