United Nations
- Thailand News
Thailand to celebrate marriage equality at UN event in Bangkok
The Thai Interior Ministry will hold an event at the United Nations Convention Centre in Bangkok next Monday, January 13, to celebrate the forthcoming implementation of the Marriage Equality Act on January 23. This will mark a significant milestone as Thailand prepares to enact this legislation for the first time. According to Traisulee Taisaranakul, spokesperson for the ministry, the event…
- Thailand News
UN urges Thailand to decriminalise sex work for healthcare access
The United Nations (UN) has recommended that Thailand should decriminalise sex work to ensure equal access to healthcare services and integrate victim support. This announcement was made during a press conference at the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, where the Working Group on Discrimination Against Women and Girls discussed the state of women’s and girls’ rights in Thailand. This marks the UN’s…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s birth rate drops 81% over 74 years, surpasses Japan
Thailand is now ranked among the top three countries globally experiencing the most significant decline in birth rates, with an 81% drop over the past 74 years. This dramatic decrease has seen Thailand surpass Japan in this regard, highlighting a widespread global issue of shrinking populations. Various factors such as economic conditions, environmental pollution, and living conditions are making people…
- Thailand News
UN unveils toolkit to improve chemsex healthcare access
UN agencies have unveiled a novel toolkit aimed at enhancing healthcare access for those engaging in chemical sex, or chemsex, while minimising stigma. This initiative was launched during a two-day symposium in Bangkok, underscoring a commitment to improving health services for individuals involved in chemsex, a practice involving drug use to intensify or extend sexual experiences. The Joint United Nations…
- Thailand News
Thailand sows seeds of change at World Food Security meeting
Thailand’s commitment to advancing global food security took centre stage as officials participated in the 52nd Committee on World Food Security meeting in Rome, highlighting efforts to enhance agricultural policy and women’s roles. Discussions focused on food security and nutrition, aiming to address global hunger challenges. The meeting, held at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) headquarters, saw participation from…
- Thailand News
Thailand triumphs in UN Human Rights council bid
Thailand emerged victorious in its bid to join the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) with an impressive 177 votes—the highest of all candidates—securing a coveted three-year term to champion human rights across the globe. The decision was revealed yesterday, October 9, following a secret ballot by the UN. In a closely watched contest, Cyprus and Qatar each received 167…
- Thailand News
Thai’s on the prize: Thailand pushes to join BRICS, OECD at UNGA
Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maris Sangiampongsa underscored the nation’s ambition to join BRICS and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) during the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Maris delivered a compelling statement during the 79th Session of UNGA, which took place from September 24 until yesterday. He highlighted the Thai government’s dedication to people-centred…
- Thailand News
Thailand removes CRC reservation on refugee children’s rights
Thailand has taken a monumental step to protect refugee children by fully embracing a crucial international convention. The country’s final reservation to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has officially been withdrawn, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding children’s rights. H.E. Cherdchai Chaivaivid, Thailand’s Ambassador to the United Nations in New York, formally deposited the Instrument of Withdrawal…
- Thailand News
Thai leaders dodge meeting with UN human rights commissioner
Thailand’s leaders, including the prime minister and foreign minister, sidestepped a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, during his Bangkok visit on June 5 and 6. Instead of rolling out the red carpet, Thailand’s leaders turned a blind eye, reducing Türk’s visit to a mere stopover, unlike his official engagements in Malaysia where he…
- Thailand News
UN report unveils Asia’s climate catastrophe
Asia, the world’s disaster epicentre, has been hit by an onslaught of climate chaos, reveals a damning United Nations report. Floods and storms reign supreme, leaving devastation in their wake, as the region grapples with scorching temperatures and melting glaciers. In a world heating to unprecedented levels, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) declares Asia as the frontline of the climate…
- Thailand News
Thailand celebrates UN’s International Day of Happiness
Thailand is basking in the glow of happiness as it marks the International Day of Happiness, a celebration initiated by the United Nations on March 20 (today). This year, the nation has every reason to rejoice as it ascends two places in the global happiness index, landing at an impressive 58th spot, though trailing behind regional counterparts like Singapore, the…
- Thailand News
UN official urges stronger action for sustainable development goals
The Chief of Outreach & Engagement at the UN Global Compact highlighted a pressing need for stronger collective action from all stakeholders to reach the United Nation’s sustainable development goals by 2030. During a media interaction in Thailand, Sue Allchurch expressed concerns about the sluggish progress towards these goals, despite global recognition of their importance. Allchurch outlined various obstacles that…
- Thailand News
UN urges Thailand to bolster multi-sector approach to child rights protection
Thailand has been urged to broaden its efforts in child rights protection, with the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Najat Maalla M’jid, calling for a more comprehensive, multi-ministerial approach. Maalla M’jid emphasised that safeguarding children should not be the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security but rather a shared…
- Thailand News
Rise in intentional female murder reveals home is not safe, says UN report
A recent United Nations (UN) study has unmasked a staggering surge in female murders, reaching a grim milestone with almost 89,000 women and girls worldwide meeting tragic ends last year. This unsettling figure marks the highest annual toll in two decades, sending shockwaves through global communities. The alarming findings, disclosed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)…
- Thailand News
Thai Foreign Minister donates 3 million baht to UN for Palestine refugees
In a compassionate gesture, Panpri Phahitthanukon, Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, acted as a representative of his nation on November 3, in donating 3 million baht (US$84,451) to the United Nations (UN) to provide aid to Palestine refugees. This generous contribution is aimed at offering support during a tumultuous time in the Gaza Strip and expresses Thailand’s condolences for those…
