Businesses back Yingluck, others not impressed

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POLITICS
Businesses back Yingluck, others not impressed
Hataikarn Treesuwan,
Tinnakorn Chaowachuen,
Somthawil Thepsawat
The Nation


A file photo shows Yingluck in a trip to Malaysia.

Debate rages over cost effectiveness of premier's foreign visits, while problems at home are unresolved

BANGKOK: -- Business people are happy that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is helping to boost trade opportunities - but experts in international relations have questioned whether the returns warrant the cost of her globetrotting.

Federation of Thai Industries chairman Payungsak Chartsutipol said getting business people to join her trips increased opportunities for trade and investment with foreign countries.

Representatives from related business clusters are usually allowed to join each trip. Normally, 27 to 70 people tag along. However, delegates from as many as 109 agencies joined in the trip to China last April, he said.

"When coming with the government, Thai businesses can access foreign government and private organisations and foreign firms gain more confidence to invest in Thailand," he said. "Many times, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking had chances to sign MoUs with foreign private organisations and open business opportunities such as information exchange and business matching."

Last month, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking signed memoradums of understanding (MoUs) with Montenegro's Chamber of Commerce, the Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Italian Industry.

When joining trips with the PM, companies covered their own travel costs, but is it worth the money in the long run?

"As far as I know, the companies are happy because they get more opportunities than they would if they went by themselves," he said.

Isara Vongkusolkit, chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce, said that after these trips, the private sector was able to maintain ties through means such as the annual exchange between chambers of commerce.

The private sector is currently talking with the Foreign Ministry to prepare for trips in the latter part of this year. The plans include visits to Ethiopia, Russia and Japan, he said.

A European diplomat who asked not to be named said it is good for the Thai leader to visit as many countries as she can, given the country's bad publicity after the coup. Thailand has a lot of potential and positive publicity will strengthen its prospects, he said.

Chulalongkorn University political scientist Panitan Wattanayagorn, former deputy secretary-general to the PM under Abhisit Vejjajiva, said a Thai premier would travel to promote relations with neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia - to introduce himself or herself on taking office, or elevate relations, open up a market or to solve severe problems. This needed a lot of preparation.

"A prime minister travelling to promote the country's image is a very expensive investment. Actually, some agencies are already in charge [of this]. The exception would be roadshows if there are crises such as a military coup or bloodshed in the country. But that is already normal in Thailand," he said.

"We should examine what Thailand gets from each of our leader's trips - how much was spent and whether it was worth it. There are times that travelling abroad caused [Yingluck] to lose the chance to solve problems locally. Some problems - if she decides by herself - could be solved easily."

Besides the objectives of such trips, Kasit Piromya, foreign minister in Abhisit's government, said a prime minister might travel abroad to attend international meetings. "However, Yingluck's trips appear to lack clear objectives. Importantly, she should go abroad only when the country's situation is good, not when there are problems waiting for her to solve."

Yingluck has only been showing off that she came to power in a fully democratic election. But after her first six months, she has had no achievements, he said, adding that he did not think she was boosting the country's reputation.

"A prime minister has no right to spend tens of millions of baht to promote herself. This is not a Miss Universe contest. How can she earn fame for the country when it is so hectic locally?" Kasit asked, adding that any international media outlet that ranked Yingluck as influential might have looked too much on the surface.

Another former foreign minister, Noppadon Pattama, who served under the government of Samak Sundaravej, said Yingluck's trips were planned to suit the country's foreign strategy. They benefited Thailand in terms of trade and investment, as well as international relations.

"The achievements from the PM's trips can be seen from the number of agreements signed, the higher international trade value, and tighter international relationships with other countries," he said.

The legal adviser to former PM Thaksin - Yingluck' s brother - conceded that Thaksin has visited several countries before or after his sister, but said they were never in the same country at the same time. "He might give some advice, as the slogan 'Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai does' [suggests], but he does nothing [that brings about] any conflict of interest. He already has everything [he might want]," Noppadon said.


