SOCIETY 384

FOCUS
THAILAND
H.E. Vilawan Mangklatanakul
As Permanent Representative accredited to
the UN and other International Organizations in
Vienna, it is my determination to promote Thailand’s
unwavering commitment to multilateralism
and rules-based international order. In the past
decades, Thailand has been an active and constructive
player. Thailand is always open to work
with all countries in a non-politicized manner and
ready to bridge any gaps or differences within the
international community — all in the Vienna spirit
of compromise.
For example, within the UNODC, Thailand has
been the champion of the concept of Alternative
Development, which adopts socio-economic
development as a human-centred tool to discourage
people from engaging in illicit drug-related
activities. We have also been supportive of
the development and implementation of various
UN standards and norms on crime prevention and
criminal justice, most notably but not limited to
the UN Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners
and Non-custodial Measures for Women
Offenders or the “Bangkok Rules”. Additionally,
Thailand has actively promoted a fair and efficient
environment for investor-state relations. On
another note, we are taking a proactive approach
to support the establishment of the Advisory Centre
as part of the Investor State Dispute Settlement
framework of the United Nations Commission
on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).
Regarding the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA), Thailand has enjoyed a close-knitted
relationship with the agency, with a focus on
the promotion of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
One remarkable achievement this year was
the election of myself to serve as the President of
the 67th IAEA General Conference. It was a great
honor to be entrusted to this esteemed position
and being only the 6th woman to preside over the
Conference has made this distinction even more
meaningful. It was also a testament to the trust
and confidence placed in Thailand by the international
community.
Since August 2023, Thailand has a new government.
Are you expecting a shift in foreign policy?
Thailand’s foreign policies are always consistent
despite the changes of governments. The new
Government of Thailand has placed high importance
on the economic agenda and continues to
open Thailand to business. One of the top priorities
is to reinvigorate Thailand’s growth potential.
Several measures will be rolled out to address
the economic challenges which partly resulted
from the global economic slowdown. Measures
to boost tourism have been implemented including
streamlining the visa application process and
ensuring transportation links’ quality, efficiency,
and reliability.
I am pleased that Austrian companies are among
the top investors in Thailand. More than 200 of
them have chosen Thailand as their business location
in the Asia-Pacific. Thailand’s new Investment
Promotion Strategy (2023–2027) focuses on
high-tech, green and smart industries. The strategy
seeks to promote three core concepts, namely
innovation, technology, and creativity; competitiveness
and adaptability; and inclusiveness, taking
into account environmental and social sustainability.
This reflects our main economic and
development policy based on the Bio-Circular
and Green (BCG) Economic Model. Thailand
invites Austrian entrepreneurs to invest more in
these sectors as well as to do business trips and
match-makings to further explore business opportunities
in both Thailand and Austria.
53
Issue
N 384