YouSaid · the spoken record

Surapong Tovichakchaikul

lines on the record: 28
first: 2011-09-24
most recent: 2013-09-24
sittings or episodes: 2
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The way forward is not through politics as usual, but through constructive dialogue and mutual respect. With goodwill and common purpose, the international community can once again rise to the challenge. Together, we can fulfil the promise of the Organization and the loftiest goals toward which we, the Member States, have always aspired.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We believe that developing countries everywhere need to come together in a spirit of partnership to make their voices heard. What is more, that same sense of partnership must also cross the development divide, embracing developed and developing economies alike. Since the beginning, the United Nations has been a force for good. As its membership has grown and the issues have become more complex, we have now reached a crossroads. Whether the United Nations takes the right path rests on our ability to achieve consensus and to act together in a meaningful manner. Now is the time for us to set aside our outdated assumptions and our differences. Our common future depends on our ability to come together to forge consensus on the new realities before us.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“As a moderate, medium-sized country with an open society, Thailand is ready to work with all countries and partners. We want to do our part in helping bridge the gaps in communication, understanding and opportunity. That is why we have put forward our candidacies to the Security Council for the term 2017-2018 and to the Human Rights Council for the term 2015-2017. We are keen to help build bridges to connect all stakeholders in a more cohesive, action-oriented global partnership. Building a global partnership means forging a common agenda for action on our most important challenges. It means reaching out beyond our borders, beyond our region and beyond our comfort zone. Thailand has been building bridges not only within Asia, but also with Africa and Latin America.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We also commend the United Kingdom for its leadership in realizing the Declaration of Commitment on this important issue. To provide an environment that facilitates unity and consensus, the international community must also forge a new global partnership. This new global partnership must rest on a common agenda for action. It will need to involve States — in particular like-minded States — the United Nations, regional organizations, civil society and other stakeholders. In South-East Asia, the process is well under way. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is strengthening its partnership to become a community of over 600 million people by the end of 2015. Regional discussions on the post-2015 agenda are also complementing ongoing global efforts.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The socioeconomic impact of this programme has therefore been tremendous. Those who benefit most from our universal health care have been the poor and the vulnerable. By working to empower the most vulnerable among us, we ensure that development is more inclusive. We believe that the model could be adapted to other developing countries, and we are willing to share the lessons we have learned from our experience. We also believe that women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities must be treated fairly and encouraged to participate fully in all aspects of life. Particularly in situations of conflict, vulnerable groups are often at the greatest risk of violence. We therefore support the United Nations initiative to end sexual violence in conflict.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“As we look to the post-20l5 future, we must not limit our goals to specific health challenges. We should now set our sights on the more general objective of universal health care. Initiated by the administration of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra 10 years ago, Thailand has been implementing a programme that charges only $1 per doctor’s visit. This universal health-care scheme is universal in its coverage of treatments, ranging from common illnesses and chronic diseases to lifesaving surgeries. Statistics have shown that through this programme, around 300,000 households have been saved from falling into poverty. Even non-Thai nationals, especially migrant workers from neighbouring countries are also benefiting from universal health care, making it truly universal.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We welcome the Secretary-General’s report “A life of dignity for all: accelerating progress towards the Millennium Development Goals and advancing the United Nations development agenda beyond 2015” (A/68/202), which puts people at the centre of the development agenda. People need to be given the chance and the tools to make the most of their potential. This can happen if we focus more on promoting human security, for instance through education and health care. On education, we believe that the Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative is an important contribution to the post- 2015 development agenda and deserves the support of all stakeholders. Health is also very much a development issue. When people are unhealthy, it imposes a cost on State finances and can even undo development gains.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“For much of the world, climate change is also linked to another important challenge — food security. Extreme weather can cause great damage to agriculture. The impact will be felt not only in food-producing countries, but worldwide. That is why we need to work together to put in place systems — better weather prediction technology, better storage silos and more resilient strains of staple crops — that will mitigate the impact of climate change. Those are areas where countries should help one another by sharing their experiences and know-how. Thailand believes that, if development is to be sustainable, it must be people-centred.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“That would enable us to tackle the deep-rooted poverty that still afflicts the so-called bottom billion. Following the MDGs, the post-2015 development agenda must provide both continuity and a new source of hope. To build on the MDGs, Thailand believes that we should place special emphasis on the needs of the most vulnerable countries. That includes conflict and post-conflict societies, as well as those of least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States. If we fail to do so, millions will be left behind. The most pressing challenge to sustainable development that demands our concerted action is climate change. For a number of countries, particularly small island developing States, climate change strikes at the very heart of survival.