Yingluck Govt Must Seize Chance To Reinvent Thai Diplomacy

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GUEST COLUMN

Yingluck govt must seize chance to reinvent Thai diplomacy

By Pavin Chachavalpongpun

Pithaya Pookaman

Parliament opened its new session on Monday, signalling that the country is embracing political changes.

For one thing, Thailand is witnessing the homecoming of the Shinawatras. Following the election victory of the Pheu Thai Party and the Election Commission's eventual certification of the poll result, it is now likely that Yingluck Shinawatra will become the first female prime minister of Thailand.

Yingluck is the youngest sister of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed in a military coup in 2006. Because of this family connection, her rise to the top was relatively easy. A bigger test of her ability will be the attempt to implement policies that will further strengthen the Pheu Thai-led government's legitimacy.

In terms of foreign policy, Yingluck faces a tough job in reconstructing Thai diplomacy in a responsible manner and rebuilding the good reputation of Thailand as a trustworthy member of the global society.

Here are some tips for Yingluck in her mission to rescue a Thai diplomacy impaired by the previous administrations.

First and foremost, Yingluck needs to generate a proactive foreign policy; one which allows Thailand to engage meaningfully with the international community and to search for new areas of international cooperation. Her foreign policy must be utilised to further cement the domestic economic and social structure. She must deliver what she promised during her election campaign. Producing a people-centric foreign policy is therefore vital to fulfilling her commitments to the Pheu Thai's supporters.

Second, Yingluck may lack political experience and practice in the diplomatic world, but as a representative of a new generation in Thai politics who arrived in power through a legitimate democratic channel, she is in a perfect position to promote new regional norms based on respect for democracy, particularly in the context of Asean where democratic institutions remain weak and easily manipulated. Championing democracy could indeed become Yingluck's new foreign policy trademark.

Third, a new image of Thailand on the global stage must be crafted without delay. In the past decade, Thai diplomacy has been tainted by personal interests, political revenge and irresponsible nationalism, thus heightening the degree of mutual distrust between Thailand and its neighbours.

Thailand has in recent years not enjoyed the best relations with its immediate neighbours. A sense of self-importance and superiority was a major characteristic of Thailand's past foreign policy. Yingluck can ameliorate this negative image. Rebuilding trust and respect must rank high in her foreign policy priorities. There are many ways she can tackle this issue, ranging from amending "bad history" to promoting cultural sensitivity and encouraging people-to-people interactions across the borders.

Pheu Thai's election victory could thus herald a new era of optimism in the country's foreign affairs. Already, it has fostered an enabling atmosphere in which Thailand and Cambodia will be able to participate in a meaningful dialogue to settle their differences. There are two overlapping phases of urgent policy measures that the new government has to undertake.

One is to reverse the confrontational policy of the Abhisit government. The other is to take fresh foreign policy initiatives to regain trust, respect, friendship and confidence at the international level. The latter also includes reasserting a leadership role at the sub-regional arena, such as Asean, the EAS (East Asia Summit), GMS (Greater Mekong Sub-region), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation).

In the so-called concentric rings of international linkages, Asean should serve as the cornerstone of Thai foreign policy. Thailand needs to play a catalyst role for the realisation of the Asean Economic Community by the year 2015 by accomplishing all requirements so as to set a good example for others to follow. Thailand should also add "more strings to its bow" by reaching out to other cross-regional groupings such as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) to catapult it onto the world stage and to achieve some degree of leverage in the international domain.

With the country now back in the democratic fold, re-engaging the global community is imperative. A successful diplomacy will inevitably require striking a delicate balance between globalisation and national interests, between economic competitiveness and sensitivity; and it must be based on strict adherence to universal norms and principles. If promoting commercial and economic relations are the priorities, they should be done with such finesse that more powerful trading partners do not perceive Thailand as a beggar and that Thailand's less developed partners do not feel that they are being exploited.

Many Thais and foreign countries expect to see more openness, humility, sincerity and originality in the conduct of the Thai foreign policy. The Yingluck government has an opportunity now to reinvent Thai diplomacy by learning from those past mistakes just as it is looking into the future.

Pavin Chachavalpongpun, a former diplomat, is a fellow at Singapore's Institute of Southeast Asian Studies.

Pithaya Pookaman is a former ambassador and the Pheu Thai Party's current deputy spokesman for foreign affairs.

-- The Nation 2011-08-03

[0zz1]

or just do what big brother says and continue his old policies and agenda.

[hellodolly]

quote

"but as a representative of a new generation in Thai politics who arrived in power through a legitimate democratic channel"

A new generation I thought it was pretty much the same old generation with some new members.

Granted it is a new generation in that it now includes members who have been charged with treason.

On the face of it there is a new generation in the PM chair. But like a onion you take the outer layer off and you have the old generation in the person of Thaksin. For those who have forgot Yingluck is Thaksin's clone.

