Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul may attend this week’s UN General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York before delivering the government’s policy statement, citing the special circumstance of conflicts with Cambodia, said an informed source from the Council of State.
A source from the Council of State, the government’s top legal advisory body, indicated that exceptions are possible in cases of urgent and important matters and addressing the Thai-Cambodian border dispute before the international community could fall under this exception.
If the trip were only to deliver a general speech, it would not be considered appropriate though.
Thai law generally prohibits a prime minister from making official overseas trips before presenting the government’s policy statement to parliament.
Anutin said yesterday that he has consulted the House Speaker about scheduling delivery of the policy statement next Monday.
Reports indicate that Anutin is planning to attend the UNGA from Sept 25 to 27, returning to present the policy statement to parliament on time.
The UN session, at which world leaders present their visions, is scheduled for Sept 26.
He explained that, after the Cabinet is sworn in on Sept 24, he will immediately convene its first meeting to consult the Council of State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the legal status of his government’s participation in the UNGA.
“If I can attend, it will be an opportunity to hold bilateral talks and engage with the international community,” he said.
The prime minister stressed the importance of Thailand’s participation, saying the country must maintain its presence on the global stage.
Referring to Cambodia, Anutin said: “Some groups have filed complaints, accusing Thailand of violating international rules. In reality, it is Thailand that has been more violated. This is a good opportunity to explain to the world that the accusations are not true.”
He added that the foreign affairs minister has already been put on standby in case he is unable to attend the UNGA in person.
