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New foreign minister's diplomatic credentials seen as asset
WIRAJ SRIPONG
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- APPOINTING veteran former diplomat Don Pramudwinai as foreign minister will help improve the country's standing in the international arena, diplomacy specialists have said.

"Having a former diplomat as a foreign minister is a plus, as such a person already has diplomatic skill - knows protocols and common practices in diplomacy that are compatible with international norms," said Kraisak Choonhavan, former chairman of the Senate's committee on foreign affairs.

Kraisak said the good composure and reserved personality of the deputy foreign minister in the previous Cabinet was possibly a factor in his promotion.

However, it remains to be seen whether the new foreign minister will be able to stand against the tide of political pressure, especially during this "reform period", he remarked. Kraisak said Don faced the challenge of having to explain the reform developments to the foreign community, with the lack of a clear deadline for the process.

In addition, he could be challenged to explain Article 44 of the provisional charter that gives excessive power to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to enforce policy initiatives and regulations.

Kraisak said decentralisation, institutional reform - notably of the police and the Army - as well as corruption are all issues the military-led regime would be challenged on by the international community and must be ready to explain.

Anusorn Chaiaksornwet, a political scientist at Walailak University, agreed that Don's diplomatic experience would help improve Thailand's image abroad.

He added that the Foreign Ministry already had the advantage of having skilful diplomats, and the foreign minister should have good managerial skills and assign diplomats so assignments are completed effectively.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/New-foreign-ministers-diplomatic-credentials-seen--30267110.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-21

[Thai at Heart]

If he's so fantastically well qualified, why wasn't he chosen first?

[Sydebolle]

As Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, an equally qualified (former) Foreign Minister of the Kingdom I would assume that Don Pramudwinai's choice is a win-win for all. He is a seasoned professional with assignments in Switzerland, PR China and the US, a soft spoken sharp minded thinker and an excellent choice for this difficult job. I, for one, wish him the very best of luck in his assignment and congratulate Thailand for having such an expert voicing Thailand on the international stage.

[Muirton]

Any and every time there is a major appointment announced by the current administration, one has to ask a question that I certainly can't answer specifically tho' I am aware of the pattern. The question is: How many said "NO" before they found a chap who would say "YES"

[Srikcir]

Outsider Don not only faces the challenge of having to explain why Thailand can't return to a DEMOCRATIC REGIME to the foreign community, but also how he can:

- convince democratic nations to deport Thais who are accused of LM

- strengthen Thailand's political alignment with anti-democracies while soliciting favorable trade agreements with Western-Pacific democracies.

Perhaps he hopes to have a moderating effect on Prayut's erratic and often emotional foreign policy to save the nation from further geopolitical and economic isolation. His first priority would have to be the nation's welfare and not Prayut's ego.

His first 3 months will foretell his future in the Prayut military regime.

[rubl]

Outsider Don not only faces the challenge of having to explain why Thailand can't return to a DEMOCRATIC REGIME to the foreign community, but also how he can:

- convince democratic nations to deport Thais who are accused of LM

- strengthen Thailand's political alignment with anti-democracies while soliciting favorable trade agreements with Western-Pacific democracies.

Perhaps he hopes to have a moderating effect on Prayut's erratic and often emotional foreign policy to save the nation from further geopolitical and economic isolation. His first priority would have to be the nation's welfare and not Prayut's ego.

His first 3 months will foretell his future in the Prayut military regime.

Well, a career diplomat could do a lot. His predecessor in the previous government wasn't a diplomat and according to some did very well explaining the 'help' of a criminal fugitive. A real diplomat should work wonders.

[rubl]

If he's so fantastically well qualified, why wasn't he chosen first?

PM Prayut started with a trusted cabinet which had mostly career fellows as deputy. Now that there is stability a few generals will be gone and we may see career fellows by put in Minister places.

[smutcakes]

If he's so fantastically well qualified, why wasn't he chosen first?

PM Prayut started with a trusted cabinet which had mostly career fellows as deputy. Now that there is stability a few generals will be gone and we may see career fellows by put in Minister places.

I thought the tinkering today means that we now have more Generals in ministerial positions than before the shuffle? In fact they all kept positions in the Government and in fact two more were added.

Its one of the headline news on the BKK Post website.

Personally i don't think it makes a great deal of difference who heads the ministries, as i believe the heads do little or no work anyway and its all the civil servants below who do the leg work, which is probably why things are so difficult to change as the people have been their for decades. The only one that looks a bit funny to me is a General being Education Minister.

