Govt's foreign policy slammed

The government's ineptitude on foreign affairs has been reflected by Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul's moves to do little but map out a way to get Thaksin's passport back, panellist Kiatichai Pongpanich said in a seminar sponsored by Ramkhamhaeng University's Faculty of Political Science.

In his first month in office, Surapong has only paid attention to Thaksin's homecoming, but has shown no clear direction about the country's diplomacy, he said.

Another panellist Surachai Sirikrai said he did not detect any new initiatives on foreign relations as per the government's policy statement.

"Pheu Thai Party has so many capable individuals, but they picked Surapong as foreign minister," he said, speculating that the choice was based on loyalty to Thaksin rather than experience.

Surachai said the country had lost its pre-eminent position within Asean due to domestic conflict.

He also voiced concern about the Thai-Cambodian overlapping maritime zone, saying that the government should allow a full public debate on the benefits of jointly developing the zone.

He also urged Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to create a team of competent advisers who could help her deal with the unresolved dispute over the 4.6 square kilometres near Preah Vihear Temple.

Panellist Dhanasarit Satawedin said he wanted to know if this government would bow to a bully like Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

He said Thailand only had trouble with one country, Cambodia, and that three previous leaders, namely Thaksin, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Somchai Wongsawat had yielded to Hun Sen.  Abhisit Vejjajiva was the only leader who refused to sacrifice national interest for the sake of "good ties".