Summits more than just photo opportunities
BANGKOK: When Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra enters a camera’s frame, she is very photogenic. She was the centre of attention at the Asean summit meetings.
Unfortunately, the summits are not about photo-ops alone. They are about substance, policies, the future of the region. Thailand’s contribution in Phnom Penh was not discernible. What she said did not seem to gain any interest. No one quoted her.
Indeed, Yingluck has turned the art of diplomacy into sessions for reading English text. But the ability to communicate in English is not the point. Many world leaders choose to speak their own language, if that allows them to express their thoughts and ideas more effectively.
Yingluck, however, fails to articulate her points in English. She should have used the Thai language and a translator, to make her feel at ease with the text. She insisted on using English. Something is very wrong in the conduct of Thai diplomacy.
The Pheu Thai Party has continually stated that it is not necessary for the Thai leader to speak English because it is the quality of leadership and the substance that counts. That is true. However, judging from the latest summit, neither of these qualities came to the fore in Cambodia. It is not surprising that the international media, including the Cambodian press, did not notice any of her comments, or for that matter, any from the Thai delegation.
Views from Thailand used to get more attention. Thailand used to be more influential in shaping the direction of regional cooperation. As a leading Asean member, what a Thai leader said mattered. Now, it is a different story.
The government must revise its diplomatic strategy when the prime minister engages with foreign leaders. The premier should have been assisted by her deputies. Unfortunately, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul failed to do the job.
Yingluck’s constituency may be content to see her performing the role of ceremonial leader, appearing at various events domestically.
Cabinet members may be able to spin her comments for a domestic audience. But when she appears on the world stage, she represents the interests of Thailand. She has to ensure that the country can benefit from bilateral or multilateral talks. Otherwise, she should find a strong team of foreign affairs experts to do so. But she does not have this option because most of her Cabinet members were not selected because of their ability.
Developed countries appoint their representatives from the best and most qualified people to represent their country’s interest.
Yingluck’s statements are often treated as throwaway comments. For instance, when she attended the UN meeting earlier this year, she should have articulated Thailand’s desired direction in a constantly changing world. Unfortunately, the most memorable quote turned out to be her wish to bring “a woman’s touch to addressing” the South China Sea disputes. Whoever advised Yingluck to say this during the Asia Society meeting in New York should be dismissed.
Recently, there has been a number of visits from foreign leaders. This is a telling sign of the strategic importance other nations place on Thailand.
Foreign leaders want to visit this country so they can promote their national interest. Just look at ThaiUS relations and what visiting US President Barack Obama has accomplished. Just examine what South Korea got with the visit of President Lee Myung-bak.
If the Thai leader can engage seriously with other leaders and be on top of the discussion, it will increase the country’s profile and augment the country’s interests. So far, it is just smiling and sitting pretty.
Thailand’s foreign policy has been in the doldrums for the past few years. It is time that something was done to ensure that the country’s national interests are well represented at all times. The success of our leader on the international stage is not measured by looking good in photo opportunities.
Of course, a leader does not always have to be serious. But Yingluck has been too “playful” for too long. She has to get serious now, or Thailand should get the right person to fill the void.