[rubl]

If he's so fantastically well qualified, why wasn't he chosen first?

PM Prayut started with a trusted cabinet which had mostly career fellows as deputy. Now that there is stability a few generals will be gone and we may see career fellows by put in Minister places.

I thought the tinkering today means that we now have more Generals in ministerial positions than before the shuffle? In fact they all kept positions in the Government and in fact two more were added.

Its one of the headline news on the BKK Post website.

Personally i don't think it makes a great deal of difference who heads the ministries, as i believe the heads do little or no work anyway and its all the civil servants below who do the leg work, which is probably why things are so difficult to change as the people have been their for decades. The only one that looks a bit funny to me is a General being Education Minister.

If it doesn't make a great deal of difference who to have as Minister why would people demand the cabinet to be changed ? Why did Ms. Yingluck always spent so much time on selecting knowledgeble, capable, full of potential people every few months? Just for fun? Maybe both PMs were just putting the 'right', dependable people in Ministerial positions and let them work on getting policies implemented by their departmental bureaucrats?

[smutcakes]

If he's so fantastically well qualified, why wasn't he chosen first?

PM Prayut started with a trusted cabinet which had mostly career fellows as deputy. Now that there is stability a few generals will be gone and we may see career fellows by put in Minister places.

I thought the tinkering today means that we now have more Generals in ministerial positions than before the shuffle? In fact they all kept positions in the Government and in fact two more were added.

Its one of the headline news on the BKK Post website.

Personally i don't think it makes a great deal of difference who heads the ministries, as i believe the heads do little or no work anyway and its all the civil servants below who do the leg work, which is probably why things are so difficult to change as the people have been their for decades. The only one that looks a bit funny to me is a General being Education Minister.

If it doesn't make a great deal of difference who to have as Minister why would people demand the cabinet to be changed ? Why did Ms. Yingluck always spent so much time on selecting knowledgeble, capable, full of potential people every few months? Just for fun? Maybe both PMs were just putting the 'right', dependable people in Ministerial positions and let them work on getting policies implemented by their departmental bureaucrats?

It is my opinion, which is why i wrote "personally i don't think it makes a great deal of difference" obviously other people think it does, including the General, otherwise he would not have changed them.

[rubl]

PM Prayut started with a trusted cabinet which had mostly career fellows as deputy. Now that there is stability a few generals will be gone and we may see career fellows by put in Minister places.

I thought the tinkering today means that we now have more Generals in ministerial positions than before the shuffle? In fact they all kept positions in the Government and in fact two more were added.

Its one of the headline news on the BKK Post website.

Personally i don't think it makes a great deal of difference who heads the ministries, as i believe the heads do little or no work anyway and its all the civil servants below who do the leg work, which is probably why things are so difficult to change as the people have been their for decades. The only one that looks a bit funny to me is a General being Education Minister.

If it doesn't make a great deal of difference who to have as Minister why would people demand the cabinet to be changed ? Why did Ms. Yingluck always spent so much time on selecting knowledgeble, capable, full of potential people every few months? Just for fun? Maybe both PMs were just putting the 'right', dependable people in Ministerial positions and let them work on getting policies implemented by their departmental bureaucrats?

It is my opinion, which is why i wrote "personally i don't think it makes a great deal of difference" obviously other people think it does, including the General, otherwise he would not have changed them.

Your opinion seems a bit out of mainline. Lots of people including our economical experts Eric Loh and Rickirs kept on condemning certain Ministers. They always went out of the way to come with arguments why the good general should replace some.

So, I guess you never asked for replacements since you don't think it important, interesting.

[spidermike007]

Anytime Thailand appoints anyone with credentials, in the area of expertise they are to administer, it is cause for celebration in the streets! It is such a rare, and amazing thing, when someone is appointed here based on merit, and not on cronyism.

So, I say this is an astonishing development, and I applaud the government for having the vision and foresight to appoint someone who is qualified for his or her position. Let us hope he is not the last.

[jayboy]

Anytime Thailand appoints anyone with credentials, in the area of expertise they are to administer, it is cause for celebration in the streets! It is such a rare, and amazing thing, when someone is appointed here based on merit, and not on cronyism.

So, I say this is an astonishing development, and I applaud the government for having the vision and foresight to appoint someone who is qualified for his or her position. Let us hope he is not the last.

