[Thai] Foreign Minister Tanasak gets nod from diplomats

By Supalak Ganjanakhundee,

Marisa Chimprabha

The Nation September 2, 2014

Cambodia

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But appointment of military officer could raise concern with some nations

THE DIPLOMATIC community yesterday welcomed new Foreign Minister Gen Tanasak Patimapragorn, but reserved comment on his appointment until they can evaluate him and the government based on actions and progress made while in the position.

General Tanasak, who is the Supreme Commander of the armed forces, is the first foreign minister to be still in active military service. He has been with the military since the 1980s. 

Meanwhile, a source said the appointment of career diplomat Don Pramudwinai as deputy foreign minister would help Tanasak overseas as some countries might be reluctant in receiving him, as he also holds a top position in the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Tanasak could concentrate on Thailand's neighbours, Asean states and key partners in the region, while Don attends multilateral meetings that help raise the Kingdom's profile.

The diplomatic corps in Thailand, however, said they have no problem with the general. Foreign affairs mostly depends on policy, diplomatic skills, action and commitment, rather than personality, they said. 

UK Ambassador Mark Kent said the international community would judge the new government and the minister in accordance with action.

"We will evaluate the new government according to their action, including progress in implementing the NCPO roadmap. This necessitates a genuine commitment to a truly inclusive reform process with wide participation, the restoration of full democracy next year and respect for Thailand's international human rights obligations," he said.

Indian Ambassador Harsh Vard-han Shringla said Tanasak had recently visited India as chief of the Thai defence forces, and met India's minister for defence and finance and armed forces chiefs. 

"He has a sound understanding of the close and cooperative nature of bilateral relations between our two countries, and his appointment as deputy PM and foreign minister will undoubtedly contribute to the continuation and strengthening of ties," the ambassador said.

Singaporean Ambassador Chua Siew San said: "We look forward to working with the new foreign minister for the benefit of our two countries and the region."

Tanasak, a deputy of the junta chief, was assigned to oversee the Foreign Ministry after the military takeover. "I will continue the job I was assigned before the ministerial post. I'm confident in pushing forward the mission, as officials at the ministry have provided good cooperation. They work actively and have dignity and freedom in their work," Tanasak told reporters on arrival from Cambodia yesterday.

The general visited Cambodia yesterday as chief of the Thai armed forces. He used the opportunity to explain Thailand's political situation and the need for his group to stage the putsch against the previous government. 

It was necessary for his group to seize power, he said. The military action would prevent a democratic setback, economic collapse and possible civil war, he said, adding that if chaos erupted in Thailand, would affect neighbouring countries in Asean. 

The recent visit to Thailand by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Tea Banh was regarded as the "highest moral support from friends and members of the same family", Tanasak said.

In Phnom Penh, Tea Banh said the Cambodian government congratulated the new government and the new visiting foreign minister. He also extended a letter of congratulations to his Thai counterpart General Prawit Wongsuwan.

Tea Banh said it was a good opportunity for the military to run the country since military tactics could solve problems quickly, adding that the difficulties over migrant workers could be resolved soon. 

Hundreds of thousands of Cambodian migrant workers left Thailand shortly after the May 22 coup after rumours began circulating that the junta was planning to crack down on them. However, most returned to their jobs in a couple of weeks after the junta provided explanations and direct contact to clear the way between the two governments. 

In a talk with Tanasak, Tea Banh also reaffirmed the position that Phnom Penh would not allow any anti-junta figure to use its territory as a launching pad against the Thai government. Leaders in Phnom Penh make strong promises every time they meet their Thai counterparts since Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen has a personal relationship with former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and good ties with the previous government under Thaksin's sister, Yingluck.