The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs congratulated the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), calling this historic milestone the “Triumph of Multilateralism” in his remarks at the Virtual Commemorative Event of the Entry into Force of the Treaty, on 22 January 2021. Thailand was one of the first three countries to sign and ratify the Treaty and calls for the universalisation of the said Treaty.

On 22 January 2021, H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, delivered opening remarks at the Virtual Commemorative Event of the Entry into Force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), highlighting the importance of the Treaty, and called this achievement “a historic milestone” and the “triumph of multilateralism.” Thailand was one of the first countries to sign and ratify the Treaty, which completely prohibits and delegitimises nuclear weapons. He mentioned that on such historic occasion, it is worth reminding ourselves of the commitments made in the UN Charter of the determination “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,”and that the continued existence of nuclear weapons “may increase the sense of security for a few, but is truly harmful to the collective security of all.” He also stressed the importance of promoting further ratification and accession to the TPNW, so as to achieve inclusiveness and universality of the Treaty.

Thailand signed and ratified the TPNW on the very first day it was open for signature on 20 September 2017. The TPNW which has entered into force today (22 January 2021) is the first global legally-binding instrument to completely prohibit and delegitimise nuclear weapons and all related activities, including developing, testing, producing, possessing, stockpiling, using or threatening to use such weapons. Given the catastrophic consequences of such weapons, the Treaty reaffirms the robust desire of nations to achieve and maintain a nuclear-weapon-free world. Currently, 86 states have signed the TPNW and 51 states are parties to the Treaty.

Having maintained a robust role on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, Thailand stands ready to cooperate with all parties to achieve the objectives of the TPNW, with the sincere hope that the Treaty, as a “new global norm,” will eventually lead to the total elimination of the most destructive weapons humans have ever invented. Thailand looks forward to participating actively in the First Meeting of the State Parties to the Treaty.