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Thailand's chance to boost its place in the world today
Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Each year at this time, Thailand has the opportunity to display its public face for the world to see. The other 192 members of the United Nations will have the same opportunity to present their countries at their best or otherwise.

This year commemorates the 70th anniversary of the founding of the world-body as well as the launching of the post-2015 Millennium Development Goals. More than 150 world leaders, including Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, are in New York for the annual gathering.

At the podium, leaders of the superpowers will focus on the global order and their contributions to shaping it. All will emphasise how their policies and visions have made the world better and safer, even though in reality their reports are different altogether. The UN General Assembly permits each country to tell its own story, imagined or real.

It has become customary for members of the UN Security Council to accentuate their peace-making roles, especially how they have saved the world from the ravages of war and conflicts around it. Obviously, they will turn a blind eye to their own ugly veto votes that sometimes cause yet more harm as their actions keep conflict on the ground continuing unabated.

The leaders from medium-sized powers will turn attention to developmental issues that have made the world an unequal place, where the majority of the world's population still lives under two dollars a day. Their speeches will be completely different from those superpowers that brag about their significant contributions. Eradication of poverty, improvement of education, bridging digital divides, cooperation on climate change are their concerns.

The majority of UN members are developing countries. So they have different agendas and focuses. Their speeches normally dwell on how their countries have struggled to cope with domestic challenges brought about by external change. They will certainly ignore internal problems brought about by their own malfeasance and short-sightedness.

When it is time for Prayut to give the speech of his life on 29 September, it would be wise to keep in mind the country's unique quality and character. First of all, Thailand is a free and liberal democratic country. It has been our country's objective since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932. After 83 years, our endeavours continue. At the moment, we have a military government running the show. Prayut has to be "truthful" in assessing his government's performance to the global stage.

There will be no need to focus on his dedication and hard work on the home fronts — nobody wants to know out there. In previous years, the Thai leaders' UN speeches often dwelled on this aspect. Prayut must concentrate on the outcomes. Since last May's power seizure, Thailand's international image resembled an endless roller-coaster ride because Prayut's teams were not level-headed and balanced in their implementation of policy announcements and vision. Lack of consistency has eroded the public confidence and caused misperception of the country's image and policies. His most important message to the UN would be the assurance that Thailand is and will be a liberal democratic country.

Secondly, while Thailand is currently trying to clean up its house both economically and politically, it has not abandoned it international responsibilities and ambitions. That explains why Thailand has not pulled out its bid for a non-permanent seat of UN Security Council (2017-2018). It was first made in 1986, when Thailand first served in the UNSC. Over the past three decades, the world has changed and the country needs to get acquainted with new global challenges. The bid would allow Thailand to discover new friends and connect to new platforms.

In addition, the long-held notion that Thailand's all-embracing friendliness to every country in the world would save it from harmful activities has now been blown to smithereens after the Erawan Shrine bomb last month. It was a wake-up call for Thai decision- makers to make deep soul-searching on the country's traditional practices and responses with foreign countries near and far. From now on, Thailand has to seriously balance national interests and concerns of all major powers, different regions and ethnic communities as never before.

Internationally, the country has an excellent track record on international peace-keeping - the merit the Thais earned was seldom appreciated due to the military's perception at home.

Promotion of gender equality is another strong area the country is promoting, both in workplaces and in peacekeeping operations. As a medium-sized country, Thailand views itself as a bridge builder for the developed and developing countries. Bangkok has also participated actively in the preparation of 17 targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Several development forums have been initiated with African, South Asia and South Pacific countries. Thailand's International Cooperation Agency has been providing hundreds of scholarships and training sessions to citizens of these nations.

Finally, in relation to the SDGs and Thailand's place in the world, the country should be proud of its long history of implementing sustainable economic development policies; the Thai monarchy is a valuable stakeholder of such practice in our land. Proper discussion and assessments are needed as part of SDGs locally and internationally. The UN forum is a great place to begin this whole process. Prayut should keep this in mind whenever the SDGs are being mentioned and discussed. Otherwise, the whole narrative of SDGs, in which Thailand could easily be the world's leading country, would be forever opaque.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Thailands-chance-to-boost-its-place-in-the-world-t-30269206.html


-- The Nation 2015-09-21

[alant]

Sustainable Economic Development policies. Interested to know those, where can I find?

[jalansanitwong]

Theres enough hot air going through the UN every year to raise the Titanic.

The only countries that anyone takes any notice of are those with nukes, the rest are just bystanders..

When Generalissimo PM Prayuth makes his speech about economic prosperity for Thais, unity ,happiness and Thainess most diplomats will either be asleep or not in attendance.

Everyone knows that Thailand gets rich out of foreigners money. Just ask any farang married to a Thai.

I wonder if he'll wear his military uniform with all the medals and ribbons?

He may as well because he was never democratically elected and never will be.

Edited September 21, 2015 by jalansanitwong

[Muirton]

The number of UN members listening to the head of the current administration may be enough to get a bridge game going. Maybe not.

[Laughing Gravy]

If Thailand wants to join the UN as a non permanent member it has to abide by the rules and like a member of the country club (golf) pay its dues. The chance of that happening at the moment is zero in my opinion.

The article puts a big spin on what Thailand would like to be seen like by the rest of the world but not what is really happening.

The part of ensuring that Thailand is and will be a liberal democratic country is laughable.

How can it be when even the current people in power keep stating that Thailand isn't ready for a democracy (well the way it should be)n and those who don't agree will get attitude adjustment. I look forward to hearing how he will explain that to the UN.

Edited September 21, 2015 by Laughing Gravy

[ldiablo]

Also, Thailands chance to lower its place in the world today.

