Thailand needs a more proactive foreign policy

[webfact]

 

The Ukraine-Russia conflict, China-Taiwan tensions or even the situation in Myanmar may seem far away and irrelevant to us in Thailand. Most Thais wouldn’t imagine that Thailand foreign policy has an effect on our lives, to certain extent, or that quiet Thai diplomacy on those issues matters. Some may wonder why we should care about Thai foreign policy.

 

To find the answer, Thai PBS World, working with Asia News Network, hosted a forum, called ‘Thai Foreign Policy, Regional Politics and the Media’ at the Sukosol Hotel Bangkok on November 24th. The topic for the first session focused on Thai foreign policy challenges in 2023 and beyond. The participants were Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, a former Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, the Security Advisor to the Thai Government, Dr. Panitan Wattanayagorn, and Director of the Centre for International Trade Studies at the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Aat Pisanwanich. The session was moderated by Senior Director for News, Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS) Thepchai Yong.

 

Lost pivotal role in ASEAN

 

Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed his view of Thailand’s foreign policy which, he said, is still based on the same assumptions, which focus on continuity and are rather conservative. Our international policy must take into account the interests of the nation, whether it be security or economics. It pays special attention, however, to immediate benefits. This passive approach attempts to avoid any impact, thus our expression needs to be extra cautious, he said.

 

As far as ASEAN is concerned, Sihasak said, Thailand was a leader in this region, but now we have lost that prestigious position. The countries that outperformed Thailand on the international stage are Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam. Obviously, Thailand is fourth.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thailand-needs-a-more-proactive-foreign-policy/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-11-29

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

[Will B Good]

4 minutes ago, webfact said:

Thai PBS World, working with Asia News Network, hosted a forum, called ‘Thai Foreign Policy..........is there one?

 

[worgeordie]

Proactive...... after the horse has bolted.

regards Worgeordie

[spidermike007]

I was not aware that Thailand had any foreign policy, other than obey China, don't criticize them, nor Russia, nor Burma. In other words, tolerate madmen and never step on their feet. Is that foreign policy, or just extreme fealty and submission? 

[trainman34014]

They are insular by nature and have this incredible belief they are 'Superior' to Foreigners; a very misplaced belief.    Also; owing to their idiotic refusal to learn and use English as a Business tool they are left out in the cold by many Foreign Countries and Companies.  They also cannot stand Academic or price competition; virtually everything based on Corruption.

 

In a few years they will be bottom of every Table in Asia; it's coming, just a matter of time.

[GreasyFingers]

Thai foregone policy is to keep your eyes open, listen with your ears and keep your mouth shut. Very sensible.

Pity this does not apply to so many other countries that like to stick their bib in everywhere.

[Burma Bill]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Obviously, Thailand is fourth.

Beaten yet again!! First rice, then English language and now on the International Stage - 5555555!!

[BangkokReady]

38 minutes ago, GreasyFingers said:

Thai foregone policy is to keep your eyes open, listen with your ears and keep your mouth shut.

Not quite.  They've shown clear support for Russia and China.  This might seem like it doesn't matter, but it will have some consequences.  If Thailand cannot condemn countries that do evil things, and even supports them, that is the reputation it will have.

 

38 minutes ago, GreasyFingers said:

Very sensible.

Not really.  In the short term, for things like military deals and tourism, it might be beneficial.  But long-term, it is only going to slow Thailand's progress in terms of having a positive global presence and finding cooperation from liberal states.  It's quite negative for the average citizen also.

[GreasyFingers]

13 minutes ago, BangkokReady said:

Not quite.  They've shown clear support for Russia and China.  This might seem like it doesn't matter, but it will have some consequences.  If Thailand cannot condemn countries that do evil things, and even supports them, that is the reputation it will have.

 

Not really.  In the short term, for things like military deals and tourism, it might be beneficial.  But long-term, it is only going to slow Thailand's progress in terms of having a positive global presence and finding cooperation from liberal states.  It's quite negative for the average citizen also.

Your american view.

[BangkokReady]

11 minutes ago, GreasyFingers said:

Your american view.

Do you think it is untrue?

[Hummin]

3 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

I was not aware that Thailand had any foreign policy, other than obey China, don't criticize them, nor Russia, nor Burma. In other words, tolerate madmen and never step on their feet. Is that foreign policy, or just extreme fealty and submission? 

They are even friends with Usa, and fly Gripen fighter jet planes, soon to have subs from China with or withtout engines, and at same time hope to Natos newest fighter jet planes to. 
 

I believe Trump managed to sell more coal to Thailand as well. 
 

Thailand prepare for tomorow. 

[GreasyFingers]

1 hour ago, BangkokReady said:

Do you think it is untrue?

For an American, no. For the rest of the thinking world, yes.

[BangkokReady]

42 minutes ago, GreasyFingers said:

For an American, no. For the rest of the thinking world, yes.

Do you think America is the only country that dislikes the behaviour of Russia and China and will think badly of Thailand for supporting them?

[Onerak]

4 hours ago, trainman34014 said:

In a few years they will be bottom of every Table in Asia; it's coming, just a matter of time.

As long as their brothels fronting as bars keep running and foreigners line up to find their brides to live on "wife visa", nothing really matters. 

[hotchilli]

19 hours ago, webfact said:

The Ukraine-Russia conflict, China-Taiwan tensions or even the situation in Myanmar may seem far away and irrelevant to us in Thailand. Most Thais wouldn’t imagine that Thailand foreign policy has an effect on our lives, to certain extent, or that quiet Thai diplomacy on those issues matters. Some may wonder why we should care about Thai foreign policy

TAT thinks the Russians are coming here to evade the harsh winter back home... 

that tells you how much they understand about the world.

[hotchilli]

14 hours ago, trainman34014 said:

They are insular by nature and have this incredible belief they are 'Superior' to Foreigners; a very misplaced belief.    Also; owing to their idiotic refusal to learn and use English as a Business tool they are left out in the cold by many Foreign Countries and Companies.  They also cannot stand Academic or price competition; virtually everything based on Corruption.

 

In a few years they will be bottom of every Table in Asia; it's coming, just a matter of time.

Very observant.

[mikebell]

Thailand - the hub of Foreign Affairs.  No wonder Trump pronounced it Thighland.