On 28 September 2024, H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongssa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered Thailand’s statement at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) General Debate at UNHQ in New York.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated Thailand’s determination to continue to advance people-centered, economic-oriented policies to achieve stability and sustainable development for the people. He highlighted the importance of UN reform to enable the organization to address global challenges more effectively, especially in strengthening efforts that support international peace and security toward the resolution of conflicts in regions across the world. He also highlighted the situation in Myanmar, which Thailand attaches importance to as a close neighbour and believes that a peaceful solution in Myanmar must be Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned, while underlining Thailand’s consistent and unwavering readiness to support through humanitarian assistance.

In addition, the Minister emphasised the importance of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while Thailand stands ready to build bridges in promoting North-South development cooperation, including through Thailand’s aspiration to become a member of BRICS and OECD. Achieving the SDGs is critical to addressing the urgent challenges, such as climate change, and all sectors and all countries are responsible, in order also to reduce the impact of these challenges on human rights and human security. On this occasion, the Minister also stressed Thailand’s commitment in protecting and promoting human rights through advancing justice and equality in society, and highlighted Thailand’s candidature to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the term 2025-2027.

The Minister expressed hope for a promising future where everyone will be protected and able to prosper, which requires political will in addressing common global challenges, before expressing Thailand’s pledge and readiness to continue to serve as a bridge-builder, fostering dialogue and trust among nations.