1. Thailand congratulates Kazakhstan for being elected to the United Nations Security Council, and sincerely appreciates the support rendered to Thailand from all Member States throughout the campaign. The election required two rounds of voting, which showed that both Thailand and Kazakhstan were both well-recognized candidates with amicable competition.

2. Thailand’s campaign was not only driven by the determination to win the seat. In fact, the campaign offered more opportunities for Thailand to build on and further expand long-term relations and cooperation with friendly nations from all regions, particularly through development cooperation. For example, Thailand has been supporting development projects in different countries by sharing expertise and experiences in sustainable development, through seminars, onsite visits, and academic exchanges. Regardless of the campaign, Thailand has always been committed to development cooperation as Thailand was once a recipient country but has graduated into a donor country, providing assistance where needed, both within and beyond our own region.

3. Moreover, visits to various countries and organization of different activities under our campaign have raised Thailand’s profile as a prominent member of the United Nations, as well as further strengthened our existing relations with our friends from around the world, both old and new ones alike.  Thailand believes that we have won many allies and deepened our friendship throughout the campaign.

4. Even though Thailand campaigned vigorously to garner support from all Member States, the outcome of the election was determined by a myriad of other elements, for instance, reciprocal arrangements made between countries. Furthermore, this would be the first time that the Republic of Kazakhstan serves on the Council.

5. Despite the fact that Thailand was not elected to the United Nations Security Council this time, Thailand will continue to play an active and constructive role as a United Nations Member State. Thailand will continue to support the United Nations Security Council and work towards achieving global priorities of peace, security and sustainable development, and, most importantly, our duty as Chairman of the G77 and China.

6. Thailand has announced our candidature to campaign for the United Nations Security Council non-permanent seat for the term 2017-2018 since 2007, which demonstrates the readiness and commitment to taking responsibility in one of the international community’s most important institutions. Thailand has been a member of the United Nations for over 70 years and, since 1958, has participated in the United Nations peacekeeping missions and peace-related operations.

7. Thailand once served as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council 30 years ago during 1985-1986, and had actively performed our duty.