Summits Are More Than Just Photo Opportunities: Thai Editorial

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EDITORIAL

Summits are more than just photo opportunities

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra needs to show more substance when meeting international leaders and attending high-level meetings

When Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra enters a camera's frame, she is very photogenic. She was the centre of the attention at the Asean summit meetings.

Unfortunately, the summits are not about photo-ops alone. They are about substance, policies, the future of the region. Thailand's contribution in Phnom Penh was not discernible. What she said did not seem to gain any interest. No one quoted her.

Indeed, Yingluck has turned the art of diplomacy into sessions for reading English text. But the ability to communicate in English is not the point. Many world leaders choose to speak their own language, if that allows them to express their thoughts and ideas more effectively.

Yingluck, however, fails to articulate her points in English. She should have used the Thai language and a translator, to make her feel at ease with the text. She insisted on using English. Something is very wrong in the conduct of Thai diplomacy.

The Pheu Thai Party has continually stated that it is not necessary for the Thai leader to speak English because it is the quality of leadership and the substance that counts. That is true. However, judging from the latest summit, neither of these qualities came to the fore in Cambodia. It is not surprising that the international media, including the Cambodian press, did not notice any of her comments, or for that matter, any from the Thai delegation.

Views from Thailand used to get more attention. Thailand used to be more influential in shaping the direction of regional cooperation. As a leading Asean member, what a Thai leader said mattered. Now, it is a different story.

The government must revise its diplomatic strategy when the prime minister engages with foreign leaders. The premier should have been assisted by her deputies. Unfortunately, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul failed to do the job.

Yingluck's constituency may be content to see her performing the role of ceremonial leader, appearing at various events domestically. Cabinet members may be able to spin her comments for a domestic audience. But when she appears on the world stage, she represents the interests of Thailand. She has to ensure that the country can benefit from bilateral or multilateral talks. Otherwise, she should find a strong team of foreign affairs experts to do so. But she does not have this option because most of her Cabinet members were not selected because of their ability.

Developed countries appoint their representatives from the best and most qualified people to represent their country's interest.

Yingluck's statements are often treated as throwaway comments. For instance, when she attended the UN meeting earlier this year, she should have articulated Thailand's desired direction in a constantly changing world. Unfortunately, the most memorable quote turned out to be her wish to bring "a woman's touch to addressing" the South China Sea disputes. Whoever advised Yingluck to say this during the Asia Society meeting in New York should be dismissed.

Recently there has been a number visits from foreign leaders. This is a telling sign of the strategic importance other nations place on Thailand. Foreign leaders want to visit this country so they can promote their national interest. Just look at Thai-US relations and what visiting US President Barack Obama has accomplished. Just examine what South Korea got with the visit of President Lee Myung-bak. If the Thai leader can engage seriously with other leaders and be on top of the discussion, it will increase the country's profile and augment the country's interests. So far, it is just smiling and sitting pretty.

Thailand's foreign policy has been in the doldrums for the past few years. It is time that something was done to ensure that the country's national interests are well represented at all times. The success of our leader on the international stage is not measured by looking good in photo opportunities.

Of course, a leader does not always have to be serious. But Yingluck has been too "playful" for too long. She has to get serious now, or Thailand should get the right person to fill the void.

-- The Nation 2012-11- 22

[lizardtongue]

It appears that 'The Nation' is not a fan of the glamor gal!

She does leave herself open at times with her insistence of communicating in English and perhaps with her educational background she should have a better grasp of English, however I bet she has a larger vocabulary than most of her cabinet?

Most if not all non-Thai would rather look at her over her predecessors.

Foreign leaders want to visit this country so they can promote their national interest. Just look at Thai-US relations and what visiting US President Barack Obama has accomplished

I need enlightening on that comment!

Unfortunately, the most memorable quote turned out to be her wish to bring "a woman's touch to addressing" the South China Sea disputes. Whoever advised Yingluck to say this during the Asia Society meeting in New York should be dismissed.

That would be difficult as the likely culprit is a fugitive!

Developed countries appoint their representatives from the best and most qualified people to represent their country's interest.

Ouch that comment hurt......

Thailand's foreign policy has been in the doldrums for the past few years.

An understatement if there ever was one!

[Moruya]

Hiding behind those layers of foundation and maquillage......

Is nowt!

[lizardtongue]

I have just been shown this by the wife (Thai) it will either make you or

Edited November 22, 2012 by lizardtongue

[fareastguy]

Little girls & boy's playing in the harsh political man's world..

She can convince the Thai population some of the time but on the world stage no-one is taken in by the sweet Thai face.

It takes substance to win over the world not foundation cream!

[noitom]

And it's no wonder that Thailand is not taken seriously on the world stage. The newspaper's relentless and preposterous sound bite child like stories, poorly written, and with little or no followup or due diligence have created a "circus like atmosphere" around everything and everyone in Thailand. Needless to say, the lack of follow up and enforcement of law and the corruption of the total Thai system point it out clearly to world leaders as a failing state.

[lensta]

"Views from Thailand used to get more attention. Thailand used to be more influential in shaping the direction of regional cooperation".

This would indicate that the "stock" of other countries in the region has risen and Thailand's has either stagnated or fallen.

[NCFC]

Thailand not getting enough attention?? Where have the Nation reporters been hiding this month?

