New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters became the first foreign minister to visit Thailand since 2009 when he made a trip to the kingdom from Monday to today. He was invited as an honorable guest of Thai Foreign Minister Don Paramudwinai.
Mr Peters sat down with the Bangkok Post yesterday to discuss long-standing bilateral relations that date back to when King Bhumibol Adulyadej paid a visit to New Zealand in 1962. Regional issues and global politics were also touched on.
Bilateral trade flourished after their free-trade agreement took off in 2015. Last year, trade volume accounted for over US$2.28 billion, with Thailand's top import being dairy products. Its biggest exports to the Antipodean nation were automobiles and parts.
Praising Thailand for its rapidly developing economy, impressive food and friendly populace, Mr Peters began the interview by sending a message of encouragement for the upcoming general election and restoration of democracy.
"We want to say how pleased New Zealand is to see Thailand holding a democratic election [next] year. We want to encourage [the election] to be successful, fair and free," he said.
"Thailand has never been colonised and [has always been] in control of its own destiny. Democracy is about freedom. Thailand's got every reason to hold an election."
During your visit, you will meet Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai, and Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak. What will be your main talking points?
The special relationship that we have built from our free trade agreement [NZTFTA] to build closer economic relations with Thailand in the future; the opportunity to do more business to add to the value of wealth of New Zealand and the Thai people; the Korean Peninsula -- a priority when Thailand is hosting Asean -- [and] economic plans for the future to help each other do a better job in exports and imports.
How would do describe your current relations with Thailand?
We are seriously encouraged by the commitment thus far to hold a free and fair election in Thailand.
We are trying to emphasise how important that is to us. But Thailand and New Zealand's relationship has changed dramatically for the better.
[The relationship] has seriously been improved because of Thailand's commitment to holding an election. [Also] there are problems we collectively share and have to look at around ourselves. Thailand is a key partner for New Zealand in that context.
What projects will be initiated in Thailand after your leave?
Improved, enhanced education delivery and improved service delivery, better information pertaining to Thai investment in New Zealand, and New Zealand investment here now that the environment is much better than in the past. Encourage starting a business in New Zealand to create exports, employment, wealth creation and cooperation up and above our free trade relations.
Let's talk about Asean. Do you think Asean is still relevant?
More relevant than ever. It's the heart of all new arrangements here and [also] our arrangement. If you look at regional arrangements, it is the biggest part of world commerce.
Thailand has always been extraordinarily hospitable to our engagement in the Asean institution. That's a big plus for us. We want to say thank you in that context.
Can the bloc do more to elevate its standing?
Look at the good side of it. There's been hardly any conflict in this part of the world for a long, long time, apart from Myanmar and the Rohingya, and what you might call terrorist activities.
It's been an era of stability and economic progress, and what we are seeking to do is see how our present cooperation can get a better, more significant outcome -- not only in economic return but also in human, in terms of health, education and equality.
What can Thailand do as the next Asean chair in terms of looming challenges like Myanmar's Rakhine state?
We all have to do more. If we don't, that sort of thing will happen on our doorsteps. It will happen because we didn't stop those things happening when they were in our neighbourhood.
The problem in Myanmar is a huge problem with terrible human consequences, and we have to, as a neighbourhood, make it clear that it is not acceptable. It's like the analogy: If you don't look after the peace and security of your street, next thing it will be on your doorstep. The same [applies] to your political neighbourhood."
Has Asean done enough?
I believe they would say they wish they could do better. It should be spelled out very clearly by Asean leaders that perpetrators of these sorts of atrocities are not going to get out off scot-free, that you won't get away with treating people like that.