PM calls on ‘Team Thailand’ to boost economic diplomacy
Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin on Tuesday underscored the government’s policy of proactive economic diplomacy to Thai ambassadors and consular officials as a strategy to boost people’s well-being and enhance national interests.
Srettha presided over the 2023 meeting of Thai ambassadors, consuls-general, commercial attachés and investment attachés to countries around the world at the Vithes Samosorn Building in Bangkok.
The PM called for “Team Thailand”, namely ambassadors, diplomats, agricultural and commercial attachés and representatives of government agencies, to work together to set the direction and strategy for the new era of foreign policy, making it tangible and what he called “edible” diplomacy.
Srettha emphasised the importance of customer-centric government and a sense of urgency, as well as the need for a paradigm shift that focuses more on why this task needs to be done, its impacts, and how it can be achieved.
The PM proposed two function-based frameworks for laying out working strategies. The first of these relates to economic diplomacy such as trade and investment promotion. Srettha wants Team Thailand to liaise with the private sector, guiding and communicating with them on market knowledge and economic insights. Officials need to work proactively to ensure the Thai private sector’s prompt response and action, and to encourage and facilitate foreigners to visit Thailand either for tourism or business, he said.
The PM reaffirmed Thailand’s neutral diplomacy and the country’s position as a friend to every country.
Thailand needs to understand the dynamics of each country and harness the information gained to enhance trade and investment opportunities for the national benefit.
Srettha then called on Team Thailand to utilise proactive economic diplomacy by working together to craft an integrative and inclusive action plan for the promotion of trade, import and export, and both inward and outward foreign direct investment.
The second framework relates to Thailand’s dignity and integrity, and assistance provided to overseas Thais and Thai businesses. The PM also underscored the protection of the country’s dignity and honour of the royal family.
Team Thailand must place great importance on professionalism and responsibility, he said, adding that Thai delegations must create a positive work culture as professional diplomats in overseas missions.
