Bangkok reviews Trump’s Board of Peace as world remains cautious
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry is reviewing details of an invitation letter from US President Donald Trump regarding his proposed ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict’ and a US-led initiative to establish a ‘Board of Peace’, the ministry said on its website on Sunday.
It acknowledged receipt of the letter and said it is carefully studying the proposal. In principle, Bangkok said it welcomes initiatives that could contribute to lasting peace in the Middle East and support humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
It stressed, however, that any such initiative should reflect the aspirations of the Palestinian people and be supported by countries in the region.
Thailand reiterated its long-standing support for efforts by all parties concerned to achieve a two-state solution, under which Israel and Palestine would live side by side in peace and security, in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
According to Reuters, Thailand’s response comes as governments around the world react cautiously to Trump’s invitation to join the proposed ‘Board of Peace’, which he says would initially focus on Gaza before expanding to address other global conflicts. Diplomats said invitations have been sent to about 60 countries.
So far, Hungary has been the only country to give an unequivocal acceptance.
Other governments have been more guarded, with officials expressing concerns privately about the potential impact of the initiative on the role and authority of the United Nations.
Under a draft charter accompanying the invitation letter, the board would be chaired for life by Trump. Member states would serve three-year terms, unless they contribute $1 billion to secure permanent membership.
The White House has described this as a way to reward countries that demonstrate a “deep commitment to peace, security and prosperity.”
Some leaders have voiced tentative support. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her country was “ready to do our part,” while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he agrees to the concept in principle, though details were still under discussion.
Diplomats from several Western countries have warned that the proposed board could undermine the United Nations, which already has a Security Council-authorised mandate through 2027, focused on Gaza. Russia and China abstained from that resolution, citing concerns over the U.N.’s future role in the territory.
A spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said member states are free to associate in different groupings, but stressed that the United Nations would continue to carry out its mandated work.
Trump, who has long been a critic of multilateral institutions and has expressed a desire to win a Nobel Peace Prize, said the board would convene soon and described it as “unprecedented.”
The White House has named several figures whom they expect to sit on the board, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British prime minister Tony Blair and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.