Thailand hopes to join UN Security Council

[webfact]

Thailand hopes to join UN Security Council
Nuntida Puangthong
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said on Friday that Thailand would apply for a non-permanent membership with the United Nations Security Council.

A reception was hosted at the Foreign Affairs Ministry to officially launch a campaign promoting Thailand's candidature for the 2017-2018 membership.

The Kingdom pledges to build a bridge between members and non-members of the council, Surapong said in a statement.

"As a medium-sized developing country, Thailand strongly supports a rule-based multilateral system, with full respect for sovereign equality among nations.

In a world of such great political, economic and cultural diversity, Thailand firmly believes that constructive dialogue, based on mutual respect is essential to achieving common goals and universal values such as comprehensive security, sustainable development and human rights," the statement said.

"Thailand believes the partnership between the UN Security Council and regional organisations will become ever more important in addressing the multifaceted challenges facing international peace and security.

As a founding member and the birthplace of the ASEAN in 1967, Thailand has actively worked with all partners in the region to promote trust, confidence and cooperation in order to advance regional peace, stability and economic prosperity in Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific.

Through the ASEAN Community, to be established in 2015, Thailand will work to enhance regional cooperation for peace and stability and strengthen preventive diplomacy," the statement read.


-- The Nation 2013-08-17

[rametindallas]

Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul can hope in one hand and **** in the other and see which one fills up first.

[NongKhaiKid]

This country really does live in its own world, advice to Egypt and now membership of the Security Council. They are unlikely to be top dogs in the AEC but want a part in the really big world that for most Thais doesn't exist.

[ChrisY1]

Can't see how this would happen, given Thailand' poor reputation in managing it's own security issues.

[chooka]

They are up against some pretty stiff competition and given their problems that the US (Permanent seat holder) have been urging them to fix for years I don't think they have a chance in Hell. They have a lot of work to do first like getting their house in order, corruption at the highest levels people trafficking, Freedom of speech and the ivory trade just to name a few.

Australia spent tens of millions of dollars over 4 years to get a temporary place. Thailand would have more chance in hosting the Olympics and that is a stupid dream.

[chainarong]

One thing for sure , they've got more front than a snake at a Indian wedding, these dum dums live in a world of make believe , it took Australia about twenty years to get a seat on the council, this could be as hard as winning lotto, now there you go guy's , try lotto.

[noitom]

preposterous notion, puffing and blowing smoke.

[OzMick]

But they already have their own whistle and white gloves.

[mca]

Thailand firmly believes that constructive dialogue, based on mutual respect is essential to achieving common goals

Glad to see the various political parties and protest groups follow this path on the domestic front.

Is it just me or do the news stories and statements in LOS over the past week or so seem more Looney Tunes than the usual "foot in mouth" efforts?

[NongKhaiKid]

They are up against some pretty stiff competition and given their problems that the US (Permanent seat holder) have been urging them to fix for years I don't think they have a chance in Hell. They have a lot of work to do first like getting their house in order, corruption at the highest levels people trafficking, Freedom of speech and the ivory trade just to name a few.

Australia spent tens of millions of dollars over 4 years to get a temporary place. Thailand would have more chance in hosting the Olympics and that is a stupid dream.

Yes many countries have been staking a claim for decades and the Security Council club is never easily persuaded but aahh they have not seen the benefit of Thainess.

Copying his PM the permanent rep probably wouldn't turn up to meetings as he would have to take the wife, mia noi or whoever " chopping " in Manhattan

[LuckyLew]

"As a medium-sized developing country,"

Try under developed, problem plagued, corruption laden banana republic

[GentlemanJim]

Imagine how much Yinglucks travel budget would be if Thailand was a member of the security council ! Maybe that's why she has ordered the Thai 'Air Force One' ! Thailand Hub of Superpowers (Palm reading, fortune telling and Feng Shui ).

Edited August 17, 2013 by GentlemanJim

[kingstonkid]

Has the Thai militay ever been part of UN force??

Look at the history of countries like Canada, Australia, Germany and the NATO UN force countries and you will see that money is not the only issue. to be part of the Security Council you must have the ability to put a well trained military force into area when required for Peace commitments.

Could you imagine a Thai military at a Israeli/ Egyptian security check point????

LOL

Edited August 17, 2013 by kingstonkid

[WitawatWatawit]

"Has the Thai militay ever been part of UN force??"

Yes. East Timor, for example. The UN Interfet force was lead by a Thai. They performed ok, but really distinguished themselves by making the local kids perform tricks for them before food aid was handed over. That did not go down well with the Aussies who decided to do a little arse-kicking.

[selftaopath]

"As a medium-sized developing country,"

Try under developed, problem plagued, corruption laden banana republic

Where rule of law does not exist. A land of SCAMS and a land without sanctions. LOL

Sorry little boy.... never happen now run along home.

