International conglomerates are expressing strong interest in investing in Thailand, which expects a $5 billion surge in investments, said Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin in interview on 25 September upon his return to Thailand from the United Nations General Assembly.

<div>Thailand’s credibility as a potential member of the United Nations Human Rights Council depends on the government’s addressing urgent human rights concerns at home, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, on October 18, 2014.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Thailand is a candidate, along with Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and Qatar, for the four vacant Human Rights Council seats allocated for the Asia-Pacific region. </div>