On 5-6 July 2023, H.E. Mr. Apirat Sugondhabhirom, Thai Ambassador to Azerbaijan (with residence in Ankara) as Special Envoy of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, attended the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (CoB-NAM) held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Prior to the Ministerial Meeting, Mr. Phuchphop Mongkolnavin, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Organizations, also represented Thailand at the Senior Officials Meetings during 3-4 July 2023.  

Held under the theme “NAM: United and Steadfast in confronting emerging challenges,” the Meeting discussed a wide range of issues including international politics and security, sustainable development, human rights, and the revitalization of NAM and its working methods.

On this occasion, Ambassador Apirat delivered Thailand’s national statement, underlining the need for NAM to promote effective political dialogues, international cooperation, and renewed vigor in multilateralism in order to respond to global challenges. He further called for NAM to re-energize the Movement’s commitment to its founding Bandung Principles, the principles under the Charter of the United Nations as well as international law.

In addition, Thailand also recognized a strong correlation between revitalizing the NAM spirit and fortifying SDG implementation by amplifying the voices and efforts of developing countries.

Founded in 1961 at the height of the Cold War, NAM provides a platform to exchange views on international situations for 120 member states, 17 observer states, and 10 observer international organizations. For her part, Thailand joined NAM on 4 October 1993 and has continuously participated in NAM meetings since.