Position paper for Thailand
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures |
| Paper text: | |
| On 6 October 2022, 37 people, 24 of them preschool kids, lost their lives in a gun and knife
attack at a childcare center in Nong Bua Lam Phu province. In the face of this tragedy, the
problem of firearms and light weapons taking away our loved ones remains. According to a
UN Human Rights Council Paper by the Special Rapporteur published in July of 2023,
Thailand traded nearly 30 million USD worth of arms direct to the Myanmar military.
However, due to restrictions of arms sales to restricted entities, arms dealers in Myanmar
have used phoenix companies, companies that carry out the same business as sanctioned
entities, among other strategies, to turn Thailand's legal trade into a million dollar illegal arms
trading business.
Thailand believes that in order to consolidate international peace the process of arms control and practical disarmament should be supported. Since the establishment of the UN Conventional Arms Registry (UNRCA) in 1992, Thailand has actively participated in the registry by providing information on the import-export of 7 types of conventional arms every year. Moreover, Thailand is the only country among ASEAN to report its military budget annually to the UN. We believe that transparency in country armament stockpiles will contribute to practical measures of disarmament and achieve peace post-conflict. To address the urgent need for enhancing peace through practical disarmament measures, we propose the following actions to strengthen regional security and safeguard our citizens. First, we recommend establishing a network for information-sharing among law enforcement, border control, and customs agencies to prevent, combat, and eliminate the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons across borders. Second, where necessary, we encourage the introduction, implementation, or reinforcement of regional and sub-regional laws, regulations, and administrative procedures. Third, we urge member states to promote the safe and effective management of stockpiles and security measures. Lastly, we support, where appropriate, national disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration programs, particularly in post-conflict situations. By adopting these solutions, we are confident that the global community can make significant strides toward the consolidation of peace. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction |
| Paper text: | |
| Thailand remains fully committed to the global prohibition of chemical weapons through
complete and effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).Thailand
has been a State Party to the CWC since 2002 and has taken robust steps ensure compliance
with its obligations. Through national legislation, such as the Chemical Weapons Act, Thailand
ensures that no chemical weapons are developed, produced, stored within its borders, and also
works closely with the Organisation for the Prohibition Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to meet its
reporting, inspection, and cooperation requirements.
Thailand supports the complete and timely destruction of all chemical weapons stockpiles globally, as well as enhanced international cooperation to ensure that all States Parties comply with their destruction obligations under the CWC. As a member of ASEAN, Thailand promotes regional collaboration to strengthen chemical safety and security. Thailand emphasizes the importance of capacity-building programs, particularly for countries with limited resources, to fully implement the CWC's provisions and ensure that chemical materials are not misused. To address challenges related to the risk of chemical weapons proliferation, Thailand proposes the establishment of Regional Chemical Security Task Forces. These task forces would focus on improving border controls, monitoring chemical shipments, and enhancing the tracking of chemical-related activities. Thailand also recommends conducting joint emergency response exercises to strengthen preparedness against chemical weapon attacks and promote regional cooperation. By implementing these practical solutions, Thailand believes the international community can prevent the misuse of chemicals and support the full realization of a world free of chemical weapons. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Agriculture development, food security and nutrition |
| Paper text: | |
| Thailand ranks 64th in global food security according to the 2022 Global Food Security
Index (GFSI), which assess and reports on the food security situation in 113 countries
worldwide. Thailand's score of 60.1 out of 100 represents a slight improvement from the
previous year's score. In the Asia-Pacific region, Thailand ranked 9th among countries in the
Pacific-Asia group and 15th among countries with medium-high income levels, indicating a
relatively favorable food security situation. Despite this ranking, under the FAO's definition of
food security, which comprises four components: availability, accessibility, utilization, and
stability, there are still significant issues that Thailand needs to address. The following are the
major issues that Thailand must focus on it its battle for food security:
Food Availability: This entails increasing food production in Thailand to ensure an adequate and consistent quantity of food. The Self-Sufficiency Ratio (SSR) is a measure used to gauge this, indicating the proportion of domestically produced food compared to the total amount consumed in the country throughout the year. Thailand has achieved an SSR exceeding 100% for staple and important food items commonly consumed by the majority of Thai people, including rice, chicken eggs, chicken, pork, and shrimps. Additionally, Thailand can also export some food products to generate income for the country. Food access: This refers to the ability quality and nutritious food resources, reflecting the issue of hunger. According to The Global Hunger Index (GHI) report in 2023, Thailand has a moderate level of hunger, ranking 53rd out of 116 countries. Approximately 8.8% of the total population in Thailand, equivalent to approximately 6.2 million people, lack adequate nutrition. Food Utilization: Food utilization involves understanding and benefiting from food in a suitable manner, including hygienic food preparation that adheres to nutritional principles. In Thailand, there is still lack of knowledge, in inadequate intake of essential nutrients. Taste is prioritized by 22.5% of Thai people when it comes to food consumption, according to the Health Behavior Survey of the National Statistical Office in 2023. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Development cooperation with middle-income countries |
| Paper text: | |
| Thailand is one of the greatest development success stories. Due to smart economic
policies it has become an upper middle income economy and is making progress towards
meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.
For 75 years, the Kingdom of Thailand and the World Bank Group have built a strong and productive partnership that has evolved from one focused on traditional lending and advice into an innovative knowledge-based partnership that reflects Thailand's dynamic middle- income status. The Thailand - World Bank Group Country Partnership Framework (CPF) FY2019-2022 has been extended for two more years until June 2024 and is being implemented to support Thailand's 20 Year National Strategy (2017-2036) that focuses on key economic and social reforms to end poverty and boots shared prosperity. The overarching goal of the CPF is to support Thailand's transition to an innovative, inclusive and sustainable economy. The World Bank Group is now embarking on a new CPF for fiscal year 2025-2029 and holding consultations with the government, private sector, development agencies and civil society. The objectives are to identify and prioritize areas where the World Bank Group should concentrate its support so that it has the greatest possible impact in promoting inclusion, reducing poverty, and sharing prosperity on a livable planet. The CPF is underpinned by an updated Systematic Country Diagnostic or SCD, which serves as an analytical basis for the new World Bank Group partnership with the Government of Thailand. The current World Bank portfolio in Thailand consists of Trust Funds and Advisory Services and Analytics (ASA). As of February 2024, active trust funds amounted to $8.35 million. This includes supporting the Bank's long engagement in conflict-affected areas in Thailand's southernmost provinces while the rest are on providing technical assistance and advisory services to the government, climate resilience and water. With over 190 staff working with our government partners and in the communities, the Thailand office serves as an important regional hub, supporting diverse country programs in the East Asia and Pacific region, such as Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia; as well as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka in South Asia. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Rights of indigenous peoples |
| Paper text: | |
| There are 476 million Indigenous Peoples worldwide, making up 6% of the global population but 19% of the extreme poor. ( The World Bank, 2023) In Thailand, Indigenous groups reside in remote areas with limited access to education, healthcare, and legal recognition. Statelessness, land rights issues, and the erosion of indigenous languages threaten their cultural identity and knowledge systems. Women and youth within communities also face barriers to participation due to traditional gender and age roles.
Thailand recognizes the contributions of indigenous peoples to cultural diversity and sustainable practices. While supporting aspects of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the country seeks a balanced approach that aligns with national sovereignty and sustainable development. To tackle these problems, Thailand proposes three key solutions: Language Revitalization and Knowledge Preservation: Promote bilingual education and community-based learning to integrate indigenous languages alongside Thai. Digital archives and cultural exchange further preserve traditions and knowledge. Empowerment of Indigenous Women and Youth: Encourages inclusive governance by urging community leaders to adopt frameworks that respect traditions while promoting gender equality and youth participation. Environmental Collaboration: Foster partnerships between indigenous communities and environmental agencies to integrate traditional knowledge into climate policies, ensuring sustainable and culturally respectful conservation efforts. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Literacy for life |
| Paper text: | |
| Literacy is a right still denied to nearly a fifth of the world's adult population. (EFA Global
Monitoring Report Team, 2005) Thailand acknowledges literacy as a cornerstone of learning and
a sustainable environment. Yet, major displacement events disrupt education, creating
challenges in adapting to new languages and cultures. The country proposes community-based
multilingual literacy programs to support displaced populations. These learning centers will offer
language acquisition and cross-cultural education for residents and displaced people, fostering
social inclusion and enabling smoother transitions.