Interesting times ahead. The government has a chance to make a real change for the good in Thailand. They have the majority of seats in the house. They do not have to make deals to get things done. They do not have to fight Terrorism. They solved that problem by making the Terrorist leaders MPs.

The one thing they have to do is take all the old generation and put them on the back bench. And there in lie's the problem.

[OzMick]

In Australia, this piece would be followed by "This has been a paid political announcement which in no way reflects.................................."

I'm still working on "people-centric foreign policy" - any clues?

But I was amused by " A sense of self-importance and superiority was a major characteristic of Thailand's past foreign policy.................... take fresh foreign policy initiatives.................. reasserting a leadership role at the sub-regional arena, such as Asean.........". Sweet humility.

I suppose asking Myanmar to pay back their telecommunications loan is out of the question.

[hammered]

Totally true that Thailand needs a new direction in its foreign policy. Be interesting to see if they come up with one though. The last lots foregn policy seemed to get overly dominated by where Thaksin was and what he was doing. A foreign policy should be more about pursuing the interests of a country and particularly the economic ones, but in a way that gets a good deal without creating conflict with other parties and countries

[OzMick]

Totally true that Thailand needs a new direction in its foreign policy. Be interesting to see if they come up with one though. The last lots foregn policy seemed to get overly dominated by where Thaksin was and what he was doing. A foreign policy should be more about pursuing the interests of a country and particularly the economic ones, but in a way that gets a good deal without creating conflict with other parties and countries

Yeah, why would they bother so much with a billionaire criminal plotting, inciting and financing armed insurrection? Stupid really, eh?

[hammered]

Totally true that Thailand needs a new direction in its foreign policy. Be interesting to see if they come up with one though. The last lots foregn policy seemed to get overly dominated by where Thaksin was and what he was doing. A foreign policy should be more about pursuing the interests of a country and particularly the economic ones, but in a way that gets a good deal without creating conflict with other parties and countries

Yeah, why would they bother so much with a billionaire criminal plotting, inciting and financing armed insurrection? Stupid really, eh?

But the fact that the other lot fixated on it at the expense of all else and without the support of the country to fixate on the issue is telling and suggest a new approach to foreign policy for the country and its interests including the interests of the people would be a sensible thing to do. If anyone really had wanted Thaksin back they could have started an extradition request in the country where he was. That wasnt done even when he was living in the UK openly and everyone knew where he was.

[PETDCAT]

Yingluck govt must seize chance to reinvent Thai diplomacy

Why not call it what it is.......Thaksin govt must seize chance to reinvent Thai diplomacy. Maybe you forget what the party slogan is:"Thaksin thinks, Puea Thai does" Yingluck's work is finished.Her main function was to be the Party face for Her brother. No need to keep up the charade any longer.

[rixalex]

Totally true that Thailand needs a new direction in its foreign policy. Be interesting to see if they come up with one though. The last lots foregn policy seemed to get overly dominated by where Thaksin was and what he was doing. A foreign policy should be more about pursuing the interests of a country and particularly the economic ones, but in a way that gets a good deal without creating conflict with other parties and countries

Yeah, why would they bother so much with a billionaire criminal plotting, inciting and financing armed insurrection? Stupid really, eh?

But the fact that the other lot fixated on it at the expense of all else and without the support of the country to fixate on the issue is telling and suggest a new approach to foreign policy for the country and its interests including the interests of the people would be a sensible thing to do. If anyone really had wanted Thaksin back they could have started an extradition request in the country where he was. That wasnt done even when he was living in the UK openly and everyone knew where he was.

Let's not be naive. We all know it was never about bringing Thaksin back, whatever noises were made with regards to that. It was about stopping him from creating trouble on the streets and trying to get the country to move on. Thaksin was fighting against this. It's all very easy to say well the government should have simply ignored him, but when you are being attacked week after week, silence can start to be interpreted as guilt.

Anyway, now the people who have been responsible for hampering foreign policy, take the reins and thanks to not having people like themselves to fight against, perhaps can do a better job. Just hope if they do, they don't strain a muscle patting themselves on the back.

[Bkkorupcountry]

Totally true that Thailand needs a new direction in its foreign policy. Be interesting to see if they come up with one though. The last lots foregn policy seemed to get overly dominated by where Thaksin was and what he was doing. A foreign policy should be more about pursuing the interests of a country and particularly the economic ones, but in a way that gets a good deal without creating conflict with other parties and countries

Yeah, why would they bother so much with a billionaire criminal plotting, inciting and financing armed insurrection? Stupid really, eh?

But the fact that the other lot fixated on it at the expense of all else and without the support of the country to fixate on the issue is telling and suggest a new approach to foreign policy for the country and its interests including the interests of the people would be a sensible thing to do. If anyone really had wanted Thaksin back they could have started an extradition request in the country where he was. That wasnt done even when he was living in the UK openly and everyone knew where he was.

