Nine reasons to back Thailand’s UN Security Council bid

For the past 10 years, Thailand has been preparing for this important role. The UN campaign team comprises former Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Suphachai Phanichapakdi; former Asean Secretary General Dr. Surin Pitsuwan; and other seasoned diplomats including Kobsak Chutikul. They have travelled the world to developing countries in all continents and island nations in the Caribbean and Pacific to garner support for the Kingdom’s UN candidacy.

Here are nine reasons why the UN members should vote for Thailand on June 28:

First, Thailand, formerly known as Siam, dispatched its first diplomatic mission to France in 1608 to engage with the Western world. This long journey subsequently translated into a mature diplomacy that is independent and dynamic, based on internationally accepted principles and international law. These solid foundations helped the country escape colonisation and the heated emotions of the Cold War. The qualities  are now embedded in the country’s DNA.

Second, when Thailand says it has an independent policy, the country means it. It does not follow any particular major power. Its voting record in the UN is testimony to independent and strong support for multilateralism and a powerful UN role. Thailand voted along with the majority of the international community—with well above 10 per cent opposing the US, which still remains its long-term ally. As the current chair of Group 77, Thailand’s positions are also supportive of developing UN members.

Third, Thailand has a good team at the United Nations headquarters in New York. UN Ambassador Virachai Plasai is spearheading efforts to win the non-permanent seat. During the debate last month at the UN to explain Thailand’s positions and mission, the ambassador performed extremely well, engaging in both English and French languages when he was questioned by representatives of other UN members. Thailand needs 129 votes out of 193 UN members to win. There could be a second-round voting if the first round fails to produce a decisive winner. 

Fourth, Thailand has been endorsed by Asean, representing the grouping of 630 million people. This has been the tradition practised over the past decades. The New York-based UN ambassadors from Asean have been using their networks and helping Bangkok to win support from other UN members. Malaysia, is currently sitting in the UN Security Council, has been a great supporter. The Asean candidate has a good record for winning votes, except in 2012 when Cambodia failed to gather enough.

Fifth, Thailand is an inter-faith country with an inclusive society where all religions are respected and supported. During the International Day of Vesak’s celebration at the UN General Assembly Hall in New York last month, former Thai foreign minister, Dr Surin Pitsuwan, a Muslim, surprised the UN audience. He gave a keynote speech to commemorate the most sacred day of Buddhism, which was well-received. Asean remains one of the world’s most peaceful regions for religious tolerance. Its strength is its harmony and unity amid diversity. Thailand is a leading ASEAN member.

Sixth, Thailand has been active in the UN’s peacekeeping operations. It has contributed troops to various UN-sponsored missions around the world. The most notable was during the Korean War in 1950 when 1,626 Thai troops, known as “Little Tigers”, joined the 16-nation UN force. For the record, Thailand has taken part in more than 20 missions and dispatched 20,000 plus troops, including to Timor Leste and  Darfur, South Sudan. During 1999-2002, Thai soldiers in Timor Leste helped the nation-building operation there and gained a good reputation for community work. 

Seventh, Thailand fully supports a role for women in peacekeeping. As everybody is aware, in any conflict situation women and children are victims. Thailand has been emphasising gender equality and the need to end discrimination against women in peacekeeping operations. Currently, one-third of Thai peacekeepers are women. Thailand believes in enhancing a place for women in the national peace and decision-making process.

Eighth, Thailand sees itself as a bridge builder between the developed and developing UN member nations. It is a strong supporter of sustainable economic development both at home and at the international level. At the ASEAN ministerial meeting in Vientiane, it has offered to serve as a coordinator for ASEAN and the UN Sustainability Development Goals. In addition, it can be eyes and ears outside the UN Security Council. As it belongs to the non-permanent membership of the UNSC, Thailand can fight for more transparency and accountability.

Ninth, if Thailand has its way, all nuclear weapons will be eradicated in the future. Of course, it is a tall order. Since 1972, as a non-nuclear state, Thailand has been active in non-proliferation of nuclear weapons’ related efforts and was a driving force behind the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapons Free Zone, the most advanced no-nuke treaty, which includes exclusive economic zones. 

At the global level, the country is chairing an open-ended working group on Taking Forward Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament Negotiations. The working group, established in December 2015, is tasked to address legal measures, provisions and norms needed to get rid of nuclear weapons. Bangkok has a strong position on nuclear disarmament due to the overall nuclear threat to humanity.