[ldiablo]

Internationally, the country has an excellent track record on international peace-keeping and a horrible record at domestic peace-keeping.

[godden]

More chance of getting sh*t out of a rocking horse

[waldroj]

Thailand is a free and liberal democratic country…At the moment, we have a military government running the show.

Oh My Lord, better take a new translator to the UN with you!

[jalansanitwong]

Internationally, the country has an excellent track record on international peace-keeping and a horrible record at domestic peace-keeping.

True, but who is paying for it ? The Thai government isnt going to spend 1 billion baht on international peacekeeping in Dark Africa.

It'll come out of the US military aid budget or maybe the UN will check bin. In other words, the western taxpayer will foot the bill not Thailand.

Looking after people domestically costs very little. Throw them some dirty 3 y/old Yingluck pledge rice daily and some drinking water. Cheap.

[Lupatria]

I am a little surprised that a nation that does not miss any opportunity to show the world that internationally recognized rules do not apply here (human rights / Press Freedom / Human Trafficking / free elections / UUI and air traffic safety) ever wants to join an international organization. Especially after proving the country could not even in 10 years prepare for ASEAN. Hard to believe the retired general will have the guts to tell the UN: “Democracy your style is a trap- that’s why we modify it to our convenience.”

[maidee]

sure thailand advanced this year right

starting to give some basic rights to farangs , you know, the right to live with your family without yearly hastle, right to buy your little piece of land to put the house in your name, the freedom to work without all the red tape ... stuff like that, you know, things thais married to farangs in other countries get ...

or was that just a dream ?

[FredNL]

Thailand's chance to boost its place in the world today

For me, Thailand has got the #1 place on the list of countries that makes you laugh !

Anyone knows a country more laughable ???

[phoenixdoglover]

The General's speech at the UN, like this article from The Nation, will gloss over reality, favoring instead a sanitized and superficial notion of Thailand. In other words, face is more important than honesty.

To be fair, many world leaders practice this sort of whitewashing, especially on the stage at the UN.

[soalbundy]

They'll blow it, they always do.

[Thaidream]

You might check out the United States.

[Sam Jones]

General PM trying to get UN to listen to his wisdom ... like an orangutang trying to be a dentist ...

[Srikcir]

"the country has an excellent track record on international peace-keeping"

Currently there are Thai police participating under UN authority in assuring peaceful elections in Haiti.

How is that for a paradox?

[oneday]

The UN General Assembly permits each country to tell its own story, imagined or real.

Lots of imagination will be used for Thailand...no doubt about it!

[elgordo38]

Prayut has to be "truthful" in assessing his government's performance to the global stage. Self explanatory

[Benmart]

The mouse that roared".

[Dustdevil]

sure thailand advanced this year right

starting to give some basic rights to farangs , you know, the right to live with your family without yearly hastle, right to buy your little piece of land to put the house in your name, the freedom to work without all the red tape ... stuff like that, you know, things thais married to farangs in other countries get ...

or was that just a dream ?

They're afraid you'll pick up the land and house and take it with you back to your home country.

[ronwparker]

What a joke-Thailand has such a bad record and with an unelected ex General as PM-they stand no chance!

[fred Kubasa]

Best bet if he pled illness and stayed home !

[gamini]

Why don't you all wait and see what our PM says at the UN instead of making all these stupid posts. I guess hardly any of you know much about many other countries which have worse goverments. None of you seem to understand how Thais feel at present about this government. Most consider it the lesser of two evils.

[waldroj]

Why don't you all wait and see what our PM says at the UN instead of making all these stupid posts. I guess hardly any of you know much about many other countries which have worse goverments. None of you seem to understand how Thais feel at present about this government. Most consider it the lesser of two evils.

Due to the rice subsidy controversy, would it not be better to suggest it's the lesser of two weevils!

[Baerboxer]

"the country has an excellent track record on international peace-keeping"

Currently there are Thai police participating under UN authority in assuring peaceful elections in Haiti.

How is that for a paradox?

Indeed.

Pity the Thai police refused to do their duty at home, on so many occasions.

[mikemac]

I am a little surprised that a nation that does not miss any opportunity to show the world that internationally recognized rules do not apply here (human rights / Press Freedom / Human Trafficking / free elections / UUI and air traffic safety) ever wants to join an international organization. Especially after proving the country could not even in 10 years prepare for ASEAN. Hard to believe the retired general will have the guts to tell the UN: “Democracy your style is a trap- that’s why we modify it to our convenience.”

......................"that internationally recognized rules do not apply here (human rights / Press Freedom / Human Trafficking / free elections / UUI and air traffic safety".......................

and yet, despite all those negatives, millions of foreigners are attracted to this crazy country every year. Some to holiday and some to live permanently.

As far as democracy goes, have a look at the list of member states of the UN. Some of them have histories of Military Coups and very "undemocratic" behavior. Zimbabwe comes to mind.

[soalbundy]

Why don't you all wait and see what our PM says at the UN instead of making all these stupid posts. I guess hardly any of you know much about many other countries which have worse goverments. None of you seem to understand how Thais feel at present about this government. Most consider it the lesser of two evils.

OUR PM ?

[chainarong]

Internationally, the country has an excellent track record on international peace-keeping and a horrible record at domestic peace-keeping.

True, but who is paying for it ? The Thai government isnt going to spend 1 billion baht on international peacekeeping in Dark Africa.

It'll come out of the US military aid budget or maybe the UN will check bin. In other words, the western taxpayer will foot the bill not Thailand.

Looking after people domestically costs very little. Throw them some dirty 3 y/old Yingluck pledge rice daily and some drinking water. Cheap.

I remember when they came down to Timor for 6 months, support was supplied by OZ, but they did a very good job , some got a UN citation for bravery.