Thai-Palestinian Relations Promoted
PRESS RELEASE: Thai-Palestinian Relations Promoted
Thai Foreign Ministry interacts with Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) Thailand delegation, outlines policy and support measures for Palestine
BANGKOK (Sept. 17, 2021) — Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) Thailand is set to work together with Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in organising activities, meetings and seminars to enhance social, cultural and economic relations between Thailand and Palestine.
That was a core outcome of a virtual meeting held on 13 September 2021 between Mr Darm Boontham, Director-General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, and a delegation from PSC Thailand, led by its President Mr Stuart Ward and Advisor Lt-Gen (Ret.) Dr. Somchai Virunhaphol.
In a briefing to the PSC Thailand delegation, Mr Darm stressed that Thailand is a long-standing supporter of the Palestinian people in their quest for freedom and basic rights, particularly their inalienable right to self-determination as well as their right to pursue sustainable development.
Thailand officially recognised the State of Palestine on 17 January 2012 and established diplomatic relations on 1 August 2012.
Since then, Thailand has undertaken capacity-building programs and technical cooperation through Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA)’s Annual International Training Courses (AITC) in public health, education, tourism, food security, climate change and sufficiency economy philosophy (SEP).
It has provided US$200,000 in support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) over the five-year period 2017-21 and pledged the same amount for 2022–26. In addition, it has provided US$238,000 in humanitarian support for Gaza, which is under an Israeli-imposed economic blockade.
Politically, Thailand supports the two-state solution to end the Israeli occupation and has consistently voted in favour of that along with the vast majority of the international community in United Nations forums.
During the discussions, Mr Darm also elaborated on other activities and policies, such as extending scholarship support for Palestinian students, the right to hold peaceful demonstrations, assistance to refugees, and the right of Thai people to visit Palestine.
After the meeting, PSC Thailand President Ward said, “This was a fruitful and productive meeting. We appreciate MFA’s quick and positive response to our request for a meeting to discuss ways by which we can complement our agendas.
“We welcome the MFA’s positive outreach and look forward to working jointly on activities to mark the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on 29 November, and the 10th anniversary of Thailand’s recognition of Palestine in January 2022.”
PSC Thailand comprises of a group of Thai and expatriate individuals working in their private capacities to support freedom, independence and statehood for the Palestinian people. The objective is to raise awareness amongst the Thai population and other residents of Thailand of the plight of the Palestinians under an illegal occupation and solicit support for them in their struggle for human rights and dignity.
