Diplomatic antics

Thanks for the unique sequence of articles by Kavi Chongkittavorn and Thitinan Pongsudhirak on Thai foreign policy in the July 20 and 21 publications.

Should we consider Ajarn Thitinan’s assessment of Thailand as an “aberration and a misconstruction of the country’s conduct”, given that Khun Kavi characterises Thailand as “an independent country with an independent foreign policy”? Ajarn Thitinan describes Thai diplomacy rather as guided by inner contradictions and the hedging self-interest of elites by means of shady opportunism vis-à-vis the conflicting influences of big powers.

Kavi, by contrast, is guided by the heroic principles which Kavi sees in his role model foreign minister Thanat Khoman.

What both do not mention is that by now Thai foreign policy includes US$78 million (2.6 billion baht) in Official Development Assistance (ODA) which it gives to countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, according to the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA).

This development assistance is to a large extent inspired by the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.

Hopefully this impressive brand of foreign assistance, actively promoted in the G77 framework, will eventually reflect in domestic policies prioritising sustainable development.

Thailand will transcend its double standards and will be able to show real leadership.

HANS