35. And last, climate change and disaster mitigation. Climate change affects the prosperity and sustainability of the region and the world. Drought and floods affect the agricultural sector and food security. In this regard, natural resources and the environment are global treasures and we should cooperate to conserve and protect them no matter what country we live in. In the case of mitigating the effect of natural disasters and public hazards, countries in the region should enhance cooperation, share technology and best practices in various areas, such as military medicine, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, military development and military engineers.
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
(VI) Thailand in Transition
36. The security of every country and the region is intertwined. Thailand's future is therefore connected with our stability, prosperity and to regional security. Thailand stands ready to be a partner and to play a constructive role in laying the foundations for sustainable regional security. At the same time, Thailand's stability will have an effect on ASEAN and regional stability. Therefore, I wish to share with you some experiences and viewpoints from the Thai perspective.
37. Thailand is in transition towards a strong and sustainable democracy. We are facing many complex challenges to our security. Thailand's national security has been affected by poverty, social disparities, the middle income trap, a fall in agricultural output as a result of drought, and falling commodity prices brought on by the global economic slump.
38. Thailand has also been experiencing unrest in the southern border provinces, which is an internal problem and not a conflict stemming from religious tensions or one with foreign involvement. We are addressing this problem through laws and the normal process of justice, as well as through developing and the fostering of understanding in all aspects.
39. In addition, Thailand is encountering many difficulties that have come with irregular migration and the need for foreign migrant workers who number in millions and this has led to many social problems, problems with human trafficking and IUU fishing, including crime and human rights violations, which Thailand is expediting the process of addressing these problems as soon as possible.
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