"Sihasak Emphasizes Readiness to Bring Thailand Back to the World Stage with Dignity"

Today (6 Feb) 4:00 PM at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, the Bhumjaithai Party, led by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul as the party leader, along with Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkaew, the prime ministerial candidate; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanpraphas, as a campaign assistant; and Commerce Minister Supajee Suthamphan, as a campaign assistant, held a major rally to conclude their election campaign under the theme "Choose Bhumjaithai Party, Get Professionals." "Transforming the Economy, Overcoming the Global Crisis"

In his speech, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew stated that he never expected such a large gathering. He was delighted to have the opportunity to meet everyone and admitted to feeling a little nervous, as he had to reveal a secret he had kept to himself. He had never imagined being in this position, never dreaming that a professional diplomat would become the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a candidate for Prime Minister. He affirmed his commitment to working to the best of his ability. As an ambassador, his primary focus had always been on representing the people, and with His Majesty the King's royal decree, he believed the country's interests would always be paramount. He also mentioned a debate where he was asked about expectations for Thai politics, noting that the country was sometimes even regressing, its status outside the world's radar, which was quite worrying.

Mr. Sihasak further stated that due to political instability, economic weakness, and the constant need for defensive diplomacy, it is everyone's responsibility to choose the party they believe has the capability to move Thailand forward. He added that it's time to bolster Thailand's progress and that expectations go beyond that—a desire for new politics, higher standards, and competent, professional government leaders. "But that doesn't mean it has to be outsiders. There are many people within the party, and many younger generations, who have joined the Bhumjaithai Party, which is very encouraging. Our politics is accountable and transparent."

Furthermore, Mr. Sihasak stated that, most importantly, from now on, ministers and government executives must have Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to evaluate their performance over the next four years. "We want to return to government. We will bring Thailand back to the world stage with dignity and prestige. We will continue diplomatic relations with Cambodia, but foreign policy isn't solely focused on Cambodia. The past four months have proven how our work and our status have been. What I want to say is, 'Yes, we can.' We can do it. Have confidence in the Bhumjaithai Party, have confidence in our professionalism. From four months, we aim for four years. Four years will truly bring Thailand back to the forefront of the world stage. But looking ahead four years, we see a volatile and uncertain world. There are dangers, but I believe we will survive because we must have confidence in ourselves and our capabilities. In my life as a diplomat,"

Mr. Sihasak added, "Our ancestors taught us that if we have skillful and intelligent diplomacy, we can succeed. We will survive, but not just survive; we will progress with stability. This has been proven." The world is a world where the big fish eat the small fish. We must ensure that if we have allies, we will be stronger in facing various challenges. The world is afflicted with geopolitical and geoeconomic competition, a two-polar system. To survive, we must remain in the middle. We must ensure our survival because there are many other poles, and we must seek out these poles as well. We cannot simply be caught between two poles. Having good relationships with all poles means we can counterbalance the power between them, and we have more options.

Mr. Sihasak emphasized that, in addition, we must rely on what has led to our success: our ASEAN friends and the power of diplomacy. It has power. We can achieve this through skillful diplomacy. He believes we will overcome various crises with stability and confidence. Diplomacy must improve the well-being of the people to make it meaningful. The first thing we will do when we return to government is proactively pursue economic diplomacy. We will work with Ms. Supajee Suthamphan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, to find new markets. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to strengthening the Thai economy, building competitiveness, and creating economic partnerships with countries around the world over the next four years.

“My elders taught me one thing: good and successful diplomacy begins at home. If we don’t manage our own country well, if we don’t choose the right political party to govern the country, we will not succeed.” "You must choose the right political party and one you have confidence in. We must unite as Team Thailand in all aspects, including the economy and security. We must bring Thailand back to the world stage. We cannot remain stagnant; we must lead Thailand towards change. Please have faith in the Bhumjaithai Party. We will create opportunities and a future for everyone, of all generations and ages, young and old. We must work for Thailand. Please have confidence in us and in the potential of the Bhumjaithai Party and our personnel, because we are committed to bringing Thailand back to the world stage with dignity and honor, and we prioritize the best interests of Thailand. Ultimately, Thailand must stand strong on the world stage," said Mr. Sihasak.

Photo: Weeraphat Ratsameerueangrong via SAP NEWS