The Foreign Ministry welcomes the idea of allowing embassy staff to observe the general election but not non-residents or foreign organisations.
Minister Don Pramudvinai told Thai media on Saturday the Election Commission (EC) had sought the Foreign Ministry’s view on election observation by foreigners.
“We told the EC the Thai government allows staff at embassies in the country to help monitor the poll but we don’t think non-residents or foreign organisations should take part since it would be viewed as bringing in outsiders,” he said.
Mr Don added having embassy staff participate was enough to bolster Thailand’s overall image involving the election.
“Why would we want outsiders to scrutinise the process so they can find faults with it? Developed countries such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore don’t have outsiders keep watch on an internal affair.
“If we allow them [foreigners] in, it shows Thailand still have problems. Do we want to see our country as chaotic or do we believe we can handle the situation by ourselves? Although we have a coup-installed government, we can handle it [the poll] by ourselves. Thais should be proud that ultimately we've managed to stand up and walk on our own,” he said.
Asked whether Thailand would be criticised for lacking transparency, Mr Don said the embassy staff already numbered 100. When coupled with Thai observers, the number will be more than adequate.
Mr Don added the government had always promoted correct understanding of the situation here. “But when we reach the point where we can move on, we should be on our own feet.”
He cited as examples India and Bangladesh where foreigners did not show much interest to monitor their elections and pointed out it actually benefited these countries because they demonstrated to the world they could handle them.
“The same goes for Thailand. If people take part both before and after the poll and we can hold it successfully, it’s better than having foreigners supervise it.”
The minister also said the briefing the EC held for foreign diplomats on Friday was very beneficial so ambassadors were informed about the procedures.
“Foreigners already see improvements in Thai politics. Over the past four years, they commended what we'd achieved and are well aware this government can solve existing problems.”