Love thy neighbour

A few news items this week illustrate the fragile nature on foreign policy; even in a climate where senior party officials are keen to bring unity.

Firstly, news agency MCOT reports that government officials for Thailand and Cambodia are keen to explore co-operative tourism promotions.

It quotes the Thai Permanent Secretary for Culture, Khun Ying Dhipavadee Meksawan as saying:

“Linking more than two cultures and countries’ tourist industries, is part of the Thai government’s new policy to strengthen ties with its neighbours and boost mutual understanding between Thailand and other countries with a culture-led foreign policy.”

Yet a few days earlier, this report from MCOT highlights some of the difficulties in aligning current policies with the will of the people.

“Relations between the two countries soured after angry Cambodian crowds took to the streets in early 2003 to protest against a Thai soap-opera actress who allegedly insulted them. The Thai embassy in Phnom Penh was burnt down, and Thais attacked on the streets of the city.
The Thai envoy said relations had been on the mend since that time.”

Curiously enough, that report carried the headline:

“Thailand and Cambodia to celebrate
55 years of diplomatic relations”