PM promotes Thailand as a global bridge on UN’s 81st anniversary

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul promoted Thailand as a “bridge” for international cooperation in a United Nations Day address on Saturday, 24 October 2026, reaffirming support for international law and peaceful dispute resolution.

Ekkapop Pianpises, spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, outlined the address at 7.30am Bangkok time on 24 October. Anutin’s message was broadcast on Radio Thailand.

Thailand reaffirms sovereignty and peaceful dispute settlement

Anutin reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to respecting the sovereignty and equality of all countries, resolving disputes peacefully and upholding international law. Cooperation and rules accepted by all parties were essential foundations for peace and sustainable development, he said.

Anutin said the government had restated Thailand’s support for international law and peaceful dispute settlement at the recent 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, while working to strengthen regional and global cooperation.

Bangkok meetings illustrate Thailand’s role

Anutin cited Thailand’s hosting of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Bangkok in mid-October as a practical example of international cooperation. The meetings of the institutions’ boards of governors provided a forum to discuss the direction and future of the global economy.

Anutin said the Bangkok meetings demonstrated Thailand’s readiness to build understanding and expand cooperation through the United Nations, bilateral relations and multilateral forums at every level.

Geopolitics and technology test the international order

Anutin identified geopolitical conflicts, climate change and advances in technology and artificial intelligence as challenges testing the strength of the international order.

Recalling the organisation’s origins, Anutin said the United Nations was established after the Second World War to preserve peace, prevent another major war and encourage countries to resolve conflicts peacefully. The UN Charter entered into force on 24 October 1945, making this year the organisation’s 81st anniversary.

Anutin noted that international cooperation had since produced shared rules on human rights, the rights of children and women, labour rights and the law of the sea, alongside cooperation on the environment, education, culture and sustainable development.

International rules did not ensure that every country agreed, Anutin said, but they provided a basis for coexistence and forums for negotiation and consultation to resolve common problems.

Anutin concluded by reaffirming Thailand’s commitment to working actively and constructively with the international community to uphold the United Nations’ founding aims, preserve peace, promote cooperation and sustainable development, and improve quality of life and well-being for all.