Thailand optimistic about bid for UN Security Council seat

Thailand has a proven track record and experience as compared to a new entrant like Kazakhstan, he said, adding that it also has the advantage of heading the Group of 77, contributing to the peacekeeping mission and its capacity as a bridge among countries.

According to him, the 20-year national strategy focusing on sustainable development also creates an advantage for Thailand.

Former ASEAN Secretary General and former Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan, one of Thailand’s key campaigners for the seat, said Thailand will stake its claim based on its record of sustainable development following the principles of the King's sufficiency economy philosophy.

The philosophy is in line with the UN's 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals with the hope of securing the world for future generations, he said.
Surin said he is positive about the upcoming vote, based on feedback he has heard so far.

Since 2009, Thailand has campaigned and carried out a range of activities in the international arena to bid for the seat.

The election for the seat will be held on June 28 during the 71 st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Thailand is assured of nine votes, as all ASEAN f oreign ministers agreed during their retreat last year to support their regional member.

The last time Thailand got a seat was in 1985-86.-