Statement by

His Excellency Mr. Jakkapong Sangmanee

 Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand

at the XIX Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement

Kampala, Republic of Uganda

20 January 2024

THEME: “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence”

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Mr. Chairperson,

Your Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni 

Excellencies,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. I have the great honour to represent His Excellency Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, at this 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement.
2. Allow me to express my sincere thanks to the Republic of Uganda for the warm hospitality. I also congratulate the Republic of Azerbaijan for the successful Chairmanship over the past 4 years.
3. As Thailand' s new democratically elected government, we are fully back and extend our readiness to work with NAM member states in the spirit of solidarity. Our Movement’s unity is of crucial importance today amidst great power tensions.
4. Many of hot spots of conflicts concern NAM countries. Political instabilities hinder affluence both at home and globally. Thailand therefore shares Chair’s view that we need “a stronger and more united NAM that contributes to a better world for all.”
5. This is because Thailand is a strong believer that peace is key to prosperity and vice versa. Lack of sustainable growth and increased inequalities can lead to conflicts. Serious challenges remain ahead of us as we try to achieve the SDGs by 2030.
6. In this regard, the revitalisation of NAM and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) go hand in hand. With its emphasis on cooperation and dialogue, NAM can make a special contribution to SDG 17 to “revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development. We can make sure that no country is left behind in the global development agenda.

Excellencies,

7. Even before the pandemic, the world was already moving along a path of increasing income gaps and the growing digital divide. As such, the unified voice of NAM can make sure that global advances in science and technology, including innovations in green energy and health, must be shared more fairly across countries.
8. We must prioritise putting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track, with a view to attaining human development and human security. In doing so, a human rights-based approach is needed to ensure that the rights of all persons are guaranteed, especially those of most vulnerable. This will help enhance our resilience and capacity to cope with future crises.
9. As the SDGs serve both as the pathway, and the end goal, in ensuring survival of our present and future generations, they are also essential to the promotion and protection of human rights. Thailand has presented our candidature to Human Rights Council for the term 2025-2027. We are determined to enhance the Council’ s capacity to address new challenges to human rights, including those arising from climate change and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We hope that we will receive your support at the upcoming elections in November 2024.

Excellencies,

10. Respect for human rights is linked to sustainable peace and development. We have seen that in various conflicts, the most basic human rights are violated. Thailand condemns all forms of violence committed against innocent civilians. We are deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in the Middle East. We continue to support the Palestinian people in their pursuit of freedom and basic rights. We join in the call for the establishment of humanitarian corridors and dialogues toward an eventual permanent ceasefire and a mutually agreed peaceful solution to the issue, in accordance with a Two-State Solution. We are grateful for all diplomatic efforts, including those of NAM members, in securing the release hostages. We appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages, many of whom are Thai nationals.
11. In upholding the Bandung Principles, NAM must have a role in preventive diplomacy. On the situation in the South China Sea, Thailand will work constructively with all parties to transform the South China Sea into a Sea of Peace, Stability and Sustainable Development. Thailand shares the view with ASEAN Member States that for NAM to remain meaningful, the Kampala Summit’s Final document must reflect up-to-date positive developments in the region.

12. Thailand therefore reaffirms our full support to Lao PDR, as ASEAN Chair, in leading ASEAN’s collective efforts on helping to find peaceful solutions in the region, including the situation in Myanmar. We are firmly committed to the Five-Point Consensus implementation and the Leaders’ Decisions on this issue. Thailand is also working with all stakeholders to scale up humanitarian assistance along the Thai-Myanmar border area.
13. In closing, Thailand wishes to see NAM as a unifying force of international cooperation in face of today’s complex challenges. The strength of the NAM Spirit comes from our diversity, and the way forward for NAM must be an inclusive one. All countries should feel that their concerns are heeded, and that the Movement will benefit all our citizens. Our togetherness will enable us to shape the global agenda and make a positive change in this multipolar world.
14. I thank you.

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