Therefore, whoever arrived by this path could sometimes abuse and butcher the country's foreign policy. That helped to explain why there was no continuity and sustainability in Thai foreign policy. Those days are gone. It is a different ballgame now. Diplomacy is a topic major parties cannot ignore.
Foreign policy is mentioned by major parties at political rallies.
They all want to master it and let their views be heard. Party leaders do not look impressive if they cannot discuss Burma, international trade or globalisation. To gauge the country's future diplomacy, party platforms and comments made by party leaders need to be scrutinised, particularly those of the parties which are likely to become coalition partners. Out of 37 parties, only the Democrat, Thai Rak Thai, Chat Thai, New Aspiration and Chat Pattana have come out with wide-ranging views on regional and international issues. In general, all the parties share similar views on the need for Thailand to improve its relations with its neighbours, promote cooperation with international organisations and regional economic groupings, maintain free trade and be a good and responsible citizen in the world community.