Kasit did everything right

Many observers consider PAD supporter, self-styled Thaksin hunter and airport occupier-cum-foreign minister Kasit Piromya hasn’t done a great job. Reporters at Government House call him the weak link in the cabinet.

However, Kasit has come out to defend himself by claiming numerous successes and stating that he can explain “everything,” adding: “I did everything right” (Bangkok Post, 31 December 2009).

Insisting he will not resign, Kasit “said he had good relations with all countries around the world – except one country [Cambodia] which created problems…”. He believes that problem resulted from a set-up where “some Thais became spies to undermine him.” More sensible ministers, including the prime minister dropped these claims weeks ago.

Kasit reckons that the only “weakness of the government and the Foreign Ministry was their poor public relations work.”

Kasit claims that “Thailand‘s image among the international community had improved over the past six months.” What’s the measure for this assessment? Kasit states: “The international media has less comment on the Thai government and understands more about the role of the monarchy…”.

PPT thinks he’s probably right. There is no much greater international understanding that the monarchy is (and has long been) a major political player in Thailand. There is also a better understanding that the use of Thailand’s lese majeste law and the Computer Crimes Act are politically motivated and protect a regime that revolves around palace and military power.