We've had the leaders of the two biggest superpowers here in Bangkok meeting with Yingluck, while the Thai Prime Minister was invited too meet with the British Prime minister a few days before that.

Hardly being ignored,is it?

[jayboy]

Thailand not getting enough attention?? Where have the Nation reporters been hiding this month?

We've had the leaders of the two biggest superpowers here in Bangkok meeting with Yingluck, while the Thai Prime Minister was invited too meet with the British Prime minister a few days before that.

Hardly being ignored,is it?

I'm afraid it is a sad comment on the state of Thai journalism, or at least the virulent bias of the English language press.Somehow they have ovelooked that Thailand's diplomatic relations have improved dramatically under this government after the debacle of Abhisit and Kasit in this area.Yingluck has a great deal to be proud of.Again we have the embittered unelected elite and their middle class camp followers enraged that the world acknowledges the strength and legitimacy of a democratically elected Thai government.The English language press acts generally as a mouthpiece for these disgruntled folk.

[Siripon]

Thailand not getting enough attention?? Where have the Nation reporters been hiding this month?

We've had the leaders of the two biggest superpowers here in Bangkok meeting with Yingluck, while the Thai Prime Minister was invited too meet with the British Prime minister a few days before that.

Hardly being ignored,is it?

I'm afraid it is a sad comment on the state of Thai journalism, or at least the virulent bias of the English language press.Somehow they have ovelooked that Thailand's diplomatic relations have improved dramatically under this government after the debacle of Abhisit and Kasit in this area.Yingluck has a great deal to be proud of.Again we have the embittered unelected elite and their middle class camp followers enraged that the world acknowledges the strength and legitimacy of a democratically elected Thai government.The English language press acts generally as a mouthpiece for these disgruntled folk.

The article merely states that Yingluk is unable to contribute to any meaningful discussions with other countries'leaders. Prior to becoming PM she has never shown any interest in politics, international relations, history etc.

She has done an excellent job at cutting ribbons but we cannot expect anything more from her.

[Thai at Heart]

Thailand not getting enough attention?? Where have the Nation reporters been hiding this month?

We've had the leaders of the two biggest superpowers here in Bangkok meeting with Yingluck, while the Thai Prime Minister was invited too meet with the British Prime minister a few days before that.

Hardly being ignored,is it?

I'm afraid it is a sad comment on the state of Thai journalism, or at least the virulent bias of the English language press.Somehow they have ovelooked that Thailand's diplomatic relations have improved dramatically under this government after the debacle of Abhisit and Kasit in this area.Yingluck has a great deal to be proud of.Again we have the embittered unelected elite and their middle class camp followers enraged that the world acknowledges the strength and legitimacy of a democratically elected Thai government.The English language press acts generally as a mouthpiece for these disgruntled folk.

The article merely states that Yingluk is unable to contribute to any meaningful discussions with other countries'leaders. Prior to becoming PM she has never shown any interest in politics, international relations, history etc.

She has done an excellent job at cutting ribbons but we cannot expect anything more from her.

Considering some of the statements from academics recommended she act in a two faced manner to keep China and the usa happy, it seems quite appropriate that she said precisely nothing controversial or demanding.

[jayboy]

Thailand not getting enough attention?? Where have the Nation reporters been hiding this month?

We've had the leaders of the two biggest superpowers here in Bangkok meeting with Yingluck, while the Thai Prime Minister was invited too meet with the British Prime minister a few days before that.

Hardly being ignored,is it?

I'm afraid it is a sad comment on the state of Thai journalism, or at least the virulent bias of the English language press.Somehow they have ovelooked that Thailand's diplomatic relations have improved dramatically under this government after the debacle of Abhisit and Kasit in this area.Yingluck has a great deal to be proud of.Again we have the embittered unelected elite and their middle class camp followers enraged that the world acknowledges the strength and legitimacy of a democratically elected Thai government.The English language press acts generally as a mouthpiece for these disgruntled folk.

The article merely states that Yingluk is unable to contribute to any meaningful discussions with other countries'leaders. Prior to becoming PM she has never shown any interest in politics, international relations, history etc.

She has done an excellent job at cutting ribbons but we cannot expect anything more from her.

Fair enough, but possibly you underestimate the difference in international relations that courtesy and a sunny temperament (think Reagan) can make.Imagine how relieved foreign leaders are not having to deal with the deranged Kasit.Look I'm not suggesting she is a foreign affairs whiz but the improvement in foreign relations in her time has been palpable.If she surrounds herself with quality people and remembers she is CEO (and doesn't have to kowtow to Chairman Big Brother).I think her instincts are ok.

Edited November 22, 2012 by jayboy

[Baerboxer]

Thailand not getting enough attention?? Where have the Nation reporters been hiding this month?

We've had the leaders of the two biggest superpowers here in Bangkok meeting with Yingluck, while the Thai Prime Minister was invited too meet with the British Prime minister a few days before that.

Hardly being ignored,is it?

Correct - Britain, US, China, Uganda (?) all showing great interest in Thailand. However, rather than capitalise on the opportunity the current PM shows just how inadequate she and her current government are. Flirting with Obama and other leaders doesn't really cut the mustard. But, she isn't a poitical or economic heavyweight and her only credential for office is being the sister of the man who calls the shots. Does anyone really think that world leaders actually take her seriously?