In the historic Vithes Samosorn Building of Bangkok, the year 2023 saw a momentous gathering. It was where Srettha steered the helm, presiding over a formidable assembly that included Thai ambassadors, consuls-general, commercial attachés, and investment attachés from all corners of the globe.
Often refered to as “Team Thailand”, this group comprises ambassadors, diplomats, and representatives from various government departments, as well as agricultural and commercial attachés. Srettha charged them with coming together to craft a unified direction and strategy for Thailand’s new era of foreign policy. This approach, rooted in tangible results or what Srettha humorously called “edible” diplomacy, was the mandate.
Underlining the conduit of this strategy, Srettha underscored the significance of a customer-centric government and the teachers of being quick to action. There was an undeniable call for a transformative shift in perspective: focusing less on the task at hand and more on the reason, impact, and implementable solutions.
Part of Srettha’s strategic proposal was a twin-pillared blueprint for operational planning. First was the domain of economic diplomacy: the realms of trade and investment. Here, “Team Thailand” was tasked with bridging the gap with the private sector. The goal was to manifold – to equip them with market acumen and economic insights, galvanize their quick responses and actions, and enticing foreign guests – whether for business or leisure – into nation’s vibrant shores.
Unswerving from the time-tested principles, Srettha reasserted Thailand’s neutral diplomacy stance. He emphasized Thailand stance on being a ‘friend’ to every nation and keen on understanding each country’s unique dynamics to leverage and boost trade and investment opportunities for national gain.
In the spirit of this active diplomacy, Srettha urged Team Thailand to leverage economic diplomacy proactively. His idea for achieving this? By pooling resources and efforts to draft a holistic, inclusive action strategy for heightening trade, refining the import-export balance, and propelling both domestic and cross-border investment.
Economic prosperity isn’t the only side to Thailand’s diplomatic coin, as the prime minister outlined the second framework. It was a more intimate focus on the protection of Thailand’s dignity, integrity, and the safeguarding the welfare of Thais living or conducting business overseas. In the same stride, the PM stressed his stance on protecting the nation’s pride and the esteemed Thai royal family’s honour.
Srettha’s final rallying cry to Team Thailand was the upholding of high standards of professionalism and responsibility. His exhortation extended to adopting a positive work ethic and maintaining the esteemed image of professional diplomats on foreign soil. This, he believed, could allow Team Thailand to meet the complex global dynamics head-on while promoting the interests of the Thai nation in the best possible manner.
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