On 10 December 2015, Mr. Vitavas Srivihok, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led the Thai delegation to attend the 8th Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) under the theme “Democracy and Effective Public Governance”. Delegates from 87 countries and a group of countries in the Asia-Pacific region as well as Europe and America were present at the forum, which was held in Bali, Indonesia.

         In the General Debate, the Deputy Permanent Secretary shared the view that effective public governance requires 3 elements, namely, a process that is inclusive, the process that is responsiveness to the needs of the people, as well as the need to put in place accountable and transparent institutions, laws and regulations and public awareness. In addition, each country should also prepare to respond to challenges such as having proper evaluation to identify progress and remaining gaps, and addressing the new dynamics, in particular the emergence of social media.

         The Deputy Permanent Secretary also reaffirmed the Government’s efforts to build a strong and sustainable democracy through a comprehensive reform, an inclusive constitution drafting process, as well as the cooperation between government and other sectors.

         The BDF was initiated in 2008 by Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the former President of the Republic of Indonesia, with an objective to promote democratic development in the region. The BDF discussion is based on openness, constructive debate, and sharing of experiences from each country.