Turning Bangkok into Geneva of Asia

It is an irony that this government would have such a noble plan. And, most importantly, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-Ocha is deadly seriously about it. He envisages Bangkok as a hub for international organizations and convention in the years to come. In his view, Bangkok should be able to compete with well-known niche cities of the world such as New York, London, Paris or Tokyo. And Geneva has been chosen.
Given the country’s checkered records on democracy, human rights and freedom of expression, this could be an uphill task.
At present, Bangkok hosts nearly 60 international organizations – most of them belonged to UN-related agencies and regional organizations with privileges and immunities described in the Vienna Convention of 1961. It was granted on a case by a case basis.
Since the coup in 2014, Thailand has suffered from democratic deficits due to the tighter control of civil rights groups and their movement. Freedom of expression including media has also been curtailed. At various periods in the country’s history, Thailand was considered a haven of international human rights organizations and rights activities. In the 1930’s, Thailand even host independent fighters from across the region.
But political uncertainties that has engulfed the country as it entered the second millennium has led to knee-jerk political response and mistrust that essentially tarnished its image and international standing on rights issues.
Least we forgot, Thailand was the first developing country in the region that incorporated the promotion of democracy and human rights as one of its foreign policy tenets. The Chuan government (1997-2001) did exactly that with Dr. Surin Pitsuwan as foreign minister. It represented the golden era of the country’s democratic development and liberalism both domestically and internationally.
It is not surprising that some of the Thai military leaders are very conscious of their international profiles as they covet recognition and respect from abroad. Even though they are dreadful of the outspokenness of Bangkok-based international organizations, they are still tolerant of foreign criticism. UN agencies, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International as well as other less well-known organizations have been closely monitoring the situation in Thailand. They are not afraid to speak out.
Franking speaking, it is still a high learning curve, if Bangkok is to become another Geneva. As a host country, Thailand needs to enact new laws that would provide protection of these foreign organizations and their officials according to the Vienna Convention 1961 regarding privileges and immunities. Thailand still does not have a law that would provide such protections to these international civil servants and experts. But a draft law on this particular aspect is now under vetting by the State Council for sometimes.
Recently Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has informed the Thai government that it would like to set up its regional headquarter in Bangkok. For the time being, the IDEA’s relocation from Canberra has been delayed depending on the Thai government’s decision as well the outcome of State Council’s deliberation.
At this juncture, the council’s members are divided over the draft law. Some of them hold that such privileges and immunities would undermine the country’s sovereignty and standing. They fear that some international organizations might not be friendly with Thailand. As a result, they want to maintain the status quo—with a case to case consideration. For the supporters, a more liberal law would attract more international organizations and conventions to set up offices and hold conventions in Bangkok. The country will benefit from their presence, expertise and know-how.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects the State Council would be able to approve and overcome their difference soon. So that the draft law would be approved by the National Assembly by mid-year. It is hoped that soon the country will have the first law provide such a comprehensive protection. Then, the dream of turning Bangkok into Geneva 2 could be realized.