5. Foreign Policy and International Economic Policy

Mr. President,

In today’s changing world, Thailand cannot avoid being linked with the world economy and society. The Government must therefore conduct foreign and international economic policies that will protect Thailand’s national interests. In the meantime, partners must be sought and international cooperation must be built, at both the level of neighboring countries and the region, to develop together and prevent problems that may affect Thailand.

The Government shall conduct a proactive foreign policy based on the principle of equal treatment, and aims to promote and expand friendship and cooperation with foreign countries, in political, security, economic, social and cultural aspects, with foreign affairs a key instrument in enhancing the Government’s economic and social development policies.

With regard to the strengthening of foreign relations in various dimensions, the Government shall continue to build and strengthen the good understanding and cooperation with neighboring countries, and further expand cooperation at the levels of government, the private sector and the public, in particular, the economic cooperation with neighboring countries under the Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) and other sub-regional frameworks in the areas of trade, investment, agriculture, industry, linkage of land-sea-air transportation networks, tourism and human resource development.

The Government shall cooperate with ASEAN member countries to expedite the realization of the ASEAN Community and promote the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) as a forum for enhancing confidence and relations among the countries of Asia, as well as an important foundation towards the establishment of an Asian Community.

The Government shall further develop and expand cooperation on an equal basis and in strategic partnership with countries and key groupings of countries based on mutual benefit, and shall promote greater recognition of and confidence in Thailand on the part of foreign countries.

In the area of multilateral cooperation, the Government shall abide by its obligations under the United Nations Charter, international law, cooperation frameworks to which Thailand belongs, and Thailand’s international commitments. The Government shall step up Thailand’s role in the United Nations, international organizations, regional organizations and international networks to promote and support peace; security; democratization; international development cooperation in economic, social, technical and human security aspects; humanitarian assistance, in particular post-conflict rehabilitation; counter-terrorism cooperation, and the development of Thailand into a center for international conferences and activities.

The Government shall encourage Thai nationals to play key roles in the United Nations and other international organizations, and Thailand to play a leading role in the setting of important international rules and regulations and in the reform of the United Nations, as well as in addressing globally-recognized transnational issues, in particular narcotics, HIV/AIDS, epidemics, disasters, natural resources, the environment, poverty eradication and sustainable development.

In the area of international economic relations, the Government shall continue to pursue a proactive international economic policy, in conjunction with domestic economic policy, particularly economic restructuring, so that international cooperation may be used to develop and enhance the potential of people at every level in preparation for the economic restructuring as well as develop Thailand’s potential to play a leading role in regional economic development.

The Government shall continue to negotiate free trade agreements with various countries for the greatest good of the country, to increase the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs and to pursue proactive marketing policies in both existing and new markets, so that Thai goods and services are widely known and recognized by foreign consumers.

The Government shall encourage Thai representatives to play constructive leading roles in international trade and economic negotiations, particularly under the multilateral framework, to enhance the bargaining power and safeguard the overall interests of the country, as well as expand economic cooperation with various countries to promote access to natural resources, raw materials, science and technology, and new knowledge from abroad to increase the country’s economic competitiveness in international trade fora.

So that the conduct of foreign policy is truly responsive to the needs of the Thai public, the Government shall continue to pursue diplomacy for the people, by encouraging the participation of people from all walks of life in foreign affairs, supporting the role of Thai communities abroad in protecting and promoting the national interest; to protect the rights and interests of the country, the Thai private sector, workers, and communities abroad; and to further improve the system for integrated administration of Thai government offices overseas.