Women, Peace and Security conference attended by government official 

One of Thailand’s deputy government spokespersons has been in Kosovo for the Women, Peace, Security (WPS) Forum. At the welcome supper, local ladies from the Deep South of Thailand promoted Thai silk from Pattani to attract more awareness to the work from women from Thailand‘s Deep South.

Ratchada Thanadirek, a deputy spokesman for the Prime Minister, just returned from the Forum for Women, Peace, and Security in Kosovo. She was there in her official role as the government’s special envoy to the border areas of southern Thailand.

The WPS forum, the inaugural edition of which took place over the weekend, is an initiative of the government of Kosovo. Leaders, experts, members of civil society, and other opinion shapers all gather at this event to talk about how to keep the peace in an equitable way.

Ms. Ratchada, on behalf of the Thai government, stressed the importance of women’s involvement in the forum discussions and in the process of establishing lasting peace. She went on to explain how the government plans to implement the UN Security Council’s directive to promote women’s empowerment through improving the provinces along the southern border.

Developing the region of Southern Thailand requires collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the provision of vocational training and quality of life enhancement initiatives. This work is being done with the interest of lowering the level of violence and establishing a more stable peace.

Ms. Ratchada gave Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu a sari made of “Chuan Tani” silk at the welcome supper for forum participants. She spoke on how the distinctive designs on the silk are emblematic of Pattani culture. In order to encourage local occupational groups and merchandise manufacturing, the state has funded initiatives like the revival of Chuan Tani silk-making. The president of Kosovo was impressed with the piece, particularly by the intricate designs of the Chuan Tani silk.