ID :
147473
Tue, 10/26/2010 - 13:38
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/147473
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UN chief arrives Thailand for one-day working visit
BANGKOK, Oct 26 -- United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Thailand early Tuesday as a guest of the Thai government on his way to attend the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Vietnam.
Mr Ban made a working visit to Thailand, prior to attending the 3rd ASEAN-UN Summit on Friday in Hanoi, Vietnam.
This visit is arranged following an the invitation earlier extended by Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva when he met with Mr Ban while attending the official opening of the Exhibition to promote the Enhancing Lives of Female Inmates (ELFI) Project on October 6 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The Secretary-General’s visit to Thailand will provide a good opportunity for him to familiarise himself with the constructive role of Thailand in the region, as well as an opportunity for both parties to discuss issues of common interest including: Thai-UN cooperation, ASEAN-UN, the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the UN Partnership Framework and Thailand’s role as chair of the UN Human Rights Council.
Upon arrival, the UN chief will have a bilateral meeting with the prime minister at Government House, followed by a luncheon hosted by the premier. A joint press conference is scheduled to be held later.
Tuesday afternoon, the UN chief will meeting with the UN team at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) offices on Ratchadamnern Road, and deliver remarks on the occasion of UN Day, and will leave Thailand in the evening for Cambodia before proceeding to attend the 3rd ASEAN-UN Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The Secretary-General's working visit is part of a four nation-tour in Asia, visiting Thailand, Cambodia, Viet Nam and China.
Reinforced security measures have been prepared as Bangkok is still under a state of emergency.
Thai army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha on Monday said no political gatherings are allowed in the capital during Mr Ban's visit but representatives can instead present a letter to the UN chief.
He said police will be main force to provide security for Mr Ban and his visit venues, while the army will be on standby to help police if needed. Rapid response mobile units have been prepared to be deployed if any untoward incident occurs, but initially there are no reports of possible violence.
Police Bureau Division 1 Commander Pol Maj-Gen Wichai Sangprapai said four companies of police -- about 600 officers -- have been prepared to provide security at the UNESCAP building.
Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Panithan Wattanayakorn said that he was confident that the authorities could handle the security measures, ensuring safety for the UN chief until he leaves Bangkok at around 6pm.
Regarding the plan of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship 'Red Shirts' to present a complaint letter to Mr Ban on the death of the UDD demonstrators during the army operations in May, Gen Prayuth said they should consider whether it is appropriate to hand in such letter as this is internal affairs and the army had strictly followed the law.
Five representatives of the anti-government activist organisation, including Jatuporn Prompan, will submit the letter at 2pm.
At least 89 people died and nearly 1,900 were injured during two months of political unrest, during a number of confrontations between army personnel and Red Shirt protesters in April and May.
Representatives of Thai and international NGOs intend to present a letter to the UN secretary general on Thailand's treatment of migrant workers from Myanmar. (MCOT online news)
Mr Ban made a working visit to Thailand, prior to attending the 3rd ASEAN-UN Summit on Friday in Hanoi, Vietnam.
This visit is arranged following an the invitation earlier extended by Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva when he met with Mr Ban while attending the official opening of the Exhibition to promote the Enhancing Lives of Female Inmates (ELFI) Project on October 6 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The Secretary-General’s visit to Thailand will provide a good opportunity for him to familiarise himself with the constructive role of Thailand in the region, as well as an opportunity for both parties to discuss issues of common interest including: Thai-UN cooperation, ASEAN-UN, the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the UN Partnership Framework and Thailand’s role as chair of the UN Human Rights Council.
Upon arrival, the UN chief will have a bilateral meeting with the prime minister at Government House, followed by a luncheon hosted by the premier. A joint press conference is scheduled to be held later.
Tuesday afternoon, the UN chief will meeting with the UN team at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) offices on Ratchadamnern Road, and deliver remarks on the occasion of UN Day, and will leave Thailand in the evening for Cambodia before proceeding to attend the 3rd ASEAN-UN Summit in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The Secretary-General's working visit is part of a four nation-tour in Asia, visiting Thailand, Cambodia, Viet Nam and China.
Reinforced security measures have been prepared as Bangkok is still under a state of emergency.
Thai army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha on Monday said no political gatherings are allowed in the capital during Mr Ban's visit but representatives can instead present a letter to the UN chief.
He said police will be main force to provide security for Mr Ban and his visit venues, while the army will be on standby to help police if needed. Rapid response mobile units have been prepared to be deployed if any untoward incident occurs, but initially there are no reports of possible violence.
Police Bureau Division 1 Commander Pol Maj-Gen Wichai Sangprapai said four companies of police -- about 600 officers -- have been prepared to provide security at the UNESCAP building.
Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Panithan Wattanayakorn said that he was confident that the authorities could handle the security measures, ensuring safety for the UN chief until he leaves Bangkok at around 6pm.
Regarding the plan of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship 'Red Shirts' to present a complaint letter to Mr Ban on the death of the UDD demonstrators during the army operations in May, Gen Prayuth said they should consider whether it is appropriate to hand in such letter as this is internal affairs and the army had strictly followed the law.
Five representatives of the anti-government activist organisation, including Jatuporn Prompan, will submit the letter at 2pm.
At least 89 people died and nearly 1,900 were injured during two months of political unrest, during a number of confrontations between army personnel and Red Shirt protesters in April and May.
Representatives of Thai and international NGOs intend to present a letter to the UN secretary general on Thailand's treatment of migrant workers from Myanmar. (MCOT online news)
