Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said yesterday (Jan 23) that the government has received the “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict” and the proposal for a Board of Peace sent by US President Donald Trump.
He said the government has acknowledged the intention behind the proposal and replied that, as a caretaker administration, it cannot bind a future government to any commitments, reports the Bangkok Post.
“At present, we are a caretaker government and cannot commit the next administration, but the matter will be forwarded for consideration in Thailand’s best interests,” he said.
Anutin said that joining a peace board could bring several benefits, including contributing to peacebuilding, promoting stability, and strengthening international networks.
However, he said participation would involve significant financial costs, which would have to be carefully weighed by the next government.
If the investment leads to broad benefits and helps promote peace without serving the interests of any single country, it is worth considering, he said, stressing that for now his role is limited to passing the proposal on.
According to Reuters, Trump, who will chair the board, invited dozens of world leaders to join, saying he wanted it to address challenges beyond the fragile Gaza ceasefire.
Trump said permanent members would be required to contribute US$1 billion (about B31bn) each.
“This Board has the chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created, and it’s my enormous honour to serve as its chairman,” Trump said in a press statement on Thursday.
“Today, the first steps towards a brighter day for the Middle East and a much safer future for the world are unfolding right before your very eyes.
“Together, we are in a position to have any credible chance… to end decades of suffering, stop generations of hatred and bloodshed, and forge a beautiful, everlasting, and glorious peace for that region.”
Anutin dismissed questions about why the invitation was sent at this time, saying the letter was not addressed to Thailand alone and was unrelated to any specific dispute involving the country.
He said the same invitation was forwarded to more than 60 countries, some of which accepted, others were still considering it, and some declined. Thailand, he said, will need more time before making any decision. He said any decision would depend on the broader situation.