Tashkent: The opposition leader visited Uzbekistan to thank all parties for helping the five Thai workers after they were safely released and expressed concern about the situation between 'Israel and Palestine' and hoped to create peace together in the long term. Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party and leader of the opposition in the House of Representatives, was a representative of the Thai Parliament to attend the meeting of the Parliamentary Peace Committee on International Peace and Security in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The meeting had an important issue regarding the role of the Parliament in promoting a two-state solution in Palestine.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapong stated in a statement at the committee meeting that Thailand has always maintained good relations with both Israel and Palestine and has maintained a neutral position in the conflict. Thailand strongly supports the efforts of all relevant parties to push for a Two-State Solution, which aims for the State of Israel and the State of Palestine to coexist peacefully and securely under internationally recognized borders and in accordance with international humanitarian law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
However, the outbreak of new violence between Israel and Hamas has caused great concern to Thailand, especially as the situation has a direct impact on Thai workers in Israel who are caught in the middle of the conflict, leading to the tragic deaths of 39 Thai workers, the kidnapping of 32 others, and currently, one Thai worker is still detained.
Thailand would like to express its gratitude to all parties involved in the recent safe release of five Thai workers. Regarding the draft resolution proposed by the Standing Committee on International Peace and Security, Thailand believes that 'peaceful negotiations' are the key to resolving the dispute. Our immediate goal is to quickly de-escalate tensions and restore normalcy. At the same time, Thailand looks forward to the lasting peace, stability, and democracy in the region.
Thailand reiterates its position on protecting United Nations personnel, peacekeepers, and humanitarian workers from harm throughout their duties. However, the implementation of the draft resolution requires the role of parliament and the unified participation of the international community, but its effectiveness may be limited in the absence of a genuine democratic process.
Therefore, Thailand would like to emphasize the fundamental necessity of promoting true democracy to lay the foundation for post-conflict recovery, development, and long-term peace-building.