Deputy Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai claims international engagement with Thailand is gradually improving after the formation of the interim government, saying relations will change as the country moves back to democracy.
In a special interview after becoming deputy minister, the former ambassador to the United Nations expressed confidence that good relations do not change even under military rule, and that the current situation reflects the reality.
“A number of our diplomatic friends are lining up for courtesy calls, both at prime minister and foreign minister level. It clearly proves that Thailand is stabilised and our political developments, starting from May 22, have been in their sights so they are able to change their position,” he said.
“They understand that there are several routes to reach a destination, that is why there are many ambassadors, particularly from Western countries, that want to call us. They may invite us to pay visits in the near future, but I don’t want to clarify that as it has yet to happen,” he added.
Mr Don said sincerity and friendship are key factors in country relationships, but “interests” are the most significant factor.
“We acknowledge this point — ‘interest’. It is important and a basic rule of a relationship, even for people. But deep inside a relationship is caring and there is sustainable friendship,’’ Mr Don said.
“If they know us well, they will not hesitate to praise the [coup] as Thais are now free of the distress and they don’t have to worry about daily uncertainty — anonymous explosive attacks, loss of life. They realise that the Thai people, who are their friends, have been safe since May 22.”
Referring to international diplomatic standards, Mr Don defended Thailand’s handling of the political turmoil and insisted the problem could not be solved overnight. Some friends might question the coup as destroying democracy.
“[Foreign countries who criticised the coup] talk about taking an antibiotic to cure a sickness, but we have our traditional herbs. We use our herbs from time to time and it works. No need to take antibiotics only, even though we are truly sick,” he said.
The deputy foreign minister was optimistic about upcoming international conferences in October and November, including the United Nations General Assembly, the 10th Asia Europe Meeting in Italy, the Asean and East Asia Summit in Myanmar and the 26th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Beijing.
“There are no problems about international forums — we can definitely join the meetings. If the members of a bloc understand us at all, they should not adhere to the antibiotic principle,” he said.
Foreign friends should not adopt the same measures in dealing with Thailand as with other countries which periodically have military rule such as in Latin America or which have military rulers who want to cling to power.
Asked about bilateral meetings with various countries during the international conferences, Mr Don said any meeting held to reflect acceptance of Thailand’s position is not the choice, nor the concern, of the Prayut Chan-o-cha government.
“A bilateral meeting during a main conference is a textbook theory. We don’t have much time to think about bilateral talks unless we have a very important or urgent issue,” he said.
“When we are strong, are at peace and have a clear direction in heading to a destination, they will praise us,” Mr Don said.