Published on December 29, 2005

International support for Thai candidate is overwhelming: Laxanachantorn. The Thai Ambassador to the United Nations Khunying Laxana-chantorn Laohaphan said yesterday that Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai’s bid to become the next secretary-general of the

world body was going strong and support from the international community had been “overwhelming”.

Speaking at a press conference, amid allegations that a Thai government official had tried to “bribe” Sri Lanka to pull its candidate from the race in return for a top UN post, Laxanachantorn said she had been “surprised” at the level of support from diplomats around the world.

The Foreign Ministry dis-missed the suggestions by former Thai ambassador to the UN Asda Jayanama and recently retired Thai ambassador to Washington, Kasit Piromya that Surakiart withdraw from the race.

They suggested he pull out before it became a political em-barrassment and cost too much.

Kasit also said Washington appeared indifferent to the Thai candidate.

Surakiart dismissed the suggestions of the two top diplomats as being part of a smear campaign.

“I was surprised to hear the suggestion, because we would never do that,” said Laxanachantorn, in reference to pulling out.

Laxanachantorn yesterday told reporters that “so many diplomats from different countries have come to tell me we have a good candidate”.

“Many asked if they could be of help. It made me proud that a Thai candidate received such wide support, and I feel it’s worth pursuing the campaign,” she said.

Despite government claims of overwhelming support from the international community, Laxanachantorn said the final decision would remain in the hands of the five permanent UN Security Council members – the US, UK, France, Russia and China.

She said there were good signs from China, Russia and France, adding that the fact Surakiart spoke French had certainly helped on that front.

In addition to the recommendation to withdraw from Kasit, which was leaked to the media last week, and the damaging criticism from Asda, another set back for Surakiart came from Washington.

US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton said that the next UN secretary-general need not be an Asian, but simply be well qualified for the job.

Laxanachantorn said the comment stems from the general position of the US, which does not acknowledge the rotation

system. But she said such comments did not reflect American opinion about the Thai candidacy, nor ruled Surakiart out of contention.

Sopaporn Saeung

The Nation

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