3 - Major Foreign Policy Initiatives: The Making of a Hegemonic Power?

Summary

Thailand's foreign policy was under the direct dictation of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra throughout 2001–06. During this period, two foreign ministers, Surakiart Sathirathai and Kantathi Suphamongkhon, were appointed to oversee the country's external affairs and to realize Thaksin's grandiose foreign policy initiatives. Whereas the former is a well-known law professor and Thailand's youngest finance minister (during the Banharn Silpa-archa government, 1995–96), the latter is a former diplomat from a respected family background. Thaksin was one of the few Thai leaders who had a clear mindset on how to express his global ambitions and put forward his foreign policy initiatives, and who also possessed a bold vision on how Thailand should play its role in the international arena. His foreign policy was designed to propel Thailand into the new century where its presence would be firmly felt within and beyond the region, and more importantly, to extend influence on mainland Southeast Asia through his economic diplomacy. It was to prioritize relations and cooperation with Asia by taking an Asian approach. Labelling it the “Forward Engagement Policy”, he made known his intention to maintain good ties with neighbouring countries. Under this policy, Thailand also upheld the principle of non-intervention in its neighbours' internal affairs. The evident shortcoming of this policy was that consideration for human rights and democracy seemed to be less emphasized in the conduct of foreign affairs.

Foreign Minister Surakiart made a foreign policy declaration to Parliament on 26 February 2001, underscoring five essential objectives:

1. Conduct foreign policy with an emphasis on proactive economic policy as well as other forms of diplomacy with a view to restoring and strengthening Thailand's international relations as well as seeking international cooperation in all fields.

2. Uphold the principles of security, development and international peace-building with a view to enhancing justice under the framework of the United Nations and related international organizations of which Thailand is a member.

3. […]