Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, led the Thai delegation to attend the 11th Bali Democracy Forum under the theme “Democracy for Prosperity” during 6 - 7 December 2018 in Bali, Republic of Indonesia.

 

The Bali Democracy Forum was established by Indonesia in 2008 as an annual, open, and inclusive intergovernmental conference dedicated to the exchange of views on democratic development, particularly in Asia and the Pacific. The event attracts high-level participation from heads of state and government, ministers, ambassadors and high-ranking government officials from countries around world.

 

In his statement during the general debate, the Deputy Permanent Secretary proposed for governments to strive beyond “Democracy for Prosperity” to attain “Democracy for Sustainability”. He also stressed on the importance of building a democratic ecosystem based on respect and inclusiveness through the empowerment and participation of the people, while leaving no one behind, as well as raising public awareness and promoting human rights.

 

The Deputy Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Royal Thai Government’s commitment to laying solid foundations for a stronger and sustainable democracy through comprehensive national reforms. He also informed that Thailand is preparing for a general election in February 2018.

 

During the meeting, the Deputy Permanent Secretary had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Rubén Darío Molina, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for Asia, Middle East and Oceania of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Thailand and Venezuela, and enhance engagement between Venezuela and ASEAN