BANGKOK — Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, who has resumed his role as Minister of Foreign Affairs under the Paetongtarn government, outlined his vision for the country’s foreign policy. This policy will maintain a neutral stance and aim to boost the country’s economy.
On September 19, 2024, at the “Meet the Press #2” event, Mr. Maris emphasized that despite the change in leadership, from Srettha Thavisin to Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s foreign policy will remain consistent and transparent. However, he noted that in the next three to six months, the government aims to make this policy more tangible.
The new administration plans to build on the previous government’s efforts, with a focus on “diplomacy for the people” and “proactive economic diplomacy.”
These initiatives, he said, will impact various sectors and reach citizens through government projects and policies. He also highlighted that Thailand has gained increasing recognition from the international community, both politically and economically.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is prepared to take a leading role in opening trade opportunities between Thailand and other countries. He stated that the ministry is actively working to secure cooperation agreements with various nations and international organizations, confident in its ability to collaborate with both the Thai government and private sector to achieve these goals.
He assured that the ministry is operating with a proactive and serious approach, aiming to bring tangible benefits to both the people and the private sector.
People and Commercial Diplomacy
In discussing the policies of People’s Diplomacy and Commercial Diplomacy, the minister highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing a range of cross-border issues, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, water management, call center scams, PM2.5 pollution, and transnational crimes.
These challenges, he noted, are not confined to any single country and require joint efforts for resolution. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he emphasized, plays a crucial role in these efforts. He stressed that the era of the ministry working in isolation from the central government has passed. To better understand the real needs of affected communities, Mr. Maris has personally visited various areas and consulted with MPs from all political parties.
Regarding the management of the Mekong River, Mr. Maris revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has engaged in discussions with China and Laos through the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) framework. The aim is to protect communities living along the Mekong River from the dangers of flooding and the resulting damage to their homes.
Additionally, the ministry recently held talks with Myanmar, agreeing to work closely to ease the hardships of people in both countries severely impacted by floods. The discussions focused on ensuring that water management efforts are both effective and sustainable.
He also reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to a neutral foreign policy, emphasizing the country’s stance of “not taking sides” and maintaining balanced relations with all global powers.
He also highlighted the successful negotiations for the release of 24 Thai hostages in Israel, where Thailand became the first nation to secure the release of all its citizens. This achievement, he said, underscores Thailand’s active role in international diplomacy.
Reflecting the government’s foreign policy, Prime Minister Paetongtarn has prioritized working with other nations to promote peace and prosperity. Mr. Maris reiterated that Thailand’s non-alignment in international conflicts and its friendly, impartial relations with all countries will bring significant benefits to the nation.
On the issue of Myanmar, Mr. Maris stressed that Thailand must take a more proactive role in promoting peace within Myanmar and in efforts to establish peace in Thailand’s southern provinces bordering Malaysia. “Thai diplomacy must be tangible, impactful, and bring real benefits to the people, including boosting the inflow of money into the country,” he said.
Regarding commercial diplomacy, the minister outlined plans to strengthen Thailand’s soft power policy, making it more concrete and connecting local communities to the global stage. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the country’s 93 embassies and diplomatic mission as gateways for future trade negotiations.
He also expressed confidence that the annual Thai Festival, held in various countries, would serve as an effective platform to showcase and distribute Thai products to international markets.
To successfully implement soft power, Mr. Maris emphasized the need for two-way cooperation between Thailand and foreign countries. This approach aims to connect local Thai communities with global partners, allowing foreign nations to collaborate with local Thai people. Such cooperation, would provide financial support and technology to help develop local communities. He confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is fully committed to supporting these efforts, ensuring that local-to-global connections are strengthened and mutually beneficial.
DTV and ETA Visas
In his policy statement, Mr. Maris outlined plans to enhance visa options, including the introduction of the long-term Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). This visa would allow foreigners to stay or work in Thailand for up to 180 days, with the possibility of an additional 180-day extension. The DTV is expected to boost the Thai economy by attracting more international visitors and professionals.
Additionally, Thailand is preparing to implement an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) visa system to enhance convenience, security, and speed for travelers. Mr. Maris also revealed that Thailand is in the process of negotiating with five ASEAN countries—Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Malaysia—to establish a joint tourist visa.
Similar to Europe’s Schengen Visa, this initiative would allow tourists to travel between these countries with a single visa. Under the concept of “6 countries, 1 destination,” the aim is to position Thailand as a tourism hub in ASEAN.
Taking Care Thai abroad
As a former ambassador to several countries, Mr. Maris emphasized the importance of protecting the interests of Thais abroad, noting that he understands the challenges they face, especially in unexpected situations. He highlighted the crucial role the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays in emergencies, with embassies and consulates ready to provide immediate assistance to Thai citizens. Referring to the recent case of Thai hostages in Israel, he pointed out that Thailand was able to assist all of them, showcasing the country’s neutrality and strong diplomatic relations with all nations.
He mentioned the saying, “the sun never sets on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” emphasizing the global presence of Thai embassies and consulates, which enables the ministry to receive reports and provide aid around the clock. With a 24/7 hotline, the ministry is always ready to help Thais in need, whether they are working, traveling, or studying abroad.
Mr. Maris also touched on the ministry’s efforts to protect Thai workers, particularly in South Korea. The Thai embassy there has issued travel documents to allow Thai workers who entered illegally to return home voluntarily before facing legal action.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is collaborating with relevant agencies to address this issue comprehensively, including offering skill training for Thai workers to meet international market demands. The Ministry is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of Thai citizens abroad, no matter the purpose of their stay.
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