Thailand's responses to Board of Peace

S President Donald Trump's invitation to Thailand to join the Board of Peace (BOP) has elicited three distinct responses.

- Kavi Chongkittavorn

US President Donald Trump holds a signed resolution on Jan 22 as he attends a charter announcement for his Board of Peace initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts in Davos, Switzerland.

(REUTERS)

The first two are succinct and clear in their rationale.The third, however, is more nuanced — and notable for its ambivalence.

Last week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) confirmed it had received Mr Trump's proposal to join the BOP, an initiative launched in September and linked to efforts to end the Gaza conflict and advance postwar stabilisation and development.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, Mr Trump signed the BOP charter alongside leaders from about two dozen countries. From the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son attended and became founding members.

The MFA said Thailand welcomed initiatives that support lasting peace in the Middle East and humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people, while reaffirming its support for a two-state solution in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. It added that Thailand is currently studying the details of the invitation.

Among Thai officials, security circles, economists and the private sector, there is strong sentiment that the invitation presents an opportunity for Thailand to showcase its international standing and contribute to development in the Middle East.