Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has decided not to attend the UN General Assembly in New York on September 26, out of concern that he may not return in time for the presentation of his government’s policy statement to parliament next week.
The prime minister said today that there are different opinions about the status of his government, with one group noting that his government has not yet officially assumed the office, until he has delivered the policy statement, while the Council of State, the government’s legal advisory body, advises that he can attend the UNGA if it is an matter of urgent importance.
He said his absence from the UNGA does not mean that Thailand will lose its opportunity to defend itself and to tell the world of Thailand’s position vis-à-vis the border conflict with Cambodia.
Regarding the issue of confidence, Anutin explained that it depends on the government’s management and support from the people and the military.
“It does not depend on any forum,” he said, adding that internal problems should be decided by all sectors of Thai society.
He also said that the international community has been kept constantly informed by government agencies regarding the border conflict.
If there is any doubt about Thailand’s position on the border conflict among some foreign governments, the prime minister said the government can always issue clarifications.
Earlier, he said that if I can attend, it will be an opportunity to hold bilateral talks and engage with the international community.
