Thank you Mr. Moderator,

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the myriad of weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and inequalities in any societies and economies.  Looking after human well-being must, therefore, be at the heart of our response and recovery efforts.  Allow me to share three points based on Thailand’s experiences:

One, we need to respond to the needs of all sectors and address disproportionate effects of the pandemic on different parts of the society. Thailand has put in place social and economic relief measures for vulnerable workers, households, and businesses, through increased social benefits, financial aid, and loans, among others.

Two, Universal Health Coverage (UHC) has proven a worthwhile long-term investment and vital in enabling Thailand to respond to COVID-19 with positive outcomes, particularly by providing timely, quality and affordable care for all those infected.   Build back better efforts should then continue to focus on strengthening health system and UHC in order to improve its capacities, preparedness, and resilience.

Three, recovery pathways must be aligned with the SDGs, aiming to leave no one behind.  Thailand has been implementing our home-grown development approach based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy to adapt to the new normal and accelerate the SDG actions, based on people empowerment and community resilience.   And we are keen to share it with interested partners.

I thank you.