"If someone writes 10 times to air negative views about Thailand it is not enough to rebut once or twice, as the country needs to be persistent in forging an understanding," Supachai said after a courtesy call on Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

He urged the government to utilise international meetings as platforms to air its message.

Supachai said it was necessary to explain the political transition to foreigners, otherwise doubts and misconceptions would linger.

Foreigners want a direct explanation on what the government is doing rather than relying on secondary and misguided views, he said.

Many former leaders, including ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, often grabbed publicity by airing their views, "but this is not a real issue because their comments would not carry much weight but a government course of action does", he said.

He suggested the government become more assertive in the international community in order to brace the country for trade competitiveness.

"Thailand now stands a good chance of having one of its citizens named as the new secretary-general of Asean and should adopt a policy to strengthen Asean, a regional grouping which benefits the country's standing," Supachai said.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation