Foreign policy on course

First and foremost, the country’s foreign policy is aimed at protecting and promoting the nation’s interest as a whole, building upon our long-recognised humanitarian tradition and based upon universally accepted principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Second, one should not expect headlines about the country’s diplomacy and the conduct of foreign policy every day. While Thailand has several foreign policy objectives, as with successive governments, the priority remains the promotion of relations with neighbouring countries. Relations with our immediate neighbours have now moved from daily constant problem solving of the past to a forward-looking partnership, whereby Thailand seeks to contribute to long-term peace and prosperity of the region. Success here depends upon the development of trust and confidence with these countries. And this has certainly been achieved over the past year, with peace and stability restored to border areas, frequent exchanges of high-level visits, increased trade, more people-to-people exchanges and enhanced cooperative endeavours. All these, while important in themselves, are an integral part of the overall effort to advance common prosperity between Thailand and our neighbours. 

It should in particular be pointed out that Thailand has been a strong and consistent supporter of the process of democratisation, national reconciliation and economic development in Myanmar. Thailand will continue to work closely with Myanmar, as Myanmar moves forward with her reforms. The recent signing of the MOU on development cooperation in Myanmar during the official visit of President Thein Sein to Thailand is the clearest testament to our seriousness and commitment.

Third, in keeping with our conviction on the importance of a strong, vibrant and forward-looking Asean, Thailand continues to play a constructive role in always moving Asean agenda forward in the context of the community building process in Southeast Asia and the broader East Asia. Thailand has never shied away from coming up with fresh initiatives that will benefit the region, particularly addressing the development gap within the region, so that all Asean countries can advance together towards an Asean Community. This can clearly be seen in the areas of disaster management, combating drugs, promoting connectivity and development cooperation. Indeed, connectivity has been an issue that Thailand has consistently advocated. Given ourstrategic geographical location in mainland Southeast Asia, Thailand has a unique role to play and will continue to advocate the broader cause of Asean, which is a key to the success of the region’s community and integration efforts.

Fourth, the South China Sea issue is unquestionably an important issue. It is also a delicate one. Rather than grandstanding overtures, quiet diplomacy is therefore required to create and nurture a constructive and non-confrontational environment for progress on this issue. As the present Asean-China Dialogue Coordinator, rest assured that Thailand intends to play a proactive role and will continue to do its best to cultivate an environment conducive for cooperation, forging partnerships and bridging differences, based upon the mutual trust and confidence of all parties concerned.

Fifth, relations with the major powers continue to strengthen. During the prime minister’s official visits to India and China earlier this year, it was agreed that their relations with Thailand would be elevated to a strategic partnership and a comprehensive strategic partnership, respectively. With Japan, both sides agreed during the prime minister’s official visit there to further strengthen the already comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. In June, the Fourth US-Thailand Strategic Dialogue was held. Kicked off by talks at the ministerial level for the first time, both reaffirmed their commitment to furthering the US-Thai strategic partnership. Expressions of similar interest to forge and strengthen strategic partnerships with Thailand have been made by other partners, all of which we welcome and appreciate.

In conclusion, it would be wrong to belittle Thailand’s foreign policy achievements. Our policy success is not about capturing headlines and making fanfare but about putting Thailand’s diplomacy on a firm and steady course, whereby we are at peace with all our neighbours, progressing in economic development together with countries within the region and contributing in a constructive and responsible way to the common security and prosperity of the region and the international community.

 

Thani Thongphakdi is director-general of the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs