After
Thailand abstained from voting at the UN General Assembly on 12 October before
the 11th Emergency Special Session of the UN General Assembly, the country was
bombarded with comments, mainly negative, over its decision. The other 34
countries that took a similar stand were not in the news because they were
expected to do precisely that.
That
helps explain why Thailand’s international decision matters a lot—something
that its own citizens, friends, and allies have taken for granted. Although its
abstention did not change the equation of the current conflict in Ukraine, it
has more to do with Thailand’s concern about the next chapter of the ongoing
conflict, impacting on economy and security for the rest of the world. In its
explanation of votes, it is clear that its positions and adherence to the UN
charter and international laws have not changed.
To
comprehend the rationale of this landmark decision, Thailand’s past diplomatic
practices must be part of the consideration as it has preserved the country’s
national sovereignty from Western colonialists, which annexed parts of Thai
territory. The decision was more than skin deep as it involved a combination of
factors and circumstances— immediate and long term as well as internal and
external aspects. At least 10 reasons could be identified.
- First of all, this is an
extraordinary year of Thailand as it is commemorating its 75th year of
ties with the United Nations. After the end of World War II, Thailand
joined the League of Nations, as the UN was formerly known. It was a
life-saving moment for the country, which was seeking international
shelter for its post-war debilitating position. Throughout the
seven-and-a-half decades, Thailand has been a faithful member of the UN
with an unwavering commitment to the UN charter. Its dedication to the UN
has never been in question.
- Throughout this year, Thailand
has successfully reconnected with its UN counterparts by actively taking
part in all UN-sponsored forums. In addition, the country also reaffirms
its confidence in the multilateral system which is at the center of the
global development agenda. Lest we forget, since 2016, Thailand has been
the coordinator for Asean and the UN on the sustainable development
agenda. Both organizations have synergies in their sustainable goals.
- Thailand’s desire to reshape the
global agenda is paramount and has been quite visible. As the chair of
APEC2022, the host has a grandiose plan to promote the new economic model
known as the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG), which is very much in line with the
UN sustainable development goals. Currently, senior officials concerned
are working on the substance of the Bangkok Goal on the BCG, which will
contain the future action plans and aspirations of APEC cooperation in
sustainable development.
- On March 2, Thailand voted to
condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine along with the majority of the UN
members. It was a clear choice. However, since then nearly 9-month have
elapsed without any progress for a peaceful dialogue. In addition, Bangkok
has been calling for humanitarian assistance to victims of the
Russia-Ukraine war. Thailand also stands ready to help with the peace
process if need be.
- By abstaining, Bangkok has
quickly become the talk of the global diplomatic circuit. Now its voices
are being heard that the mad-mad world of war in Europe is a no-win
situation. An off-ramp must be found that will bring a quick end to the
war. In its 75-year history at the UN, Thailand would abstain from voting
if the resolutions sounded “murky” otherwise the votes would always be
supportive ones.
- Thailand’s position is clear
regarding the current situation in Ukraine. The four-paragraph explanation
of the vote pointed out that the vote took place during “an extremely
volatile and emotionally charged atmosphere,” which “marginalizes the
chance for crisis diplomacy to bring about a peaceful and practical
negotiated resolution”.
Bangkok
also fears that the current conflict may push the world toward the brink of
nuclear war and global economic collapse.
- Thailand’s fear of nuclear
Armageddon is genuine. This month 60 years ago the Cuban crisis nearly
brought the world to the brink of such a calamity. With the US and Russian
leaders on the zero-sum brinksmanship game, it is important that the
international communities bring pressure to bear on them. During 2018-2019
before the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TNPNW), which
came into force in early 2021, Thailand played an active role in various
working groups to shape the substance of the treaty. The gist of TNPNW
forbids the deployment of nuclear weapons on national territory. Nuclear
powers have refused to sign the treaty. Bangkok was serious when it
mentioned the likelihood of nuclear war in Europe and that no country
would be able to escape the fallouts.
- During the 10-day period from
10-19 November, the whole world’s attention will be on this part of the
world. Three summits—Asean, G20, and APEC—are being held in Phnom Penh,
Bali, and Bangkok respectively. All key international players have in a
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to right the wrong and make peace. Some
leaders have chosen to attend and skip different summits, but the venues
remain unchanged. In the case of the APEC leaders’ meeting, Vice-President
Kamala Harris is coming. The most important point needed to be made is
that nobody boycotts the Bangkok meeting.
- In addition to the leaders of 22
economies in the Asia-Pacific, for the first time, French President
Emmanuelle Macron and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohamed bin
Salman are attending the APEC2022 as guests of the chair. Macron’s
participation is significant as he will bring a new Europe to Asia. His
vision of independent Europe will resonate well in the region. With the
ongoing energy crisis, the inaugural presence of Salman, the leader of one
of the world’s oil exporters, also sends a strong signal of the new
dynamic of APEC cooperation.
- Like it or not, Thailand is now a
neutral ground for all powers to engage in the search for peace. After
all, the APEC meeting is not about politics, it is about economic
development, improvement of human wellness, post-pandemic recovery, and
sustainable development. With the world’s greatest powers and economies
converging in Bangkok, if they so desire, on the sideline they can talk
about peace instead of increasing missile exchanges and more economic
sanctions which deepen energy and food crises. Bangkok Post
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