-- The Nation 2013-10-01

[NongKhaiKid]

Let's wait and see just how much business is actually generated by these trips providing the genuine figures are ever released. I'm sure some creative accounting will be necessary to keep the justification going.

Businessmen will welcome the chance to see but there's nothing wrong with a government funded jolly either.

Just how much damage has and will be done by the ill conceived remark by the FM about not being able to eat the local food ? If he is supposed to be the country's top diplomat... !

[bigbamboo]

To be fair it does actually make sense in the peculiar set up we have here for her brother to also visit the countries she goes to around the same time. He is the de facto PM after all.

[Tatsujin]

"A prime minister has no right to spend tens of millions of baht to promote herself. This is not a Miss Universe contest. How can she earn fame for the country when it is so hectic locally?" Kasit asked, adding that any international media outlet that ranked Yingluck as influential might have looked too much on the surface.

Don't worry, the international media are not giving her any more credit than she deserves. They are also laughing at her.

[Katipo]

Well, the trips abroad can't hurt trade, even if they don't help. Other than that she is never here, so businesses can get on with making money without her interference. So yeah, I guess they are happy.

[jayboy]

One has to laugh at these Nation reports sometimes when half crazed ideologues like Kasit and Panitan are quoted as serious commentators.

[Baerboxer]

Let's wait and see just how much business is actually generated by these trips providing the genuine figures are ever released. I'm sure some creative accounting will be necessary to keep the justification going.

Businessmen will welcome the chance to see but there's nothing wrong with a government funded jolly either.

Just how much damage has and will be done by the ill conceived remark by the FM about not being able to eat the local food ? If he is supposed to be the country's top diplomat... !

They will never release the genuine figures. Look at all the past examples of fudged and conflicting figures issued - not to mention the "little white lies". This is all window dressing and pr to counter the negativity that is growing around the "absent pm/dm" and her auspicious regime.

Most of my Thai friends, including the ones who voted PTP, now see her as ineffective, inept, uncaring for the country and somewhat embarrassing. They won't vote for PTP again, but also don't see any credible opposition either. They all say that if she gets the 4 planes that no one will know what she and the clan are up to and who is in and out of the country. That explains her keenness to sign diplomatic non-visa agreements. Reduces the ability to track where they are and where they've been. Some believe the illegally issued passport to her criminal brother was a diplomatic one so they can get him in and out of countries easily too. Once they have their own tax payer funded planes he can come and go as he pleases. The police, headed by his relative, are not likely to worry.

Some of these trips are no doubt jollies. Others possibly taking care of family business whilst in the areas so to speak. Some simply to show the masses how important their leaders are in the world and increase their credibility.

Hard work, eating instant meals, all for the good of the country - yeah, right.

[NongKhaiKid]

Let's wait and see just how much business is actually generated by these trips providing the genuine figures are ever released. I'm sure some creative accounting will be necessary to keep the justification going.

Businessmen will welcome the chance to see but there's nothing wrong with a government funded jolly either.

Just how much damage has and will be done by the ill conceived remark by the FM about not being able to eat the local food ? If he is supposed to be the country's top diplomat... !

They will never release the genuine figures. Look at all the past examples of fudged and conflicting figures issued - not to mention the "little white lies". This is all window dressing and pr to counter the negativity that is growing around the "absent pm/dm" and her auspicious regime.

Most of my Thai friends, including the ones who voted PTP, now see her as ineffective, inept, uncaring for the country and somewhat embarrassing. They won't vote for PTP again, but also don't see any credible opposition either. They all say that if she gets the 4 planes that no one will know what she and the clan are up to and who is in and out of the country. That explains her keenness to sign diplomatic non-visa agreements. Reduces the ability to track where they are and where they've been. Some believe the illegally issued passport to her criminal brother was a diplomatic one so they can get him in and out of countries easily too. Once they have their own tax payer funded planes he can come and go as he pleases. The police, headed by his relative, are not likely to worry.

Some of these trips are no doubt jollies. Others possibly taking care of family business whilst in the areas so to speak. Some simply to show the masses how important their leaders are in the world and increase their credibility.

