Prime Minister speaks at UN, meets President Trump in New York

On behalf of the ten countries of Southeast Asia, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha called on developed nations to scale up assistance to fight climate change, during his speech to the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York last week.

“ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is highly vulnerable to impacts of climate change since most of our population lives along low-lying coasts and river plains. ASEAN is committed to being actively involved in global climate action at various levels,” Prayut said.

Thailand is the chair country of ASEAN this year. The Kingdom has used its leadership to support passage of several climate-related resolutions, including a commitment to reduce marine debris or waste from entering the oceans.

“We have less time to avoid potentially irreversible climate disruption. No one country can fight climate change alone. Partnership is vital,” the Prime Minister told the assembled world leaders.

Prayut also attended an exclusive party hosted by President Donald J. Trump of the United States. Bilateral relations between the U.S. and its oldest treaty ally in Asia have been growing increasingly warm.

The Prime Minister also used his speech at the General Assembly to recommit Thailand to sustainable development and tout the Kingdom’s healthcare system, which American magazine CEOWORLD recently ranked as the sixth-best in the world.

Members of Thai communities living in New York City and the U.S warmly welcomed the Prime Minister. Nearly 200 Thais met Prayut upon his arrival. He told them that the government is working to solve long-standing social problems, including income disparities and the difficulties faced by farmers.

Photo courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/ThaigovSpokesman/