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“But what kind of action would make the most difference on the ground? When and how is it most effective? There are no simple answers. It is on such issues that the world looks to the Security Council for leadership. Too often, however, the Council is paralysed just when action is most needed. Overcoming deadlock and achieving consensus must be a central objective of Security Council reform. The United Nations is, of course, much more than the Security Council. Unity and consensus are also needed on development. Thailand believes that sustainable development must be at the heart of the United Nations agenda. The world has made great strides in tackling poverty and hunger, thanks in no small part to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), but all of us still need to make a final push on the MDGs.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“It is our hope that the Security Council, especially its permanent members, will continue to work to find a durable political solution for the sake of the Syrian people. In setting the stage for the post-2015 development agenda, we must recognize that development cannot take root without peace, security, democracy and human rights. The three pillars of the United Nations must be developed together and nurtured together. To strengthen the United Nations, we need to seek ways to achieve unity and consensus on the issues that matter most. In the area of security, this means thinking of new, creative ways to respond to the changing threats. For instance, when States fail to protect their own populations, or even cause them harm, all our words will amount to little unless matched with action.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“With such a diversity of viewpoints, it is all the more important for us to work together to find the unity and consensus we need. The challenges facing us are particularly clear in the case of Syria. On 21 August, we learned that chemical weapons had been used against innocent civilians in Syria. Despite widespread condemnation and outrage, the United Nations was initially unable to act and the Security Council was deadlocked. We therefore welcome resolution 2118 (2013) on Syria, adopted yesterday by the Security Council. We urge Syria to ensure the full and effective implementation of the resolution, and to allow monitoring and enforcement by the international community.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“When the 50 founding States came together in San Francisco in 1945, the world had high hopes for the United Nations. The United Nations was created in response to the demands of a different time, after millions of lives had been lost in a conflict between States. Today, it is conflict within States that takes the heaviest human toll, as we have witnessed in the unfolding events in Syria. As we look ahead to the post-2015 future, we must not shy away from asking the hard questions. We must ask ourselves whether multilateralism has lived up to our expectations, be it in security, trade or the environment. We must ask how we Member States can do better in the face of critical challenges. That is because ultimately, the success of the United Nations depends on all of us.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“On behalf of the delegation of the Kingdom of Thailand, allow me to congratulate the Honourable Mr. John Ashe on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its sixty-eighth session. My delegation stands ready to render our full support and cooperation. I would also like to express our appreciation to the outgoing President, Mr. Vuk Jeremi., for his exceptional leadership during the previous session. I am particularly grateful for his contributions to the second Asia-Pacific Water Summit, held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, earlier this year. Thailand is committed to the United Nations. Our faith in the principles and values it stands for has never wavered. The United Nations three pillars of security, development and human rights continue to inspire and motivate us.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Given our past experience and continued contributions to all three, especially the maintenance of international peace and security, Thailand has presented its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the 2017-2018 term. We seek the support of our friends in the United Nations in this regard. We are convinced that such a position would enable us to fulfil our commitment to work closely and constructively with all Members of the United Nations. Let us rise to the challenge together.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Thailand is committed to promoting the implementation of the Bangkok Rules worldwide and looks forward to continuing to work closely with all relevant stakeholders. Moreover, the recent election of the country’s first female Prime Minister confirms that Thai society is open to women and that we continue to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women. It should be evident from all I have said that the United Nations is a cornerstone of Thailand’s foreign policy, and that Thailand has been an active player in all three pillars of the United Nations. Peace and security, development and human rights are truly inseparable and should be strengthened simultaneously.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“As Thailand continues to enhance its participation as a member of the Human Rights Council, we are determined to further contribute to human rights work and to strengthen the rights of vulnerable groups, both at home and abroad. We attach special importance to such groups, be they children, women, people with disabilities or the elderly. One notable example is in the area of women’s rights. In December 2010, the General Assembly adopted the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders, or the Bangkok Rules (resolution 65/229), based on an initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha. The Rules aim to enhance the human rights of female prisoners in criminal justice systems by fully recognizing gender sensitivity and the specific needs of women.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Here it is important, in Thailand’s view, to find common ground on the value of technical cooperation in enhancing human rights. We have been holding consultations on an initiative to enhance the efficiency of the Human Rights Council in providing technical cooperation to countries in need. Thailand hopes that this initiative will receive the broad-based support of countries from all regions in the Council. With our genuine commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, Thailand is determined to continue playing a constructive role in the Council. In that regard, we will proudly stand for election once again for the 2015-2017 term.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“During our presidency of the Council, Thailand was proud to direct the crucial task of reviewing its methods of work and operations in order to make it more relevant and credible. This was particularly important when it came to responding to urgent human rights situations in a more timely and effective manner. Every Government must find its own solutions and move at its own pace in a manner appropriate to its specific context and conditions. Meanwhile, it is incumbent on the international community to support and promote constructive dialogue and engagement with countries of concern, while respecting their sovereignty, territorial integrity and the will of the people. Such support and dialogue should aim at strengthening States’ capacity to meet their human rights obligations.