About 222 million school-aged children are affected by crises globally. ( Education Cannot Wait's High-Level Financing Conference, 2022) Women and girls face significant barriers to education due to social inequalities. Thailand urges the United Nations to strengthen scalable literacy programs that promote gender equality through scholarships, teacher training, and community- driven solutions. Multilingual Literacy Programs for Displaced Populations: Establish community-based learning centers that offer multilingual education for displaced individuals and local communities, promoting both literacy and cultural integration. Bridging the Digital Divide through Infrastructure and Training: Expand affordable internet access in marginalized areas and offer digital literacy training, with a focus on empowering women and vulnerable populations. Thailand reaffirms its commitment to advancing literacy, supporting marginalized communities, and fostering sustainable development through inclusive and scalable solutions. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment |
| Paper text: | |
| Thailand faces significant threats from climate change, particularly rising sea levels, which
pose a direct risk to its capital, Bangkok. Recent studies warn that over 80% of Bangkok could
be submerged within the next 7 to 8 years, impacting more than 10 million people and causing
economic damage amounting to $ 550 billion. In the face of increasingly severe flooding,
which
recently claimed 22 lives, the urgency of climate action is clearer than ever. Experts stress that
without immediate measures, Bangkok may face catastrophic inundation within the next
century,
highlighting the need for decisive, long-term government and international intervention.
Thailand has already implemented several key measures to address these challenges. The 2015-2050 Climate Change Master Plan lays out a comprehensive framework for long-term environmental sustainability, while Thailand's active participation in the Paris Agreement underscores its commitment to mitigating climate risks. Thailand views environmental protection as closely linked to human rights and aligns its national efforts with international standards, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 (Climate Action). Recognizing the grave human rights violations resulting from environmental degradation, We call for stronger international enforcement mechanisms to safeguard these rights. To build on these efforts, we advocate for enhanced global cooperation, particularly in providing financial and technological support to developing countries. National strategies like Thailand 4.0 and the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economic Model illustrate how economic growth can be achieved through sustainable innovation, balancing development with environmental preservation. Furthermore, Thailand supports the expansion of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to include stricter corporate accountability for environmental harm, as well as the development of a global framework for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) to ensure compliance with international standards. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel |
| Paper text: | |
| Thailand recognizes the vital importance of protecting humanitarian and UN personnel,
especially given its history of hosting refugees from neighboring conflicts, such as Myanmar. As
a country that has welcomed displaced persons, Thailand understands the critical role
humanitarian workers play in providing essential aid in conflict zones. However, these personnel
often face severe risks, including violence and threats, which undermine their ability to operate
effectively. For instance, in May 2024, the United Nations Security Council strongly condemned
the rising attacks on aid workers and UN personnel. A UN report revealed that in 2023 alone, 91
aid workers were killed, 120 wounded, and 53 abducted. The ongoing war in Gaza has been
particularly deadly, claiming the lives of over 224 humanitarians, including many UNRWA
personnel. These alarming statistics reinforce Thailand's belief that ensuring the safety of
humanitarian personnel is essential for maintaining the integrity of global humanitarian missions.
Thailand has consistently supported international humanitarian law and has actively contributed to global peacekeeping efforts. We have hosted the Asia-Pacific Regional Dialogue for Human Rights in 2023, which brought together representatives from various countries, UN agencies, and civil society organizations to discuss the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel, highlighting the need for their safety. Thailand is a strong advocate of the UN Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel and its Optional Protocol, which serve as the legal foundation for the protection of UN staff. By upholding these frameworks, Thailand reaffirms its dedication to ensuring that humanitarian workers can operate in dangerous environments without fear of harm. Looking forward, We call for stronger accountability mechanisms for those responsible for attacks on humanitarian and UN personnel. It supports enhanced coordination between the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and regional organizations like ASEAN to improve crisis response. We also urge Member States to combat disinformation that endangers humanitarian workers through media monitoring and fact-checking campaigns. Finally, increased investment in training programs for peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel, focusing on security and negotiation skills, is essential for protecting those on the front lines. | |
| Committee: | CCPCJ |
| Topic: | Equal access to justice for all |
| Paper text: | |
| Equal access to justice is an essential pillar of promoting the rule of law and safeguarding
human rights globally. As part of its commitment to this goal, Thailand has consistently
worked to close the global justice gap, ensuring that all individuals can exercise their legal
rights effectively. According to the United Nations. Many marginalized groups, including
women, children, and those living in poverty, are disproportionately affected, facing multiple
barriers in realizing their legal rights. Globally, over 5 billion people lack access to justice due
to various barriers, including financial constraints, lack of legal representation, and systemic
corruption. This issue is recognized under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which
aims to promote peace, justice, and strong institutions. Recent studies, such as the 2023
Rule of Law Index from World Justice Project, place Thailand 82nd globally and 10th
regionally in East Asia and the Pacific area, highlighting areas in which the country's justice
system still requires improvement. While the index suggested Thailand's Rule of Law
performance was steady, its ranking had consistently declined over time, pointing out that
the country's justice system still requires improvement.
