BANGKOK, Oct 23 — Thailand will maintain its constructive role in the United Nations although it was not elected to a United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) seat, according to Sek Wannamethee, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Thailand lost its contest for a UNHRC seat for the 2015-2017 term at the 69th General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.
Thailand received only 136 votes, but the seats available for Asia go to India with 162 votes, Indonesia 152 votes, Bangladesh 149 votes and Qatar 142 votes.
Mr Sek said that the loss would have no impact on Thailand’s foreign affairs policies.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman also said that Thailand received two-thirds of member countries votes, which proved its national credibility.
The outcome of the vote would not affect Thailand’s contesting the 2017-2018 term to elect a non-permanent member of the UNHRC, he said.
Mr Sek said he hoped member countries did not base their voting decisions on political situations in Thailand.
He said that Thailand had been a member of the UNHRC and played its roles then well and constructively and that Sihasak Phuangketkeow, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously been elected UNHRC president.
He said Thailand was committed to promoting and protecting human rights.
