Sihasak to address online scam at UNHCR
Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow will travel to Geneva next week to attend a high-level meeting of the United Nations' top human rights body, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council meeting, from February 23 to 25, Deputy Spokesperson Panidone Pachimsawat said that the minister is expected to highlight the growing human rights impact of transnational online scam networks and outline Thailand’s recent actions to combat them.
In his address, the minister is expected to underscore the human rights dimensions of online scam operations, including financial exploitation, forced labor, deprivation of liberty, psychological abuse, and broader violations of human dignity.
Panidone also added that such crimes have wide economic and social consequences affecting multiple regions, particularly Southeast Asia.
Sihasak is also expected to highlight Thailand’s role as host of an international conference on global cooperation against online scams, organized in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in December.
The meeting aimed to strengthen cross-border coordination and victim protection efforts amid the rapid spread of cyber-enabled fraud networks.
Thailand currently serves as a member of the UNHRC for the 2025-2027 term. During the session, Sihasak is expected to present updates on the country’s progress in promoting and protecting human rights under that mandate.
On the sidelines of his visit, he plans to meet senior UN officials, including the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to discuss expanding cooperation between Thailand and the UN across humanitarian, legal, and development areas.
The talks are also expected to cover regional developments, with particular attention to the situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border, according to the ministry.
The deputy spokesperson said the meetings will provide an opportunity to clarify Bangkok’s actions in the border context, emphasizing that they are grounded in international law, human rights principles, and international humanitarian law, and consistent with a joint bilateral statement signed by Thailand and Cambodia on December 27, 2025.
Separately, Sihasak is scheduled to attend a reception hosted by the Republic of Zambia in its role as president of the 23rd Meeting of States Parties to the Ottawa Convention.
The deputy spokesperson said the event will allow Thailand to reaffirm its commitment to the treaty and call for accountability for any violations by member states.
Before arriving in Geneva, the minister will stop in Paris for discussions with the head of UNESCO, focusing on cooperation in education, science, and culture.
The trip comes as Thailand seeks to elevate its international engagement on human rights, cybercrime prevention, and regional stability while reinforcing its diplomatic role within the UN system.