Look farther, and find the answers

There is much going on across Asia of tremendous global importance, but you wouldn’t know it from listening to the political parties campaigning ahead of the March 24 general election. Granted that issues deriving from international relations generate little interest among voters and that what Bill Clinton once trumpeted – “It’s the economy, stupid!” – remains the most compelling message any campaigner can use today.
But none of this means we should shun pre-election dialogue about international relations and foreign policy. Thailand suffers from a dearth of people in government and the bureaucracy who fully grasp the importance of foreign relations, and the latter are not encouraged to conceive progressive or bold moves, remaining content to merely toe the line. Others experts in the field are constrained in ivory towers. There is no independent think-tank in Thailand to which they might contribute valuable ideas.
With the election just three weeks away, no one in the running for office has yet broached subjects such as the rise of China or even what the US-China trade spat is doing to the Thai economy. We should be discussing what might happen here if the United States, our treaty ally, confronts China more forcefully. What would be our response? 
Thailand welcomes millions of Chinese visitors every year and seeks to maintain that tourism boon even in the face of gaffes like Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan’s foolish remarks about the Phuket boat accident in which 47 Chinese travellers died. Chinese citizens were apoplectic over his suggestion that their compatriots were somehow to blame, though Beijing did not exploit the incident for political gain, possibly to prevent Thai-US relations strengthened further.
Another glaring example of events occurring beyond our borders but nevertheless affecting us significantly is the mass influx of Rohingya boat people from Myanmar that started a decade ago. Thai marine forces were globally portrayed as heartless when they blocked the first wave from landing here. International condemnation forced a change in policy, but severe mistrust lingered over human trafficking along the western coast that has seen bribes paid to local government officials. In the most publicised event, government security officials were among the many people arrested, but in the world’s eyes the damage was already done. And meanwhile no one ever found the courage to point out the source of the problem, which is Myanmar’s brutal treatment of its Muslim minorities including the Rohingya.
Thailand is this year taking its turn as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a position presents a prime opportunity to shine a light on issues of global importance and, in doing so, enhance the Kingdom’s international standing. We have begun what should be a highly auspicious year, being in charge of Asean and about to hold an election that represents military autocrats returning the mandate to the people. With the coronation in May, His Majesty the King will formally begin his reign as head of state.
We should then proceed with unwavering confidence and bring before the 10-nation Asean bloc issues of dire consequence that heretofore have been avoided. This is a chance to get far more Southeast Asians interested in foreign affairs. Let us remind our own citizens and those across the region that we must take a united stand on crucial matters, regardless of locality. This is Thailand, and Asean was after all founded in Bangkok. Let’s take it forward.