How does he have the right credentials? He is a just a bureaucrat (I'm sure a very competent one) whose soul destroying brief would be to "explain" Thailand's crushing of democracy to foreigners who do not understand his country's exceptionalism.He will fail in that mission because it is based on a lie.

Surin would have been a better choice since he is a politician rather than a bureaucrat.But even he has been far too cosy with the PDRC and other quasi fascists.Still any port in a storm.

[spidermike007]

Anytime Thailand appoints anyone with credentials, in the area of expertise they are to administer, it is cause for celebration in the streets! It is such a rare, and amazing thing, when someone is appointed here based on merit, and not on cronyism.

So, I say this is an astonishing development, and I applaud the government for having the vision and foresight to appoint someone who is qualified for his or her position. Let us hope he is not the last.

How does he have the right credentials? He is a just a bureaucrat (I'm sure a very competent one) whose soul destroying brief would be to "explain" Thailand's crushing of democracy to foreigners who do not understand his country's exceptionalism.He will fail in that mission because it is based on a lie.

Surin would have been a better choice since he is a politician rather than a bureaucrat.But even he has been far too cosy with the PDRC and other quasi fascists.Still any port in a storm.

In this country, there are always better candidates. I was referring to the shock that a former ambassador to the U.S., would be appointed to the foreign minister position. Someone with actual experience in this area. Very unusual that a minister has expertise in his or her ministerial field.

[Thai at Heart]

Anytime Thailand appoints anyone with credentials, in the area of expertise they are to administer, it is cause for celebration in the streets! It is such a rare, and amazing thing, when someone is appointed here based on merit, and not on cronyism.

So, I say this is an astonishing development, and I applaud the government for having the vision and foresight to appoint someone who is qualified for his or her position. Let us hope he is not the last.

How does he have the right credentials? He is a just a bureaucrat (I'm sure a very competent one) whose soul destroying brief would be to "explain" Thailand's crushing of democracy to foreigners who do not understand his country's exceptionalism.He will fail in that mission because it is based on a lie.

Surin would have been a better choice since he is a politician rather than a bureaucrat.But even he has been far too cosy with the PDRC and other quasi fascists.Still any port in a storm.

In this country, there are always better candidates. I was referring to the shock that a former ambassador to the U.S., would be appointed to the foreign minister position. Someone with actual experience in this area. Very unusual that a minister has expertise in his or her ministerial field.

It's good they pick people with experience. That said, making a silk purse out of this pigs ear isn't achievable.

He will say all the right things, but can't tell the international community what they want to hear. Get the constitution done, get to elections, and get the army out.

How can he explain away this apparent uber committee of army guys who are going to sit on top of the parliamentary system waiting to jump in at a moment? As it is proposed in the new constitution.

Can he tell them that the next 5 years will see a full term govt, when it's likely that ptp will win again? No protests, stability and a stable plan is what the Foreign Community particularly investors want to see.

Platitudes and smiling won't change the situation.

[spidermike007]

Anytime Thailand appoints anyone with credentials, in the area of expertise they are to administer, it is cause for celebration in the streets! It is such a rare, and amazing thing, when someone is appointed here based on merit, and not on cronyism.

So, I say this is an astonishing development, and I applaud the government for having the vision and foresight to appoint someone who is qualified for his or her position. Let us hope he is not the last.

How does he have the right credentials? He is a just a bureaucrat (I'm sure a very competent one) whose soul destroying brief would be to "explain" Thailand's crushing of democracy to foreigners who do not understand his country's exceptionalism.He will fail in that mission because it is based on a lie.

Surin would have been a better choice since he is a politician rather than a bureaucrat.But even he has been far too cosy with the PDRC and other quasi fascists.Still any port in a storm.

In this country, there are always better candidates. I was referring to the shock that a former ambassador to the U.S., would be appointed to the foreign minister position. Someone with actual experience in this area. Very unusual that a minister has expertise in his or her ministerial field.

It's good they pick people with experience. That said, making a silk purse out of this pigs ear isn't achievable.

He will say all the right things, but can't tell the international community what they want to hear. Get the constitution done, get to elections, and get the army out.

How can he explain away this apparent uber committee of army guys who are going to sit on top of the parliamentary system waiting to jump in at a moment? As it is proposed in the new constitution.

Can he tell them that the next 5 years will see a full term govt, when it's likely that ptp will win again? No protests, stability and a stable plan is what the Foreign Community particularly investors want to see.

