Foreign Minister Khun Kasit Piromya's speech (Post Forum 2009)

Notes on the speech of Thailand's new Foreign Minister Khun Kasit Piromya last Thursday at Post Forum 2009. Notes based on the simultaneous translation into English:

Title: Thailand's image in the world.

* Is the kitchen clean?
* Is the fish sauce real?
* Is everything healthy in the kitchen?
* Is the food cooked by world class chefs?

* We have stability, transparency, and accountability...
* Our kitchen is ready to go...
* High quality food is just around the corner....

* Policy to bring honesty to bureaucracy
* No vested interests, double interests
* Prime Minister Abhisit is a leader who meets international standards.
* The work of 3-4 years in the opposition.
* Thailand's image in the world starts at home, putting our house in order.
* The transition has taken place peacefully in line with the constitution and the democratic system. This is a point we can sell to foreign states.
* Prime Minister Abhisit will not exploit government organs to to exploit differences or punish dissidents.
* Will not block public access to information or blindfold people.

Summary from the Post Forum 2009 web page:

The government will follow the rule of law, and will work transparently to restore Thailand's credibility in the eyes of foreigners, Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said at Post Forum held Thursday.

"The government will not use the law to find fault with those with different opinions," Mr Kasit said. "We accept differences in points of view."

The foreign minister compared Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to world's renowned chef, who cooks Thai food for foreigners. His sous-chefs are Deputy Prime Minister Kobsak Sabhavasu and Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, he added.

Food cooked from this government is made from clean and fresh ingredients, and it is made in clean kitchen, he said.

Mr Kasit emphasised on the government's coming into power, saying that the transition between the previous government and the current one was smooth and peaceful, and following the democratic process.

He also said that the premier is an open-minded person, adding that he is willing to listen to opinions from the opposition as well as from members of the coalition government.