On 2 March 2016, H.E. Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, led the Thai delegation to attend the First International Pledging Conference for the Implementation of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, organized under the Presidency of Chile. The Conference, held at the United Nations Office at Geneva, was an opportunity for States Parties to pledge their contributions to the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. The Conference also served as a chance for the international community to reiterate its shared commitment to swiftly achieve a world free from landmines.

          The announced contribution by Thailand was a result of the Cabinet’s approval on 23 February 2016, to make an annual contribution of 10,000 Swiss Francs to the ISU funds for a period of 4 years from 2016 – 2019, as recognition of the crucial role played by the ISU in supporting States Parties of the Convention in implementing their obligations.

          In announcing Thailand’s financial contribution, the Vice Minister reiterated Thailand’s commitment to the humanitarian principle of preventing further human suffering caused by indiscriminate weapons as enshrined in the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. Having ratified and become a State Party to the Convention in the year 2000, Thailand has since strived to fulfill its obligations in all aspects, i.e. mine clearance, victim assistance, and mine-risk education. Thailand is well aware of the importance of the ISU and, therefore, hopes that this multi-year funding will contribute to the collective effort of providing a sustainable solution to issue. Thailand also hopes that this contribution will bring all countries closer to the vision of a zero-victim and mine-free world.