Thailand’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Eksiri Pintaruchi, engaged in crucial discussions with the World Food Programme (WFP) Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Carl Skau, on September 16th, 2025, signaling a strategically calibrated response to the increasingly precarious landscape of global humanitarian assistance. This engagement, occurring amidst documented reductions in funding for international aid organizations, highlights a growing need for adaptable diplomatic strategies and sustained commitment to addressing complex crises. The context of this interaction is underscored by a demonstrable trend: a shrinking pool of resources dedicated to disaster relief and protracted conflicts, forcing aid agencies to prioritize and often dramatically reduce their operational scope.
The core of the discussion centered on the WFP’s continued efforts in delivering food assistance to populations impacted by conflict – particularly in regions such as Syria, Yemen, and ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe – as well as the organization’s logistical support for aid delivery. Skau emphasized the escalating difficulties WFP faces securing long-term funding and operational access, stating, “The sheer volume of need coupled with a fractured donor landscape presents an unprecedented challenge. Our ability to respond effectively depends heavily on sustained partnerships like the one we’re cultivating with Thailand.” Data released by the International Council on Humanitarian Affairs (ICHA) indicates that global humanitarian funding experienced a 17% decrease in 2024, largely attributed to economic instability and geopolitical uncertainty. This decline disproportionately affects protracted crises, where long-term solutions require consistent, substantial investment.
Thailand’s commitment is framed within a broader diplomatic objective. The Thai government’s strategic focus has increasingly centered on proactively engaging in regional security architecture and supporting multilateral efforts to stabilize conflict zones. Following Thailand’s pledge at the 2nd Global Refugee Forum (GRF) in Geneva in 2023, the government announced a commitment to providing targeted assistance to vulnerable populations. This commitment materialized in a concrete contribution of 700,000 Baht to WFP, specifically earmarked to support food security initiatives for the Rohingya population in Bangladesh. The Rohingya refugee situation, stemming from violence in Myanmar and subsequent displacement, remains a particularly sensitive and complex humanitarian challenge, requiring delicate diplomatic navigation. According to UNHCR figures, over 1.3 million Rohingya refugees are currently hosted in Bangladesh and neighboring countries.
The timing of this meeting is particularly significant. Recent developments point to a heightened risk of further instability in several regions. The ongoing conflict in the Sahel region of Africa, exacerbated by climate change and extremist groups, continues to generate a massive refugee flow, straining resources in countries like Chad and Niger. Simultaneously, persistent shortages of critical supplies, especially fuel and medical equipment, are hindering relief efforts in areas affected by the devastating floods in Southern Asia. Furthermore, the escalating diplomatic tensions surrounding the Black Sea and the resultant disruptions to grain exports have added another layer of complexity to the global humanitarian ecosystem. A report by the Peterson Institute for International Economics estimates that the disruption to grain trade alone has cost the global economy an additional $200 billion in 2024.
Looking ahead, Thailand’s engagement with the WFP appears to represent a measured and strategic approach to a rapidly changing global landscape. Short-term (next 6 months) outcomes are likely to involve continued, albeit potentially reduced, financial contributions to WFP’s core operations. The Thai government will likely focus on strengthening its logistical capabilities to facilitate aid delivery and explore opportunities to collaborate with other regional actors on humanitarian initiatives. Longer-term (5-10 years) outcomes depend on Thailand’s ability to maintain its diplomatic influence, adapt to shifting geopolitical priorities, and secure access to resources amidst ongoing global instability. The success of this pivot will hinge on Thailand’s capacity to demonstrate leadership within regional frameworks and contribute meaningfully to resolving some of the world’s most intractable humanitarian crises. The key indicator will be Thailand’s ability to consistently secure funding for impactful projects, showcasing a sustained commitment to global stability in an era defined by diminishing resources and escalating needs.