Hard work, eating instant meals, all for the good of the country - yeah, right.

Great summary, many good points. With the lack of real accountability, no really agressive media plus the current control PTP has they can do almost as they like and will get away with it.

The disiilusion of thinking PTP voters is understandable but the lack of a credible opposition just adds to the secure position of the Shins and PTP.

[Neilly]

The exception would be roadshows if there are crises such as a military coup or bloodshed in the country. But that is already normal in Thailand," he said.

Roadshows or bloodshed is already normal in Thailand? ...I suppose both when you consider the driving skills here

[NongKhaiKid]

"A prime minister has no right to spend tens of millions of baht to promote herself. This is not a Miss Universe contest. How can she earn fame for the country when it is so hectic locally?" Kasit asked, adding that any international media outlet that ranked Yingluck as influential might have looked too much on the surface.

Don't worry, the international media are not giving her any more credit than she deserves. They are also laughing at her.

I haven't seen any indication yet that the international media have got hold of the stupid remark about food from the idiot FM, more's the pity.

[Tatsujin]

"A prime minister has no right to spend tens of millions of baht to promote herself. This is not a Miss Universe contest. How can she earn fame for the country when it is so hectic locally?" Kasit asked, adding that any international media outlet that ranked Yingluck as influential might have looked too much on the surface.

Don't worry, the international media are not giving her any more credit than she deserves. They are also laughing at her.

I haven't seen any indication yet that the international media have got hold of the stupid remark about food from the idiot FM, more's the pity.

They might not have mentioned it, but you can be damn sure that the media AND the countries themselves will have taken note.

[jayboy]

"A prime minister has no right to spend tens of millions of baht to promote herself. This is not a Miss Universe contest. How can she earn fame for the country when it is so hectic locally?" Kasit asked, adding that any international media outlet that ranked Yingluck as influential might have looked too much on the surface.

Don't worry, the international media are not giving her any more credit than she deserves. They are also laughing at her.

I haven't seen any indication yet that the international media have got hold of the stupid remark about food from the idiot FM, more's the pity.

But the international media is not so cretinous as some of the meatheads on this forum.There is no story here except in the minds of those who loathe Yingluck.The Foreign Minister's reported remark is perfectly reasonable.Obviously he wasn't specific but clearly he wasn't talking about visits to Japan, China, the US, UK,Australia.He was talking about more challenged countries where in the absence of decent food it would be quite reasonable for Thais to get busy with noodles in their hotel rooms.Thai businessmen overseas do it all the time - I've been with them on many occasions.Clearly this doesn't mean the Thai delegation would skip official functions.Whatever Yingluck's faults are, she is a thoughtful and polite woman.Some of the usual suspect meatheads could learn manners from her.

[AleG]

"Some of the usual suspect meatheads could learn manners from her."

Oh yes, manners above all.

[RubbaJohnny]

Few seriously rich people who are not Thai would choose to live here.

[Bagwan]

She plans to go to Ethiopia? Is she aware that the country is in constant turmoil and that the Government have little control over much of the country? What can you buy or sell in such a place?

[Calimotty]

To be fair it does actually make sense in the peculiar set up we have here for her brother to also visit the countries she goes to around the same time. He is the de facto PM after all.

The A team

[ableguy]

Let's wait and see just how much business is actually generated by these trips providing the genuine figures are ever released. I'm sure some creative accounting will be necessary to keep the justification going.

Businessmen will welcome the chance to see but there's nothing wrong with a government funded jolly either.

Just how much damage has and will be done by the ill conceived remark by the FM about not being able to eat the local food ? If he is supposed to be the country's top diplomat... !

I suspect her brother is sending her abroad to stay out of the way of the conflicts on the government floor or in the house, no voting on any contentious issues that will benifit his dictatorial ambitions. This debate about are her trips benificial to the country only diverts from the real shit that is going on.

[Baerboxer]

"A prime minister has no right to spend tens of millions of baht to promote herself. This is not a Miss Universe contest. How can she earn fame for the country when it is so hectic locally?" Kasit asked, adding that any international media outlet that ranked Yingluck as influential might have looked too much on the surface.

