Mixed reactions to Kasit's new role

EXPERTS and politicians have expressed mixed opinions over former foreign minister Kasit Piromya’s role as the foreign-affairs voice for a new foundation. 

Some said he would help support Thailand, while others doubted he would be pro-government. 

Kasit, who is also a former ambassador to the United States, was appointed foreign-affairs representative of the People’s Democratic Reform Foundation with the goal of forging a mutual understanding between Thailand and the international community.

Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda denied any possible connection between the foundation and the government and the military’s ruling National Council for Peace and Order. 

He also insisted there would be equal treatment towards all parties, claiming that the foundation had been allowed to hold a news briefing because it didn’t touch on politics. 

The foundation’s chairman Suthep Thaugsuban mentioned Kasit’s role during the news conference on Thursday.

Panitan Wattanayagorn, an international-relations academic from Chulalongkorn University, said Kasit would likely act in favour of national interests and not for any particular group, including the current military-led government.

“It is understood that foreign policies belong to a state only, not anyone else. They can be driven by different governments, but their long-term strategies always remain the same and are always for the benefit of the country,” said Panitan, a key adviser to Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.

Panitan saw a positive in Kasit’s possible interaction with foreign countries. “It’s not unusual for a non-political, pro-society foundation to help build a better understanding towards Thailand for outsiders. 

“I think this kind of organisation should get more support in Thailand,” he added, citing examples like the US-based Rockefeller Foundation and the Asia Foundation in relation to their roles in enhancing mutual knowledge. “It will help accompany Thailand to go through modern diplomacy.”

He added, however, that Kasit should be well prepared to show the foundation’s independence from politics. 

Meanwhile, Surapong Tovichakchaikul, who served as foreign minister in the previous democratically elected government, said he expected Kasit would first explain to foreign countries how Thailand needed “reform” before an election was held.

But Surapong has doubts over whether it would be necessary to do that, as bodies like the National Reform Council have already been progressive with their work on drafting the next constitution.

“This is basically their big play. They can show it to some groups of people, but they cannot lure the rest, including foreign countries,” he added. “It should be reminded that they have watched our democratic progress.”

Thammasat University political scientist Attasit Pankaew said the foundation would be prone to taking a parallel line with the government to back up reform work before elections.

“The foundation is choosing to proceed in a supporting role [to the government], rather than a leading role [that they took in the past],” Attasit noted.

Kasit’s upcoming role indicates the foundation’s intent to support the government, as the regime currently seems to be stumbling to maintain Thailand’s foreign affairs properly, he added. He said Kasit’s work would resemble that of a lobbyist attempting to counter similar moves by the pro-Thaksin camp.“Kasit should be cautious not to infringe on the government’s work. He may instead use his own networks and connections to fulfil this mission,” said Attasit, adding that the appropriateness of Kasit’s efforts would depend on his approach.

 The French Embassy approached by The Nation declined to comment.