Platitudes and smiling won't change the situation.

Of course what you are saying is correct. I was only referring to the merits of appointing someone with experience. Kind of shocking to see that.

[Thai at Heart]

Anytime Thailand appoints anyone with credentials, in the area of expertise they are to administer, it is cause for celebration in the streets! It is such a rare, and amazing thing, when someone is appointed here based on merit, and not on cronyism.

So, I say this is an astonishing development, and I applaud the government for having the vision and foresight to appoint someone who is qualified for his or her position. Let us hope he is not the last.

How does he have the right credentials? He is a just a bureaucrat (I'm sure a very competent one) whose soul destroying brief would be to "explain" Thailand's crushing of democracy to foreigners who do not understand his country's exceptionalism.He will fail in that mission because it is based on a lie.

Surin would have been a better choice since he is a politician rather than a bureaucrat.But even he has been far too cosy with the PDRC and other quasi fascists.Still any port in a storm.

In this country, there are always better candidates. I was referring to the shock that a former ambassador to the U.S., would be appointed to the foreign minister position. Someone with actual experience in this area. Very unusual that a minister has expertise in his or her ministerial field.

It's good they pick people with experience. That said, making a silk purse out of this pigs ear isn't achievable.

He will say all the right things, but can't tell the international community what they want to hear. Get the constitution done, get to elections, and get the army out.

How can he explain away this apparent uber committee of army guys who are going to sit on top of the parliamentary system waiting to jump in at a moment? As it is proposed in the new constitution.

Can he tell them that the next 5 years will see a full term govt, when it's likely that ptp will win again? No protests, stability and a stable plan is what the Foreign Community particularly investors want to see.

Platitudes and smiling won't change the situation.

Of course what you are saying is correct. I was only referring to the merits of appointing someone with experience. Kind of shocking to see that.

I was agreeing with u. He obviously likes a challenge.

I await plenty of statements that they have been told by lots of foreign countries that these countries now understand so much better what Thailand is up to.

With no quotes from the Foreign countries whatsoever.

[billd766]

Anytime Thailand appoints anyone with credentials, in the area of expertise they are to administer, it is cause for celebration in the streets! It is such a rare, and amazing thing, when someone is appointed here based on merit, and not on cronyism.

So, I say this is an astonishing development, and I applaud the government for having the vision and foresight to appoint someone who is qualified for his or her position. Let us hope he is not the last.

How does he have the right credentials? He is a just a bureaucrat (I'm sure a very competent one) whose soul destroying brief would be to "explain" Thailand's crushing of democracy to foreigners who do not understand his country's exceptionalism.He will fail in that mission because it is based on a lie.

Surin would have been a better choice since he is a politician rather than a bureaucrat.But even he has been far too cosy with the PDRC and other quasi fascists.Still any port in a storm.

In this country, there are always better candidates. I was referring to the shock that a former ambassador to the U.S., would be appointed to the foreign minister position. Someone with actual experience in this area. Very unusual that a minister has expertise in his or her ministerial field.

It's good they pick people with experience. That said, making a silk purse out of this pigs ear isn't achievable.

He will say all the right things, but can't tell the international community what they want to hear. Get the constitution done, get to elections, and get the army out.

How can he explain away this apparent uber committee of army guys who are going to sit on top of the parliamentary system waiting to jump in at a moment? As it is proposed in the new constitution.

Can he tell them that the next 5 years will see a full term govt, when it's likely that ptp will win again? No protests, stability and a stable plan is what the Foreign Community particularly investors want to see.

Platitudes and smiling won't change the situation.

In my personal opinion I don't think it matters if it is PTP or the Democrats who win as the both sides have too many uncontrollable hotheads who will NEVER meet or agree with what the other side says or does. They will always find something to protest about but they rarely seem to come up with any progressive ideas to take Thailand forward.

I would like to believe that if the PTP and the Democrats were both removed from government life would be better for all the Thai people, and then I look at the parties who would be left and all I can do is despair.

Most of the Thai politicians of all flavours and dolours I have seen in the last 20 years aren't even good enough to sweep the roads yet probably half the road sweepers would make better politicians.

[spidermike007]

It's good they pick people with experience. That said, making a silk purse out of this pigs ear isn't achievable.

He will say all the right things, but can't tell the international community what they want to hear. Get the constitution done, get to elections, and get the army out.