Thailand has been proactive in addressing the need for equal access to justice through several initiatives, including the establishment of the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ), a member of the UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network (PNI). The TIJ works to promote public education on criminal justice and provide legal aid to marginalized populations. Additionally, as the only country in Southeast Asia with an official institution dedicated to justice within the ASEAN framework, Thailand is uniquely positioned to play a key role in strengthening justice across the region. Thailand also participated in the 33rd session of the CCPCJ in Vienna, reaffirming its commitment to justice-related matters . Thailand's proposed solutions focus on expanding access to legal aid, particularly for vulnerable groups, and ensuring that the legal system is accessible and transparent. By improving legal literacy and making legal services more affordable, Thailand believes all people should be empowered to exercise their rights. Thailand stresses the need for Member States to lead and coordinate efforts to develop a future where justice is accessible to every individual, regardless of their socioeconomic status. As such, Thailand recommends that the national government seek additional help from NGOs to make the legal services more affordable. Some institutions can provide free counseling services to disadvantaged groups. And educational institutions can provide learning tools through online media that will enhance the awareness of justice among the general public. In addition, the Kingdom of Thailand supports the full implementation of the Hague Declaration and hopes to build cooperation with other Member States to adopt people-centered justice frameworks. As such practices are implemented, the human rights of global citizens can be more fully realized. | |
| Committee: | CCPCJ |
| Topic: | International cooperation in combating transnational organized crime and corruption |
| Paper text: | |
| Transnational organized crime and corruption present severe challenges to global security
and economic development. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated international
response, particularly as cybercrime, with its borderless nature, threatens global economies,
costing an estimated $10.5 trillion annually by 2025 according to the World Economic
Forum. Gaps in law enforcement, legal frameworks, and international collaboration persist;
transnational crime networks exploit these gaps, making it essential to strengthen both
domestic measures and international cooperation. Initiatives like the ASEAN Justice
Innovation Project aim to enhance regional judicial cooperation, especially in areas like
human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cybercrime. Other than that, corruption is widespread
and is one of the most severe threats to erode people's trust in governance, and combating
it has been one of the initial goals of politics and government.
Thailand recognizes the significant challenges posed by transnational organized crime and corruption and emphasizes the need for robust cross-border cooperation, capacity building, and the establishment of common legal frameworks to fight cybercrime effectively. Thailand is committed to fostering international partnerships in the fight against organized crime and corruption. The country is working to improve information sharing, joint operations, and capacity building for law enforcement. As a member of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), Thailand supports global efforts to streamline legal cooperation and improve mutual assistance in criminal matters. Domestically, the establishment of both constitutional and private bodies such as the National Anti-Corruption Commission and Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) reflects Thailand's endeavor to tackle the financial flows that fuel organized crime. Thailand advocates for the use of technology to combat these crimes, improving tracking systems and legal frameworks to dismantle criminal networks. Thailand calls for closer collaboration with international and regional partners to combat organized crime and corruption. The country will continue to advocate for strengthening international legal frameworks and enhancing transparency in law enforcement. Thailand recommends Member States update national laws to align with international standards, such as, adopting comprehensive anti-money laundering legislation that complies with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations to close gaps that organized crime groups might exploit. Additionally, the national government can launch policies such as educating the public about the risks and signs of organized crime, empowering citizens to report suspicious activities, and collaborating with NGOs to promote awareness campaigns for crime prevention. Furthermore, government integrity is supported through strengthening accountability institutions and. The World Bank is supporting governments in adopting electronic systems to reduce collusion and other forms of corruption. Achieving long-term this goal requires Member States to work together. Developing innovative strategies through global partnership addresses the evolving nature of transnational crime, ensuring a safer and more just future for all. | |
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