On the occasion that the 71^st United Nations General Assembly appointed by acclamation H.E. António Guterres as the next United Nations Secretary-General, General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.), Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand today sent a congratulatory message to the newly appointed Secretary-General as follows:

Excellency,

          On behalf of the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand, I have the honour to extend to Your Excellency my sincere congratulations on your appointment as the ninth Secretary General of the United Nations.

          Your able leadership and unmatched experiences are indeed timely and invaluable for the UN and the international community at this important juncture. Equally important, this is the first time in 70 years that the UN Secretary-General’s selection process has truly become more open and engaged with the public. I am also very pleased to hear that you have underlined the importance of alleviating the suffering of the vulnerable people, and would continue to give priority to gender equality. You have also reiterated your belief in values of peace, justice, human dignity, tolerance and respect in diversity. Those are the core values that Thailand has vowed her commitment to work with international community as well as to be a bridge-builder in forging greater partnership among different nations and groups. Our efforts as Chair of the Group of 77 this year is a testimony of this commitment.

          Please rest assured that Thailand will continue her pro-active and constructive role in working with the UN under your leadership. The Royal Thai Government looks forward to working closely with you in advancing the fundamental principles and shared values of the UN for the benefits of peoples of the world.

          I wish you every success as you lead the United Nations to be even more ‘united’ for the better of our world, in which no one is left behind.

          Accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

                                                                   General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.)

                                                            Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand