The government’s legal advisory body is of the opinion the prime minister can attend the General Assembly by citing an urgent need to address the international community on the border conflict with Cambodia, reports the Bangkok Post
A government leader cannot attend the UN gathering only to deliver a speech to UN members until the parliamentary process on the policy statement requirement is completed.
But legal interpretations of urgency could provide an opportunity to address the international organisation before the government can fully function, the council said, according to the sources.
Anutin will lead his new Cabinet to an oath-taking ceremony before His Majesty the King today (Sept 24). His government’s subsequent policy statement to parliament has not yet been scheduled, although he favours the period Sept 29 to Oct 1.
The prime minister said on Monday he had prepared for a trip to UN headquarters with the border conflict with Cambodia his main talking point. If he was unable to attend the UN meeting, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow would represent Thailand in his absence.
The annual UN high-level meeting started this year on Sept 9 and ends on Sept 29. No time or date has been set for Thailand to address the gathering.