[Suradit69]

Can't see how this would happen, given Thailand' poor reputation in managing it's own security issues.

Certainly no worse than "the troubles" experienced by a certain permanent member.

[webfact]

Thailand to vie for membership at UN Security Council
By English News



BANGKOK, Aug 17 – Thailand has sought support from the international community to apply for non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for 2017-2018, according to deputy prime minister/foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul.

Mr Surapong presided over a reception at the Foreign Ministry yesterday to unveil Thailand’s determination and request advocacy from other countries.

He said Thailand, as a medium-size developing country, would be willing to act as a “bridge” to connect UNSC permanent and non-permanent members as well as promote constructive discussion among member countries to attain peace and stability.

Thailand is confident that it is a qualified candidate for the non-permanent membership, he said. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-08-17

[NCC1701A]

odd... only the U.N. Security Council? ? No mention of the Thai Space Shuttle that launches next month?

[simple1]

Thailand was previously elected to serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council during 1985-1986.

The current UN Security Council temporary members representing the Asia region are South Korea and Pakistan. Massive corruption, human rights abuses and internal conflicts in Pakistan, more so than Thailand. Depending on who else in Asia throws their hat in the ring, why do you suppose Thailand cannot again successfully lobby & obtain a seat?

EDIT: I suppose Thaksin's comment, "UN is not my father" when he was PM will not help.

Edited August 17, 2013 by simple1

[ggold]

One thing for sure , they've got more front than a snake at a Indian wedding, these dum dums live in a world of make believe , it took Australia about twenty years to get a seat on the council, this could be as hard as winning lotto, now there you go guy's , try lotto.

Astralia only have a seat at the table till the end of 2014. They are not permanent members.There are and only will ever be 5 permanent members. The non permanent members are Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Guatemala, Luxembourg, Morocco, Pakistan, Rwanda, South Korea, and Togo, and only for a two year period. So dare I say it looks as if Thailand might have a chance at getting a seat. As to wether they deserve a seat is another question.

Edited August 17, 2013 by ggold

[TackyToo]

Has the Thai militay ever been part of UN force??

Look at the history of countries like Canada, Australia, Germany and the NATO UN force countries and you will see that money is not the only issue. to be part of the Security Council you must have the ability to put a well trained military force into area when required for Peace commitments.

Could you imagine a Thai military at a Israeli/ Egyptian security check point????

LOL

They can send their aircraft carrier and blimp to the Mediterranean Sea along with security cameras and some of their dummy roadside traffic cops

[NeverSure]

The UN is a toothless tiger and a total waste of space. for one thing, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States all have veto power on the security council. I can just imagine all of them agreeing on anything.

None of the UN's resolutions are binding and while it's in the US and the US belongs, it ignores them. So does any other nation that doesn't approve.

But God, can they spend the money.

[ggold]

Has the Thai militay ever been part of UN force??

Look at the history of countries like Canada, Australia, Germany and the NATO UN force countries and you will see that money is not the only issue. to be part of the Security Council you must have the ability to put a well trained military force into area when required for Peace commitments.

Could you imagine a Thai military at a Israeli/ Egyptian security check point????

LOL

They can send their aircraft carrier and blimp to the Mediterranean Sea along with security cameras and some of their dummy roadside traffic cops

Read this! http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_news.php?id=5399&a=2

[Neilly]

Thailand is confident that it is a qualified candidate for the non-permanent membership, he said. (MCOT online news)

Chuck in a few sacks truck loads of rice as a sweetener and I'd say the jobs a good 'un

[klauskunkel]

Surapong said in a statement.

"As a medium-sized developing country, Thailand strongly supports a rule-based multilateral system, with full respect for sovereign equality among nations.

In a world of such great political, economic and cultural diversity, Thailand firmly believes that constructive dialogue, based on mutual respect is essential to achieving common goals and universal values such as comprehensive security, sustainable development and human rights,"

Hats off Surapong dude, your uncanny usage of big words, all in a row, one after another, structured and correctly placed, left me with an open mouth and flabbergasted. That's why you are THE FARANG MINISTER! Well done...

...or does the praise belong to a ghostwriter...?

[geezer2]

They can send their aircraft carrier and blimp to the Mediterranean Sea along with security cameras and some of their dummy roadside traffic cops

lov it how can you tell when they are real or dummies

[NeverSure]

They can send their aircraft carrier and blimp to the Mediterranean Sea along with security cameras and some of their dummy roadside traffic cops

lov it how can you tell when they are real or dummies

The dummies are breathing?

[uptheos]

Could you imagine a Thai military at a Israeli/ Egyptian security check point????

Why not? They accept Egyptian pounds and shekels, as well as other major currencies + Visa, MC & AE.

[DocN]

Will they get that seat before or after the F1 Grand Prix....?

[CIHUAHUA]

Why ?