How can he explain away this apparent uber committee of army guys who are going to sit on top of the parliamentary system waiting to jump in at a moment? As it is proposed in the new constitution.

Can he tell them that the next 5 years will see a full term govt, when it's likely that ptp will win again? No protests, stability and a stable plan is what the Foreign Community particularly investors want to see.

Platitudes and smiling won't change the situation.

In my personal opinion I don't think it matters if it is PTP or the Democrats who win as the both sides have too many uncontrollable hotheads who will NEVER meet or agree with what the other side says or does. They will always find something to protest about but they rarely seem to come up with any progressive ideas to take Thailand forward.

I would like to believe that if the PTP and the Democrats were both removed from government life would be better for all the Thai people, and then I look at the parties who would be left and all I can do is despair.

Most of the Thai politicians of all flavours and dolours I have seen in the last 20 years aren't even good enough to sweep the roads yet probably half the road sweepers would make better politicians.

Sounds exactly as if you were describing the political parties in the US. Exactly. No viable choices. No talent. No innovative ideas. No integrity. I always say, the difference between the democrats and the republicans in the US is one choice is for a $25 Boston street whore, and the other is for a $35 Chicago street whore. Not much difference.

[Thai at Heart]

It's good they pick people with experience. That said, making a silk purse out of this pigs ear isn't achievable.

He will say all the right things, but can't tell the international community what they want to hear. Get the constitution done, get to elections, and get the army out.

How can he explain away this apparent uber committee of army guys who are going to sit on top of the parliamentary system waiting to jump in at a moment? As it is proposed in the new constitution.

Can he tell them that the next 5 years will see a full term govt, when it's likely that ptp will win again? No protests, stability and a stable plan is what the Foreign Community particularly investors want to see.

Platitudes and smiling won't change the situation.

In my personal opinion I don't think it matters if it is PTP or the Democrats who win as the both sides have too many uncontrollable hotheads who will NEVER meet or agree with what the other side says or does. They will always find something to protest about but they rarely seem to come up with any progressive ideas to take Thailand forward.

I would like to believe that if the PTP and the Democrats were both removed from government life would be better for all the Thai people, and then I look at the parties who would be left and all I can do is despair.

Most of the Thai politicians of all flavours and dolours I have seen in the last 20 years aren't even good enough to sweep the roads yet probably half the road sweepers would make better politicians.

Sounds exactly as if you were describing the political parties in the US. Exactly. No viable choices. No talent. No innovative ideas. No integrity. I always say, the difference between the democrats and the republicans in the US is one choice is for a $25 Boston street whore, and the other is for a $35 Chicago street whore. Not much difference.

What worries me is that it has now come down to the politics of personality before any ideology has been created.

Everyone is just out for power. At least in most parts of the world at least u can predict what someone's ideological belief is. In Thailand it is impossible. They just a. Do as they're told b. Steal as much as they can c. Act in their own interest.

[exbikey]

It's good they pick people with experience. That said, making a silk purse out of this pigs ear isn't achievable.

He will say all the right things, but can't tell the international community what they want to hear. Get the constitution done, get to elections, and get the army out.

How can he explain away this apparent uber committee of army guys who are going to sit on top of the parliamentary system waiting to jump in at a moment? As it is proposed in the new constitution.

Can he tell them that the next 5 years will see a full term govt, when it's likely that ptp will win again? No protests, stability and a stable plan is what the Foreign Community particularly investors want to see.

Platitudes and smiling won't change the situation.

In my personal opinion I don't think it matters if it is PTP or the Democrats who win as the both sides have too many uncontrollable hotheads who will NEVER meet or agree with what the other side says or does. They will always find something to protest about but they rarely seem to come up with any progressive ideas to take Thailand forward.

I would like to believe that if the PTP and the Democrats were both removed from government life would be better for all the Thai people, and then I look at the parties who would be left and all I can do is despair.

Most of the Thai politicians of all flavours and dolours I have seen in the last 20 years aren't even good enough to sweep the roads yet probably half the road sweepers would make better politicians.

Sounds exactly as if you were describing the political parties in the US. Exactly. No viable choices. No talent. No innovative ideas. No integrity. I always say, the difference between the democrats and the republicans in the US is one choice is for a $25 Boston street whore, and the other is for a $35 Chicago street whore. Not much difference.

25 Bucks in Boston! That's cheaper than on Bangla, Patong....ahem allegedly, so I'm told etc.