Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs attends the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly during the Prime Minister’s delivery[...]

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs attends the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly during the Prime Minister's delivery of Thailand's national statement

On 24 September 2026, H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly as the Prime Minister delivered Thailand's national statement at the General Assembly Hall, United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The Prime Minister welcomed the opportunity to address the United Nations General Assembly's General Debate for the first time since assuming office, which coincided with the 80th anniversary of Thailand's membership in the United Nations. He underscored the importance of restoring confidence in the multilateral system and the United Nations, against the backdrop of a changing international order and growing challenges to international rules. He emphasized the necessity of respecting international law and the rule of law, as well as the role of sustainable development as a foundation for peace-building. Thailand supports UN reform to align with this changing global context, including the reform of the UN Security Council to allow developing countries and the Global South a greater role in decision-making.

The Prime Minister also reflected on Thailand's long-standing role, from the past to the present, in providing humanitarian assistance to neighboring countries. He referred to Thailand's policy of allowing displaced persons from Myanmar to work outside of temporary shelters, as well as the adoption of a community-based alternative to immigration detention for Rohingya children to better protect their rights and access to services. On the border situation with Cambodia, the Prime Minister called for genuine efforts from Cambodia to build peace. He also highlighted Thailand's progress in advancing Universal Health Coverage, which ensures access to affordable and quality healthcare, and the implementation of the solar rooftop policy to drive Thailand's energy transition and fulfill climate commitments as well as the government's policy of promoting food security.

Moreover, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand's readiness to strengthen the United Nations by fostering regional multilateralism, particularly through ASEAN, which plays a pivotal role in promoting peace and prosperity in the region.