- Thailand News
Princess Maha’s urgent call for improved water management in Asia-Pacific
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, FAO Special Goodwill Ambassador for the Asia-Pacific, has stressed the urgency of combating water scarcity and improving water management systems throughout the region. The Princess voiced her concerns during the Asia-Pacific World Food Day Observances at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Asia-Pacific headquarters in Bangkok. Her Majesty pointed out that approximately 2.5 billion…
- Thailand News
Thailand No.1 in ASEAN according to UN’s 2023 Sustainable Development ranking
Thailand‘s recent economic, social, and green development has been reflected in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Report for 2023. In a statement relayed by Trisulee Trisoranakul, the Deputy Government spokesperson, it is reported that Thailand’s Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense, Prayut Chan-o-cha, is pleased. Thailand has now improved its standing to the 43rd position among 166 countries from…
- World News
UN alarmed by Hong Kong detentions on Tiananmen Square anniversary
The United Nations expressed alarm over detentions in Hong Kong connected to the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown. Meanwhile, China stated that the financial hub was progressing from “chaos” to prosperity. Hong Kong police detained 23 individuals yesterday for “breaching public peace” and arrested a 53 year old woman for “obstructing police officers” on the anniversary of the…
- Business News
Asia-Pacific countries need US$362 billion annually for climate action, says UN
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) highlighted the urgent need for significant funding to support climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP’s Accelerating Climate Action in Asia and the Pacific report reveals that most countries in the area are inadequately prepared for extreme weather events and natural disasters, which…
- World News
Fighting intensifies in Khartoum as Sudanese struggle with shortages
The Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and the city of El Obeid, located 350 kilometres southwest, are witnessing ongoing violent clashes, forcing many locals to flee their homes and face dangerous journeys across the country’s borders. For those unable to leave, food and essential supply shortages have become a pressing problem, with people relying on local charity networks and neighbours for survival.…
- World News
Ukraine’s ambassador commends effectiveness of UN in condemning Russia
The United Nations (UN) may have its flaws, but it has been effective in condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to Ukrainian Ambassador to the UN, Sergiy Kyslytsya. He acknowledged the imperfections of the UN but argued that there may be no other country in the world where citizens pay such close attention to UN General Assembly or Security Council…
- World News
Vigilante justice in Haiti: More than a dozen alleged gang members stoned, burned alive by angry mob
More than a dozen alleged gang members were brutally stoned and burned alive by residents in Port-au-Prince, Haiti yesterday. This horrifying act comes as the United Nations warns that the levels of insecurity currently plaguing the country’s capital are comparable to those in nations experiencing war. In an incident that has incensed many and underlined the desperate situation in Haiti,…
- Environment News
UN calls for urgent action on global water resources
A harsh new warning has been issued by the United Nations about the urgency to protect the Earth’s water resources. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for immediate action to safeguard water resources and prevent conflicts. Speaking at a three-day UN conference, Guterres warned that the world is not on track to meet its 2030 water goals, including access to…
- Environment News
New climate change report says world has slim window
A United Nations panel of top scientists warned that the world now has just a slim chance to prevent the worst of climate change’s future harms. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says humanity must act fast and cut carbon pollution by almost two-thirds by 2035. The Paris climate agreement calls for nations to agree now on a climate action…
- Hot News
Despite population being unknown, India is set to become most populous country in world
Despite its population being unknown, India is slated to become the most populous country in the world in two months. According to the United Nations (UN), India may surpass China in population on April 14 when it reaches 1,425,775,850. But, as the latest census data hasn’t been released, it is hard to tell if the UN’s prediction will be correct.…
- Politics News
Israeli troops kill 9 Palestinians in a West bank military operation
Palestinian officials reported today that nine Palestinians, including an elderly woman, were killed in a raid by the Israeli military in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian health minister stated that the situation in Jenin was dire, with numerous injuries and ambulances unable to access the affected area. Additionally, the children’s ward of a local hospital was hit with Israeli…
- Health
The WHO rename monkeypox to avoid racist stereotypes
In a bid to avoid racism and stigmatisation, the World Health Organization (WHO) is renaming monkeypox, mpox. The WHO will use mpox as a synonym for monkeypox. Both names will be used simultaneously for one year while monkeypox is phased out altogether. The move comes after the United Nations voiced concerns over the way the virus was being reported by…
- World News
Baby #8 billion: Manila marks world population milestone
Calling someone “one in a million” just doesn’t have the same strength that it used to. The world population has now hit eight billion people. And who is the lucky eight billionth person? It’s hard to say exactly, but a newborn baby girl in Manila has been chosen as the eight billionth global citizen for this new population milestone. Vinice…
- World News
UN Ambassador Princess Sirindhorn advocates food and equality
Acting as a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Special Goodwill Ambassador, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn called for a focus on food and equality in the Asia-Pacific region. She made remarks to commemorate World Food Day yesterday in a speech. She delivered the address via video as covered by the Bangkok Post and urged the Asia-Pacific region to…
- Crime News
UN expert says Russian army uses sexual violence as a tactic
A recent interview with a UN specialist asserts that, in the battle of the invasion of Ukraine, Russian forces are using sexual violence against women as a strategy. UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Pramila Patten called violence such as rape a tactic of war in the Russian army’s playbook. War is brutal, and soldiers from countries worldwide…