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Thailand has also assumed a more creative and proactive role in cooperation with the international community in various development areas. Over the years, relations between the United Nations and 11-51670 36 Thailand have evolved from a traditional donor- recipient relationship to one of partners in development. Neither development nor peace and security can be sustainable if respect for human rights lags behind. Thailand firmly believes that human rights represent truly universal values. Respect for them must be a fundamental principle in every society. For Thailand, human rights issues are at the core of our domestic and foreign policy agendas. In terms of foreign policy, Thailand has striven to play a constructive role at the regional and international levels, especially through our membership of the Human Rights Council.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Although we have achieved most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) ahead of schedule, we are resolutely pursuing the MDG Plus targets. In the greater scheme of things, we are determined that no one in Thai society should be left behind. In order for sustainable development to be realized, cooperation among all sectors of society and partnerships with the international community are essential. Thailand has been active in promoting partnerships between developed and developing countries, and stands ready to serve as a bridge between both groups through triangular cooperation. At the same time, we will continue to strengthen South- South cooperation with our fellow developing countries, including those in the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 and China.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“If international stability is one of our primary goals, Thailand firmly believes that a key foundation for lasting peace is sustainable development. Sustainable development is an essential tool for eradicating poverty and inequality, which are root causes of insecurity. As the guiding principle of our social and economic policy, Thailand has long taken a people-centred approach and adheres to the sufficiency-economy philosophy of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which focuses on living in moderation and striking a balance between economic growth and the sustainable management of natural resources. Our Government is also working resolutely to ensure, among other things, equal opportunity for all, free primary and secondary education, and universal health care coverage.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Wishing to do our part, Thailand has actively supported the comprehensive peace operations and peacekeeping missions of the United Nations in more than 20 locations around the world. We are currently deploying an infantry battalion with the African Union- United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur. We have also sent police and military officers to the United Nations peacekeeping missions in Timor-Leste and Haiti, and we are about to deploy military officers to a United Nations operation in Kashmir. In addition, since autumn 2010 Thailand has sent two counter-piracy task groups to join international efforts to patrol and protect ships from pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden area. These are just a few examples of our effort to play a meaningful role in maintaining international peace and security.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“The recent birth of the Republic of South Sudan and its swift admission to the United Nations are clear testaments to the constructive role of Mediterranean and the continued engagement of the United Nations in conflict resolution. Thailand welcomes the Republic of South Sudan into the global community, and wishes to forge bilateral relations and a partnership for development with this new State. Thailand is convinced that the peaceful resolution of conflicts is the most desirable and cost-effective approach in terms of both human lives and financial expense. For that reason, political will remains a key ingredient without which such an approach cannot be successful.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“Thailand is convinced that the three pillars of the United Nations - peace and security, development and human rights - are all interconnected and mutually reinforcing. They are issues that need to be addressed comprehensively in order to achieve the ultimate goal of human security for our peoples. They are also issues that Thailand will emphasize in its cooperation with the United Nations. In terms of peace and security, Thailand believes that this year’s theme for the General Assembly’s general debate, as proposed by you, Mr. President, is very timely. Mediation is a crucial tool for helping to resolve disputes peacefully.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“More importantly, the Government is determined to promote reconciliation and uphold the rule of law to serve as a basis for harmony and unity within the country. As far as our foreign relations are concerned, the Government will further enhance relations with neighbouring countries and our friends outside the region. Special emphasis is placed on promoting trust, confidence and mutual respect, which is particularly important as we prepare for the realization of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Community in 2015. We will also strengthen international cooperation at all forums and levels, particularly with the United Nations. Thailand seeks to play a responsible and constructive role in the current international order.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“For Thailand, after experiencing some political unrest, the country has taken another step forward in its democratic process. The general elections held on 3 July this year went smoothly, which is a testament to the resilience of Thai democracy. The new Government has been successfully formed, with a solid mandate from the people. Indeed, the voter turnout was the highest in Thailand’s electoral history. The Administration of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is now working resolutely to deliver on the promises it made during the election campaign. In implementing people-centred policies, it seeks to establish a strong, 35 11-51670 equitable and sustainable economic infrastructure in the country.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)
“On behalf of the delegation of the Kingdom of Thailand, allow me to extend to you, Sir, our warmest congratulations on your election as President of the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session. It is a personal honour for me to speak for the first time before this gathering of the world’s nations. Please be assured of my delegation’s full support and cooperation in the conduct of the work of this body. The year 2011 has already become a monumental year in modern history. The call for reforms in the Middle East and North Africa has led to unprecedented transitions and popular uprisings. The so-called Arab Spring underscores the significance of people’s legitimate aspirations and the need to respond adequately to them. In this age of globalization, information, ideas and values flow beyond borders.”
2011-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 66 (2011)