The lot on TV are still fixated on it. If they had their way, they would petition the new govt to put this as the first priority, at the expense of everything else and if Thailand does not and cannot progress as a result, they would merely say som na na because upholding the law is the only thing that matters.

[rixalex]

The lot on TV are still fixated on it. If they had their way, they would petition the new govt to put this as the first priority, at the expense of everything else and if Thailand does not and cannot progress as a result, they would merely say som na na because upholding the law is the only thing that matters.

I'm under no illusions that PT party will spend any time trying to bring Thaksin to justice, let alone get fixated on the matter.

If they are to be fixated, you can be sure it will rather be in undoing his wrongs and making sure he receives no punishment; and yes, quite possibly at the expense of everything else. Much as we saw happen in the governments of Samak and Somchai.

[Bakseedaa]

Totally true that Thailand needs a new direction in its foreign policy. Be interesting to see if they come up with one though. The last lots foregn policy seemed to get overly dominated by where Thaksin was and what he was doing. A foreign policy should be more about pursuing the interests of a country and particularly the economic ones, but in a way that gets a good deal without creating conflict with other parties and countries

What the frig does that mean, talk about stating the obvious..! but when you have neighbours such as Hung Sen, you need a good beating stick..! A good foreign policy does not mean lying down for your neighbours... but it does mean embracing change and sometimes losing face... this is not the Thai way... NEXT..!

[hammered]

The lot on TV are still fixated on it. If they had their way, they would petition the new govt to put this as the first priority, at the expense of everything else and if Thailand does not and cannot progress as a result, they would merely say som na na because upholding the law is the only thing that matters.

I'm under no illusions that PT party will spend any time trying to bring Thaksin to justice, let alone get fixated on the matter.

If they are to be fixated, you can be sure it will rather be in undoing his wrongs and making sure he receives no punishment; and yes, quite possibly at the expense of everything else. Much as we saw happen in the governments of Samak and Somchai.

The difference with to the Samak time is that this time there are specific policies and the Thaksin side have likely learmed from the failures of the Samak government. I would think they will govern and get some tangible things passed. Then when it comes to amnesty time there support will be higher, and I dont doubt a few charges will be awaiting some of those that have just lost power. There are certainly going to be calls for justice against some of the outgoing lot. That will also give more wheels to an amnesty. However, I do expect the incoming government to govern. Samak pretty much shut government down thinking it would pressure the establishment to cave in, but it was about as succesful as the establishment hoping Thaksin would go quietly and wait being invited back after being a good boy for a few years.

Now though things are more about getting the people to accept your version of reconcilliation and that is very much dependent on governing. People have had enough of the power struggle and also it is clear that social inequalities must be addressed. If a government governs and addresses these then it will find its reconcilliation plans are acceptable. The outgoing government offered a mass amnesty excluding Thaksin and some reds and a few yellows. This lot are only really adding the reds, few yellows and Thaksin to that list and no doubt a few prominent dems etc who are now going to be investigated after shielding themsleves when in power.

The PAD have also pretty much abandoned the Dems and said dont expect us to come out onto the streets. Whoever won this election was going to be the arbiter of reconcilliation. Everyone knew this. Abhisit promised the establishment it would be him. They gambled. It didnt come off. Timing is the crux of it all. In the meantime people will get government

[rixalex]

The outgoing government offered a mass amnesty excluding Thaksin and some reds and a few yellows.

Really? All the interviews i listened to regarding the matter of amnesty from the Dems seemed to express a belief that amnesty was not the solution. You say they offered a mass one? When was this?

[hammered]

The outgoing government offered a mass amnesty excluding Thaksin and some reds and a few yellows.

Really? All the interviews i listened to regarding the matter of amnesty from the Dems seemed to express a belief that amnesty was not the solution. You say they offered a mass one? When was this?

Just before the election they announced it. Probably trying a late ploy to make a comeback

Edited to add: 25 June

Edited August 3, 2011 by hammered

[rixalex]

The outgoing government offered a mass amnesty excluding Thaksin and some reds and a few yellows.

Really? All the interviews i listened to regarding the matter of amnesty from the Dems seemed to express a belief that amnesty was not the solution. You say they offered a mass one? When was this?

Just before the election they announced it. Probably trying a late ploy to make a comeback

Edited to add: 25 June

Thanks. Just done a search. Amnesty for political cases only i see. Desperate last minute ploy as you say. Sad.

[1bbcd5]

Totally true that Thailand needs a new direction in its foreign policy.

[anterian]

Thailand urgently need to completely rethink its foreign policies, so why all the cynical comments? Surely the time to criticise is if they fail. Some writers prefer to pass judgment before they have even started. For a start off I think Thaksin's years of globe trotting has probably shown him the error of some of his ways, people do learn from experience.