Is Thailand's UN Security Council Bid Dead on Arrival?

By Pavin Chachavalpongpun

A worrying domestic political situation may dash Bangkok’s hopes for a UN Security Council seat.

BANGKOK: -- Thailand has its eye on becoming a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2017-2018 term. The election of the new set of the non-permanent members will be held on June 28, and Bangkok believes its bid will be successful despite the fact that it continues to be led by generals who overthrew the government in a coup in May 2014.

Already, the Thai permanent representative in New York has expressed his confidence that the political stalemate at home would not negatively affect the country’s campaign for the prestigious UN position. Meanwhile, Virachai Plasai, the Thai ambassador of the permanent mission to the United Nations, recently downplayed the argument that Thailand was heading towards a “failed state.”

He confirmed that the bid to serve as a non-permanent member of the UNSC was not a policy of a particular government, but rather a national strategy to place Thailand at the forefront of the international stage. Virachai’s comments suggest that Thailand will look to keep the focus narrowly on its contributions to the UN and international community rather than address the lingering anxieties over its domestic political situation as well.

Full story: http://thediplomat.com/2016/05/is-thailands-un-security-council-bid-dead-on-arrival/

-- THE DIPLOMAT 2016-05-09

"Bangkok believes its bid will be successful despite the fact that it continues to be led by generals who overthrew the government in a coup in May 2014...Thailand at the forefront of the international stage."

Legends in their own minds.

Edited May 9, 201610 yr by jaltsc

Just more penis envy.

Already, the Thai permanent representative in New York has expressed his confidence that the political stalemate at home would not negatively affect the country’s campaign for the prestigious UN position.

There's no stalemate, you have suppressed any political activities, that's not a stalemate, you have prevented any opposition from gathering 5 people or more, for discussing anything political.

You are constantly changing the goalposts and dates of elections which were promised as soon as you seized power.

Sums it up

There is no "political stalemate" in Thailand.....it's a takeover by the military!

IMO, the UNSC should block Thailand' silly attempt at membership immediately.......however, having said that, the UN has done some pretty silly things itself...quite often.......so who knows?

"Bangkok believes its bid will be successful despite the fact that it continues to be led by generals who overthrew the government in a coup in May 2014...Thailand at the forefront of the international stage."

Legends in their own minds.

The country's frequent military coups should be considered a plus in their membership application...shows they have experience in dealing with national security matters. Practice makes perfect.

If any diplomat mutters something about human rights they only have to point at Saudi Arabia being elected to (and chairing ?) the security council in the not so distant past.

This is a trick question right?

Just more penis envy.

oh my. Someone seems to have caught Pattaya glandular fever.

"Meanwhile, Virachai Plasai, the Thai ambassador of the permanent mission to the United Nations, recently downplayed the argument that Thailand was heading towards a “failed state.”

Failed State. Wow.

The full article is relatively interesting and concludes with:

"......with a junta ruling the country and showing few signs of relinquishing power and restoring democracy, Thailand’s chances of winning a UNSC seat appear slim. Thailand needs the support of two-thirds of the UN’s 194 voting members, which is no small feat. More importantly, Bangkok needs to win the hearts and minds of the permanent members of the UNSC – the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China. With Thailand sill subject to Western sanctions since the coup, it is difficult to see countries like the United States giving a fully-throated endorsement of Bangkok’s candidacy. At least for now, it appears that this Thai dream will remain a dream."

If any diplomat mutters something about human rights they only have to point at Saudi Arabia being elected to (and chairing ?) the security council in the not so distant past.

This is a common, but virtually meaningless criticism. At one time or another, by virtue of the allocation rules, every Arab country will likely be a non- permanent member of the Security Council. And every non-permanent member will be President of the council, because that position is rotated on a monthly basis.

The current Arab country elected by the General Assembly is Egypt.

Plenty of unsavory countries have been on the Security Council. It reflects the state of governments of the world, for better or worse.

Affirmative!

Is Thailand's UN Security Council Bid Dead on Arrival?

Yes. Next, please?

"to place Thailand at the forefront of the international stage..."

For what? Picking the nose in the front row of a UN meeting?

Now I know two people already who believe that's where they belong.

Edited May 9, 201610 yr by Lupatria

Let's just say, that like the outsider football team Leicester winning, that Thailand is voted on the UNSC. Can you imagine the increase in size of the head of a certain person. 'Rubber stamped by the UN' I hope not.

The future looks good for Thailand.

When you consider the fact that the UN should be (but not always is), a place for open communication, (which includes constructive criticism), it is in the best interests of everyone for Thailand to get the UN Security Council bid they are looking for. The truth of the matter is that PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has done a good job for Thailand in a tough situation.

The future looks good for Thailand.

When you consider the fact that the UN should be (but not always is), a place for open communication, (which includes constructive criticism), it is in the best interests of everyone for Thailand to get the UN Security Council bid they are looking for. The truth of the matter is that PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has done a good job for Thailand in a tough situation.

Golly!

Hook line and sinker!

"Is Thailand's UN Security Council Bid Dead on Arrival?"

Yes.

Delusional

The future looks good for Thailand.

When you consider the fact that the UN should be (but not always is), a place for open communication, (which includes constructive criticism), it is in the best interests of everyone for Thailand to get the UN Security Council bid they are looking for. The truth of the matter is that PM Prayut Chan-o-cha has done a good job for Thailand in a tough situation.

This is, one assumes, parody, in which case it's superb. You certainly had my whole family in stitches.

Teacher, teacher, may I, may I, I know, I know! The answer is Yes!

Bangkok believes its bid will be successful

Isn't it presumptious to call the Prayut regime "Bangkok"?

Or in the alternative "Thailand"?

Both imply a reflection of the will of the people that a coup surely does not represent.

Well, the only other applicant for this seat is Kazahkstan, which is probably worst than Thailand. So Thailand may well succeed for lack of a better alternative.

The only scenario that i can liken this to.Is if the USA ever considered giving Pancho Villa a seat in the senate.

The only scenario that i can liken this to.Is if the USA ever considered giving Pancho Villa a seat in the senate.

Or Ted Cruz.