Former female minister becomes 1st Thai member of UN panel

Thailand's former minister Saisuree Chutikul becomes the first Thai national elected as a member of the United Nation panel for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (UNCEDAW), Thai government said Wednesday.

Saisuree, who worked as Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office in 1992, was recently elected to be a member of the 12- member UNCEDAW panel by permanent ambassadors attached to the UN, Social Development and Human Security Minister Watana Muangsook told a press conference here on Wednesday.

"Dr. Saisuree's election to the UN panel demonstrates a great honor and dignity of the Thai kingdom, as this's the first time that a Thai national becomes a member of the honorable panel," Watana said.

Saisuree, like other members of the UN panel, will be paid only 1 U.S. dollar a year for the job. A long-time government promoter for protection of women and children's rights, she told journalists that she is determined to do her best and devote herself for the work.

According to Saisuree, the UNCEDAW's responsibilities covers five major areas, including developing women's potential, promoting gender equality, launching international campaigns to end violence against children and women, preventing children and women from being exploited or falling victims to human traffickers and supporting women's participation in administrative and management roles.

Source: Xinhua News Agency - 6 July 2006

Well done.

This has to be a good thing.

A Thai woman has beat Surakiart to the U.N! Congratulations!