Sihasak says Thailand to pursue proactive, forward-looking diplomacy

Thailand is pursuing what Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow calls “Diplomacy 2.0” to proactively drive the country’s interests through multi-dimensional and multi-directional foreign policy, amid pressing global challenges, including the current Middle East crisis and border tensions with neighbouring countries.

Speaking at the event “Thai Diplomacy in a Changing World: Where Are We Heading?” on Monday, Sihasak, who doubles as deputy prime minister, said Thailand has been unable to pursue a consistently proactive foreign policy for a while owing to domestic political conditions and a lack of political continuity.

He said with its comfortable majority in the House, the current administration under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has the necessary political stability to ensure a continuity of its foreign policy.

“The current political stability presents a very vital opportunity for us to pursue proactive and forward-looking diplomacy, but what is more important is a clear agenda,” said Sihasak, now a core figure of the ruling Bhumjaithai Party.

The ex-top diplomat said Diplomacy 2.0 would be done under four pillars, namely: Diplomacy of Strategy, Diplomacy of Speed, Diplomacy of Coherence, and Diplomacy of Communication.

The first pillar focuses on strategic approaches to address problems, not merely day-to-day issues, while the remaining ones centre on timely and responsive actions in line with situations, unity among related bodies under “Team Thailand,” and regular engagement with the public.

“Foreign policy and diplomacy must be meaningful to the people. It must be tangible. But we must go beyond that to create an impact on the world stage,” the minister said.

“We have to go where our interests lie,” he said.

Sihasak said Thailand must also address both immediate challenges and drive long-term strategies, especially in the face of the situation in the Middle East and the Thailand-Cambodia conflict.

As for the Middle East crisis, he said Thailand needs to “carefully” and “proportionately” position itself to defend the country’s interest, while also urging restraint and ensuring a safe passage of Thai vessels through the conflict zones.

At least two more Thai vessels reportedly passed the contentious Strait of Hormuz recently. He said eight more Thai-flagged ships remain in the Persian Gulf and are waiting for the green light to transit.

Regarding the border conflict with Cambodia, the minister urged Phnom Penh to show sincerity in working with Thailand in “turning a new page of relations.”

Sihasak stressed that Thailand will not engage in any formal negotiations with Cambodia until the leadership in Phnom Penh demonstrates sincere and earnest attitude in resolving the border conflict.