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Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul in conjunction with his ASEAN counterparts as well as US Secretary of State John Kerry discussed the American relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the Informal ASEAN-US Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The informal Ministers’ Meeting was conducted while the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly was held in New York City, the Thai Government Public Relations Office reported.

The Thai Foreign Minister noted his approval of efforts being made in the United States to encourage green energy initiatives as such programs could prove beneficial in the Southeast Asia region especially as climate change becomes an increasingly important concern. The Foreign Minister also appears to have commented positively regarding American efforts with respect to Syria citing his desire to see a political solution to those issues being promulgated through a forthcoming United Nations Security Council resolution. It should be noted that, Thailand has officially stated its intention to seek a non-permanent seat on an upcoming UN Security Council. Meanwhile, The Foreign Minister also pointed out the significant positive impact that the United States has on the ASEAN region as cooperative efforts between the United States and the jurisdictions which comprise ASEAN have resulted in greater security and economic gains for all parties concerned.

The US-ASEAN Expanded Economic Engagement Initiative was cited as a particularly encouraging development which could result in further trade and foreign investment for the ASEAN region. The Lower Mekong Initiative was also noted as a program which has improved the region academically, agriculturally, and environmentally. The Foreign Minister also urged the United States to assist in improving regional law enforcement capabilities by further mutual cooperation and increased training. One method of increasing training capability would be through establishment of a series of International Law Enforcement Academies

Further US-ASEAN cooperation could also lead to better security for the Southeast Asia region. The Foreign Minister noted that further ASEAN-US cooperation in the realm of cyber security may assist in inoculating the region from dangers arising in cyber space. The Foreign Minister also expressed his desire to see the United States continue its support for ASEAN’s endeavor to see an expeditious completion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

Relations between the United States and ASEAN have become of recent interest to many who follow foreign policy issues. As ASEAN’s eventual economic integration draws nearer the United States seems to acutely realize that there is a strong prospect of future benefits which may be derived from substantial ties to the region.

Tags: 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, ASEAN, ASsociation of Southeast ASian Nations, Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Informal ASEAN-US Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Lower Mekong Initiative, Secretary of State John Kerry, United Nations Security Council, US-ASEAN Expanded Economic Engagement Initiative
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It appears that Thailand has thrown its “hat into the ring” in the campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council. In a recent press  release from Thailand’s Government Public Relations Department:

Thailand has submitted its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2017-2018. The Thai government has also announced the official launch of Thailand’s campaign for UNSC, with the elections scheduled for October 2016, during the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Thai officials appear confident that Thailand would be well suited to the duties and responsibilities inherent in a non-permanent appointment to the United Nations Security Council. Thailand has always maintained the position that diplomacy can act as a deterrent to international conflict. Furthermore, Thailand has played an integral part in various United Nations operations:

Thailand has always answered UNSC’s call for collective action in UN peace missions around the world. Since 1950, Thailand has deployed over 20,000 military and police personnel in over 20 UN peacekeeping and related missions worldwide. Just recently, Thailand has for the first time sent its policewomen to participate in the UN Mission in Liberia.

As noted above, Thailand’s role in international peacekeeping initiatives cannot be overstated. Meanwhile, Thailand has continued to maintain a deep commitment to promoting human rights in an international context. At the same time, Thailand and Thai officials have implemented policies to promote not only security, but peaceful solutions to potentially contentious international issues. All of this being stated, it has been quite some time since Thailand has held a position on the UN Security Council notwithstanding the fact that the Kingdom of Thailand has played a key role in many UN projects and programs.

Thailand served as President of the General Assembly in 1956 and served once as a non-permanent member of UNSC in 1985-1986. It was elected to the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2010-2013 during which it served as President between 2010 and 2011. Thailand has subsequently submitted its HRC candidature for a second term in 2015-2017.

As Thailand has recently been intimately involved with human rights issues as a member of the UNHRC it stands to reason that Thailand may be well equipped for a seat on the Security Council as the matters discussed and policies promulgated by the UNSC can have a tremendous impact on many nations and individuals around the world. Those monitoring this issue can only speculate as to the outcome of Thailand’s decision to seek a Security Council position, but there seem to be logical arguments in favor of placing Thailand in such an important role.

Tags: Thailand, UN Human Rights Council, UN peacekeeping, UN Security Council, UNHRC, United Nations General Assembly, United Nations Security Council, UNSC, US General Assembly
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