Don't worry, the international media are not giving her any more credit than she deserves. They are also laughing at her.

I haven't seen any indication yet that the international media have got hold of the stupid remark about food from the idiot FM, more's the pity.

But the international media is not so cretinous as some of the meatheads on this forum.There is no story here except in the minds of those who loathe Yingluck.The Foreign Minister's reported remark is perfectly reasonable.Obviously he wasn't specific but clearly he wasn't talking about visits to Japan, China, the US, UK,Australia.He was talking about more challenged countries where in the absence of decent food it would be quite reasonable for Thais to get busy with noodles in their hotel rooms.Thai businessmen overseas do it all the time - I've been with them on many occasions.Clearly this doesn't mean the Thai delegation would skip official functions.Whatever Yingluck's faults are, she is a thoughtful and polite woman.Some of the usual suspect meatheads could learn manners from her.

So you know her personally then? How else could you state that she is a thoughtful, polite woman with manners worthy of teaching to others?

I don't consider myself a "meathead" as you eloquently and "politely" describe some fellow TV members. Nor do I loathe the PM/DM. But I don't see her has a role model for politeness and good manners - pushing her son into the Chelsea FC thing whilst pushing other children out to make room, failing to answer questions from the Ombudsman despite repeated reminders, etc. She may well be thoughtful, I haven't met her or know her like you so can't comment on that, other than I can't think of any instances where she has really demonstrated being thoughtful in away that benefits the nation as a whole.

[jayboy]

Khun Yingluck has charm and good manners.The boorish element on this forum does not.Whether you choose to identify with the latter (as seems to be the case) is for you to decide.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[bigbamboo]

"A prime minister has no right to spend tens of millions of baht to promote herself. This is not a Miss Universe contest. How can she earn fame for the country when it is so hectic locally?" Kasit asked, adding that any international media outlet that ranked Yingluck as influential might have looked too much on the surface.

Don't worry, the international media are not giving her any more credit than she deserves. They are also laughing at her.

I haven't seen any indication yet that the international media have got hold of the stupid remark about food from the idiot FM, more's the pity.

But the international media is not so cretinous as some of the meatheads on this forum.There is no story here except in the minds of those who loathe Yingluck.The Foreign Minister's reported remark is perfectly reasonable.Obviously he wasn't specific but clearly he wasn't talking about visits to Japan, China, the US, UK,Australia.He was talking about more challenged countries where in the absence of decent food it would be quite reasonable for Thais to get busy with noodles in their hotel rooms.Thai businessmen overseas do it all the time - I've been with them on many occasions.Clearly this doesn't mean the Thai delegation would skip official functions.Whatever Yingluck's faults are, she is a thoughtful and polite woman.Some of the usual suspect meatheads could learn manners from her.

So you know her personally then? How else could you state that she is a thoughtful, polite woman with manners worthy of teaching to others?

I don't consider myself a "meathead" as you eloquently and "politely" describe some fellow TV members. Nor do I loathe the PM/DM. But I don't see her has a role model for politeness and good manners - pushing her son into the Chelsea FC thing whilst pushing other children out to make room, failing to answer questions from the Ombudsman despite repeated reminders, etc. She may well be thoughtful, I haven't met her or know her like you so can't comment on that, other than I can't think of any instances where she has really demonstrated being thoughtful in away that benefits the nation as a whole.

Maybe Jayboy has very vivid dreams?

The again according to his post he also seems to know exactly what the Foreign Minister was thinking too...... which is far more troubling!

[Thai at Heart]

The point is, is she the Trade and Industry rep or is she the Prime Minister???

[MaiChai]

I recon this another reason she goes on all these trips. The truth will come out at some point. I really don't know what it is but you can be sure its not Thailand promotion or shopping trips.

[rametindallas]

Didn't the PM's government give the businesses a huge Corporate Tax Break? Money can buy votes at any level; some votes just cost more than others. Of course, it's always easier to buy votes with the taxpayer's money.