New foreign minister's diplomatic credentials seen as asset

“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.