Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, said in a world increasingly divided by protectionism, fragmentation, conflicts and climate change, the war in Ukraine continues to bring “immense suffering and destruction” just as the suffering in Gaza finds innocent civilians, especially children paying the heaviest price.  “It is a stark reminder that when peace is broken, the human cost is borne not only by nations but by ordinary people whose lives are torn apart,” he said. Whether in peacekeeping, conflict prevention or humanitarian response, the greater effectiveness of multilateralism happens “when women participate fully” as their voices and leadership “strengthen our community and make peace durable”.

Thailand is therefore hopeful that the election of Ms. Annalena Baerbock to the Assembly’s presidency will “inspire us all to advance the UN’s women agenda with greater resolve”.  He urged a global response to transnational challenges to disaster and conflict-driven migration, calling them “a shared test no nation can solve alone”.  And because “crimes without borders demand cooperation without borders”, the world must work together to keep its peoples safe. Turning to the situation with neighbouring Cambodia, he noted that though that country continues to portray itself as the victim and presents its own version of happenings – a development which caused him to rewrite his speech – “we cannot move away from one another,” being part of the same ASEAN family.

However, the villages the Cambodian representative talked about earlier today are in Thai territory and despite an end to the historic internal conflict, “the Cambodian villages have expanded in size over the decades”, with Thailand’s repeated protests and requests against this encroachment ignored.  Resolving this situation demands commitment and sincere actions from both sides.  “Let there be no doubt that Thailand has always, and will always stand for peace, and will do everything we can to find a peaceful resolution to the current problem with Cambodia,” he said.  Noting that climate change “is widening the gap between the haves and have-nots”, he called for stronger international support to address this phenomenon.