The event, scheduled for 28 October – 2 November 2012, takes place at the
Bangkok Convention Center, CentralWorld, in Bangkok, with 200 participants from
70 countries. The theme of the conference is “Transnational Organized Crime.”
In her remarks, Prime Minister Yingluck stressed the importance of the rule
of law, saying that it is the foundation of domestic legal order that helps
support social stability. It is fundamental to democracy since it ensures that
the rights and liberties of all individuals are protected. On the international
front, the rule of law is vital to peaceful relations between all nations.
As for Thailand, she said, building a stable democracy is important for
national reconciliation to happen, which would make it possible to build a
better quality of life through sustainable economic growth and development.
Without a transparent and effective rule of law, the process will be disrupted.
But for the rule of law to be effective, the Prime Minister pointed out
that it must be based on a number of factors. One of the most important is
equality before the law and equal treatment under the law. People must truly
feel that they are being treated equally and fairly. This is why strengthening
the rule of law is an important priority of the present Thai government. It has
been applied to many important issues, from political conflicts to violence in
the southern border provinces.
Prime Minister Yingluck also explained that the rule of law can lead to
business growth. Effective enforcement of legal contracts, which promotes
transparency and creates a level playing field for all, is essential to the
growth in business and investment. Without legal certainty, there is a higher
risk for investments. She said that her government would work under this
principle and apply it to its plan to invest 74 billion US dollars in major
infrastructure and logistics projects, in which international firms have been
invited to participate.
Regarding the importance of international legal cooperation, the Prime
Minister stated that because the world is becoming more and more connected, all
countries need to work together to promote international legal cooperation to
help them face challenges that arise from globalization.
For example, as Thailand is actively promoting connectivity within ASEAN
and beyond, some individuals or groups may try to take advantage of this by
engaging in transnational crime. Human trafficking, drug trafficking, and money
laundering may increase, if there is no strong legal cooperation to manage
these issues. In order to address the challenges it faces, Thailand pursues
bilateral legal cooperation and assistance with many countries. It is working
toward endorsing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized
Crimes. As Thailand moves toward an ASEAN Community by 2015, it is important
that the country further strengthen legal cooperation with other countries.
This may include information-sharing, in order to prosecute criminals across
national boundaries, as well as exchanges of best practices.
Prime Minister Yingluck also touched on the critical role of public
prosecutors, who are required to provide unbiased judgments that protect people
from criminals, provide compensation to victims of crimes, and, most
importantly, guarantee the rights and freedoms of people. In other words,
public prosecutors are central to promoting the rule of law, providing
effective legal enforcement, and promoting of social order, while respecting the
rights of the people. Their actions help enforce the law and ensure respect for
the rule of law.
(thailand.prd.go.th)
