Yingluck's bio booklet makes the scene at Asean Summit

The eight-page booklet made of fine paper, entitled “Yingluck Shinawatra, the 28th Prime Minister of Thailand”, outlines her brief biography, profile and work experiences. She is described in the bio as “a business executive, entrepreneur, developer, and loving mother”.

 

“Although a newcomer in Thai politics, Ms Yingluck brings with her a new hope for unity and the determination to move the country forward ... As Thailand’s prime minister, Ms Yingluck is committed to democracy, good governance, rule of law, and to delivering benefits solely for the interest of the public,” according to the bio, entitled “Yingluck Shinawatra: Leadership for Growth, Happiness and Unity”.

 

The booklet also includes the prime minister’s statement when receiving royal command on her appointment on August 8. Her photo was featured on a full inside page, with the message “New hope for unity and the determination to move the country forward”.

 

Two quotes from her statement were highlighted. “I will use my endeavor to build happiness and alleviate the plight of the people, with the fullest of my ability. I will not work for any particular group, but I will work for Thailand and all Thai people.” 

 

“I consider to be a ‘promise of my heart’ it will be a great duty and responsibility in giving back to the country and in serving the people, which I will do with great pride,” another quote says.

 

On the back cover, it is stated that the booklet is produced by the “Government Spokesman Bureau, Government House, Thailand”.

 

The Thai prime minister is on the Indonesian resort island of Bali to attend the 19th Asean Summit and Related Summits.

 

No similar introductory documents were distributed by any of the 17 other government leaders attending the Asean Summit and East Asia Summit in Bali.

 

Copies of Yingluck’s booklet were available at the Media Centre at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre. Some people picked up copies and put them back after quickly scanning the content. But a few hours after they were made available, all of some 30 copies were taken, although some journalists were not impressed. 

 

A Singaporean reporter said he thought it was “unusual” for Asean leaders to distribute copies of their profile to the media at the summit, even for a new government leader like Yingluck. Another reporter from Singapore said she picked up a copy because she wanted to know more about Thailand’s first woman prime minister.

 

A senior Filipino journalist said, “I think this is promotion”. “Or could it be propaganda?” she joked.

 

An editor from another Asean country said that from his experience, it was new for him to see a leader’s biographical booklet being distributed at an international forum. Another experienced journalist frequently covering international conferences agreed, saying he had never seen this either.