PM to lobby for Security Council seat
SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- PRAYUT, FOREIGN MINISTER TO MAKE CASE WHILE ATTENDING UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

THAILAND will intensify its campaign to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council when Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai visit New York next week for a UN meeting.

The prime minister and foreign minister will take the opportunity to campaign for the position, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee.

The UN General Assembly is a good opportunity to boost the campaign as leaders from 193 UN member countries will be present on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations and the 2015 Sustainable Development Summit, he said.

The Foreign Ministry is working on the arrangements for meetings between the prime minister and the foreign minister with foreign leaders, he said.

"We are focusing on the key leaders in the regions and sub-regions of the world to explain our vision, policies and ideas on the UN and global development," Sek said.

Thailand has applied to become non-permanent member on the Security Council for 2017 and 2018. The vote for the seat will take place in the middle of next year.

Despite of the political change in the country, Sek said Thailand retained a good chance to take the seat.

Prayut and Don will be in New York from Thursday to the following Wednesday.

Prayut will attend key functions including the UN Sustainable Development Summit to endorse the new development goal "Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development". He will also attend the UN General Assembly.

While at the UN meeting, Prayut will receive the International Telecommunication Union's Global Sustainable Digital Development Award for the government's policy to promote digital technology for sustainable development, Sek said.

Prayut said on his weekly television programme yesterday that while in New York he would present Thailand's vision on sustainable development, poverty reduction and a reduction of inequality in accordance with His Majesty the King's sufficiency-economy philosophy.

"I would like everybody to be mindful that the sufficiency-economy philosophy can be applied in all circumstances. His Majesty bestowed Thai people with the philosophy as long as four decades ago, and the philosophy has received international acceptance," he said.

"Nine years ago, His Majesty was presented with the UNDP [uN Development Programme] Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award for his efforts in lifting the quality of life of Thai people through his long-time, vigorous pursuit of royal duties.

"I see the assembly as an appropriate opportunity to present the sufficiency economy as an option for sustainable development and as a tool for global development agenda, and there will be discussions on these matters with the delegates to the assembly."

Sek said the Foreign Ministry had not received any information that Prayut would be targeted by protesters in New York.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/PM-to-lobby-for-Security-Council-seat-30269123.html

-- The Nation 2015-09-19

A country that barely accepts the ' outside ' world exists wants a seat on a world body

Thainess, face !

For the leader of a regime that makes no bones about despising foreigners who 'meddle' in internal affairs, seems almost laughable that he can, with a straight face, be simultaneously arguing for a seat on a body who's prime, if not sole purpose is to meddle in the internal affairs of other countries.

I would love to think that on some level the junta recognizes the absurdity, but somehow I fear the suggestion would be met with that oh so familiar blank stare and the, 'you don't understand Thainess....stupid farang"

It would certainly be evidence that temporary seats on the security council are meaningless. Even at that, a country that can't manage to keep a constitution in place for more than a few years, after 80 years of attempts, and is currently under self appointed military control for the foreseeable future, and is a hotbed for trafficking and human rights abuses; Is likely beyond consideration. But who knows what favors are exchanged to get these appointments?

A country that barely accepts the ' outside ' world exists wants a seat on a world body

Thainess, face !

Some of the current members, like Angola, Chad, Nigeria and Venezuela aren't exactly a pillar of democracy and stability,

not to mention some very questionable former members, so Thailand will not be the worst choice as a member ever been made,

by the council, at least Thailand will be more sympathetic and balanced to the affairs in the Middle east and Israel, that the other

' bought and paid for ' and ' in the pocket ' members, under the influence of Islamic and Arab world and or being a Palestinians

sympathisers...,

And this would be the reply from the UN:

Good luck

Is that the Manu Cornuto hand signal he is giving?

Or the ILY sign?

I am definitely thinking too much.

A country that barely accepts the ' outside ' world exists wants a seat on a world body

Thainess, face !

Some of the current members, like Angola, Chad, Nigeria and Venezuela aren't exactly a pillar of democracy and stability,

not to mention some very questionable former members, so Thailand will not be the worst choice as a member ever been made,

by the council, at least Thailand will be more sympathetic and balanced to the affairs in the Middle east and Israel, that the other

' bought and paid for ' and ' in the pocket ' members, under the influence of Islamic and Arab world and or being a Palestinians

sympathisers...,

Thailand sympathetic and balanced ?

Of course they'll speak in a totally responsible and independent way and won't be influenced by China in the least.

Read the headline and choked on my breakfast. Up there with wanting to host the FIFA World Cup and F1 racing around the streets of Bangkok in terms of living in a dream.

I hope the UN gives the PM what he wants quickly ..... otherwise he might be tempted to stage a C there too.

On a democratic note, Prayut's got the China vote in his pocket.

Other than that, Snowball and Hell come to mind.

Thailand has been selected by ASEAN countries for the ASIAPAC seat as a non permanent member of the Security Council for the 2017-2018 term. By way of comparison, Australia's successful lobbying for a seat cost as estimated 25 million dollars

Don't tell me Khun Nostrapomjai the famous Astrologer from Wat Amuletadip told him that he will become Secretary General one day of the UN-Peace Council

"Despite of the political change in the country, Sek said Thailand retained a good chance to take the seat."

Zero to none is my bet.

Is there an academic review and or practical applied principles of sufficiency economy anywhere? For example as it applies to the real estate industry or other ventures. I realize it works on experimental farms but they a very small part of the Thai agricultural industry.

If the PM is going to sell this idea to other countries might they not ask for examples of how it works on a large scale in Thailand?

For example he could present how he has switched the majority of rice farmers from one crop farming. They have been switched (like they did in Europe in the 1400's) haven't they?

Fat chance.

Mr PM.........you can fool Thailand........you can't fool the international community!.........Happy Thainess to you!

If folks at the UN don't want to be politically correct an polite to him on this security council bid, they would make the notion of Thailand on the Security Council in to a joke

"He has five fingers but he only uses three." - Sonny LoSpecchio

As long as the veto remains the UNSC is just a sad joke. Politicians want to be on it purely for prestige, and possible influence.

Is somebody smoking something?

You have 2 chances at getting a seat at the Security Council. "SLIM and NON" and slim just left town

Mr PM.........you can fool Thailand........you can't fool the international community!.........Happy Thainess to you!

He hasn't fooled Thailand. They play the game because he has the guns, that's all.

His past words and deeds are his greatest hindrance to success in this misadventure.

I think it's OK regarding Thailand's reputation in the global community as the hub of specialists for all security issues

The fact that a Thai PM is visiting NY reminds me on granny's saying: all good things happen twice in life.

This bloke certainly has some opinion of himself.

An unelected general of an army.

Not a politician.

Unless he's sponsored by the Chinese of course

Yes and i want the winning lottery numbers this month, 2 chances slim and none.

As soon as all of you at the UN fully understnad thhat Thailand is ALWAYS right and never will accept any assiistance, advice, input, suggestions, or itereference this will all go alote easier.

moreover if you will always believe our words and promices to fix what is only percieved as being broken by the outside work we will all get along famouosly. Full stop!!

The PM's group is meeting just after the UN. Same initials but called the United Nobodies.

Always a bit of comedy from this guy on a daily basis !