Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to the United Nations in New York visited Thailand during 29 July – 2 August 2024 at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.

On this occasion, the foreign dignitaries paid a courtesy call on Mr. Russ Jalichandra, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss ways to enhance relations between Thailand and SIDS at the bilateral and multileral fora through cooperation on sustainable development and human rights. The Vice Minister reiterated Thailand's readiness as candidature to the Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2025 – 2027 and reaffirmed Thailand’s determination to contribute to the HRC’s work and bring about concrete outcomes in the context of rapidly changing world.

The foreign dignitaries visited Thailand’s various sustainable development and human rights projects in Bangkok and other provinces. These include the Department of Corrections’ Central Women Correctional Institution in Bangkok to learn about the implementation of the United Nations Bangkok Rules for the appropriate treatment of female prisoners, Samutsakhon Hospital to learn about Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage scheme and healthcare services provided to migrant workers, and Wat Chak Daeng in Samut Prakarn province to observe community waste management. They also visited the Royal Sea Farming And Aquaculture Demonstration Project Under The Initiatives Of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother to study about marine animal farming and aquaculture demonstration projects and the Royal-initiated Laem Phak Bia Environmental Research and Development Project to observe eco-friendly methods for wastewater treatment and solid waste management.

In addition, the visiting dignitaries participated in a roundtable discussion on the topic “Impacts of Climate Change and Natural Disasters on Human Rights: Lessons Learnt and Way Forward” and attended a workshop to discuss the outcomes of the study visits and share recommendations for further cooperation which corresponds to the needs of SIDS.

This visit of the dignitaries from SIDS to Thailand aimed to promote a network of “Friends of Thailand” in the United Nations, and to enhance their understanding of Thailand’s vision and constructive role on human rights and sustainable development. It was also an opportunity for Thailand to reaffirm determination and readiness to work closely with all countries and sectors, including those from SIDS to advance the above-mentioned agenda.