Pondering future Thai diplomatic strategies
By Kavi Chongkittavorn 
The Nation

 

BANGKOK: -- Thailand is in a deep mourning period after the passing of HM the King - but his servants at the Foreign Ministry continue to work unabated.

 

Later this week, all Thai ambassadors stationed abroad will be summoned home to spend a couple of days in a downtown hotel to deliberate on a five-year strategy for the country’s external relations. This is a challenging task, coming one day after the November 8 presidential election in the US.

Indeed, Thailand is going through a tumultuous time. To reposition the country for the next five years (2017-2021), at least a few key broad trends must be discerned related to domestic, regional and international environments.

First of all, there is the state of Thai democracy and viability. Obviously, the kind of liberal democracy we wish for remains inspirational. But Thailand is gradually returning to the system all too familiar after the political changes following 1932.

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/opinion/kavi/30299317

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-11-07

Strategy 1 - continue making positive statements about LoS, the junta, the road map etc on behalf of other govts and organisations.

7 hours ago, webfact said:

First of all, there is the state of Thai democracy and viability. Obviously, the kind of liberal democracy we wish for remains inspirational. But Thailand is gradually returning to the system all too familiar after the political changes following 1932.

Well said. I am working on my 5 year plan to. I am 78 and hoping to live till 83 Lord willing and the creek don't rise. I can relate a little to 1932 as I was born in 1938 a war baby and the war drums are beating again in the world. Part of their 5 year plan no doubt is to erase the Shins from politics forever but looking at the rice sale she attended she may yet do an end run around our dear general. Smart lady good looking to. Flower power may yet be more powerful than gun powder. The general seems to take one day at a time but she is way ahead of him. She is a real strategist but hangs onto to her brothers coattails to much. That was her downfall from grace but like the Phoenix she may yet rise up. 

Well, i hear that!

Then start by getting your embassies on a line for once i'd say, so far they do as they please - as in: making up BC just as they go along and see fit ... 

another meeting. would be nice to see some thing productive come from it. 3 suggestions,

get foreign manufacturers back into thailand, or at least stop them leaving. this will requite the tax breaks reinstated that the army removed.

sort out the farming sector with getting some diversity of crops. 

help the tourist industry with decent longer term visas for tourists. if they show proof of funds then let them stay. market thailand as friendly to expat retirees and actually be friendly to the people who want to retire here to spend and add to the economy.