The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand shared Thailand’s experiences in handling the spread of COVID-19 focusing on inclusive measures of the entire population, while taking into account the fundamental rights of a democratic society and urged countries to collaborate in finding a solution that creates a balance between protecting individual rights and maintaining public health measures, in order to promote a resilient democracy amidst persisting uncertainties in this New Normal, at the 13th Bali Democracy Forum

On 10 December 2020, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, delivered a pre-recorded video statement at the 13th Bali Democracy Forum. The meeting was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia under the theme “Democracy and the COVID-19 Pandemic.” The Thai delegation was led by H.E. Mr. Songphol Sukchan, Ambassador of Thailand to Indonesia and participated in the virtual meeting.

During the session titled “Perspectives from the World,” representatives from countries with outstanding performance and experience in handling the spread of COVID-19 were invited to share their views. These countries included Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea whose representatives were invited to share their perspectives under the sub-theme “Upholding Democracy amid Pandemic.”

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, underlined the country’s focus on inclusive measures of the entire population, while taking into account the fundamental rights of a democratic society such as the right to access information, the right to access health services and engagement in government policy implementation. He also mentioned some of Thailand’s best practices, including the Universal Health Coverage scheme, daily press briefings about the COVID-19 situation and the active role of Village Health Volunteers, Migrant Health Volunteers and civil society organisations in responding to the needs of the people, including vulnerable groups. On this note, he also highlighted the government’s role in upholding the right to participate in public affairs with some examples being the facilitation of local elections and the provision of offline and online space for individuals to express their opinions. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs pointed to what he saw as a possible trend occurring in countries worldwide – people coming together to air their grievances as a result of the negative impacts experienced from the pandemic – and in this regard, urged countries to collaborate in finding a solution that creates a balance between protecting individual rights and maintaining public health measures, in order to promote a resilient democracy amidst persisting uncertainties in this New Normal.

This year, the meeting was convened in both online and in-person formats, welcoming delegates from 71 and 26 countries, respectively. Participants included ministers, ambassadors and officials, as well as representatives from international organisations, such as the United Nations Secretary-General, the WHO Director-General, and the ASEAN Secretary-General, who shared their views through pre-recorded video statements. In addition, representatives from civil society, the private sector and youth also shared their perspectives on cross-sectoral cooperation and transparency in handling the challenges brought about by COVID-19, such as the economic downturn, responding to fake news, and online hate speech.

Since Indonesia initiated the Bali Democracy Forum in 2008 to promote democracy in the Asia-Pacific, the forum has served as a platform for exchanging experiences and best practices in managing diversity and enhancing equality, understanding and respect. It has also welcomed leaders, Heads of State, Ministers, and other high-level officials from various countries. On its part, Thailand has consistently sent representatives to the Forum, reflecting its commitment to contribute to the promotion of democratic values in the Asia Pacific region.