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Published on February 26, 2008

It should surprise no one that two weeks after the new government was established, the Foreign Ministry was at the forefront defending former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra by reinstating his diplomatic (red) passport. This was the first omen to show that from now on the ministry will have great difficulty in considering issues and policies for the country independently. Obviously, top ministry bureaucrats know which way the wind blows. They took their cue from Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama quite literally. In this case it is his prerogative to restore such privileges to the former prime minister. Bureaucrats just follow orders.

Thaksin's former lawyer has already accomplished one of the most important tasks assigned to him by getting Thaksin's red passport restored. For Thaksin, this travel document is his most important possession while living in exile. It is not his wealth or his huge house in London that defines him - it is his red passport. It ultimately shows that the bearer is a former Thai leader and, in this case, a prime minister. It was painful for him and humiliating for his family to have to travel with a normal passport for the past year.

Undoubtedly, the Foreign Ministry's credibility is at stake. By reinstating Thaksin's red passport, the ministry has shown that it is willing to give in to political pressure and that sets a precedent for the future.

Any former leader will automatically be given this passport whether or not he or she is under court sanctions. Interestingly, the issuance also negates what the ministry pursued following the coup without shame.

Indeed, one should not make too big a fuss over the passport because after all a man with such a big ego would need such a passport. What is more important, however, is the future of Thailand's foreign policy, which is likely to be under Thaksin's direction. There are no indications to believe otherwise. Nobody in the ministry has dared to come out and say anything. The ministry, which had prided itself on being the country's most elite and independent, is no longer the respectable organisation it used to be. Looking forward, this does not augur well with the challenges that lie ahead.

Thailand is hosting the Asean Summit at the end of the year. Moreover, starting from July, it will serve as Asean chair. These are two important tasks that require a foreign ministry that is professionally run and focused on promoting regional and national interests. The ministry must be told clearly that any personal interference in the country's foreign policy - on the issue of Burma for instance - would yield disastrous consequences.

Moreover, while the West and the international community have hailed the return to democracy, they have already expressed concern that anti-drug measures taken up by this government would increase human-rights violations and further damage Thailand's image.

The pronouncements made by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung,and their manner, made it seem as if they are quite gung-ho. They set off alarm bells among human-rights advocacy groups around the world who are concerned that Thailand is returning to the dark days once again where a "shoot-first" policy is the norm. It is hard to predict how the Thai delegation will address this issue at international meetings, especially in forums related to human rights.

What will follow in the near future is a shifting of their rhetoric to appeal to nationalistic sentiments in order to muster support domestically against any international criticism. It is ironic that a government that wants to restore the country's creditability and boost investor confidence would resort to such strategies.

It is not difficult to foresee Thailand's reputation going down the tubes in the weeks and months to come. For one thing, Thailand has a government that does not heed anyone. Samak is adamant in his desire to govern the country as he sees fit. Just watch him and listen to his words and observe how the country will slowly sink down with them. If we remain silent, we deserve the kind of government we have.

The Nation