Wednesday, October 25, 2006
New premier promises Thailand's return to democracy
THAI Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on Monday night assured that his government will speed up his country's return to democracy.
Chulanont, in his toast remarks at the state dinner in Malacañang, said: "Let me take this opportunity to reiterate that with your support, the Royal Thai government is determined to expedite Thailand's path to the full restoration and revitalization of democracy."
He said he is "pleased with the cordial discussions" with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and with the assurance that they both have "common perceptions". "These perceptions relate to political, security and economic development issues of our respective countries and the region," he said.
Chulanont also said their discussions also touched on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), which he described as "moving towards becoming a community."
He said he was impressed by Arroyo's pioneering of the inter-faith dialogue and initiative in seeking alternative energy resources which will make an impact for the poor in developing countries.
He expressed support for the upcoming Asean summit in Cebu and for the year ahead.
President Arroyo, in her toast remarks, said the Asean community wishes Surayud all the best in restoring democracy and peace to Thailand.
"Your Excellency, the community of nations, especially Asean, wishes you all the best as you undertake the task of advancing the causes of democracy and peace to nourish the indomitable spirit of the people of Thailand," Arroyo said.
She said she and Chulanont had a "very excellent and candid discussion". She said her brief talk with Chulanont was "very enlightening".
"We would like to congratulate you as you very clearly presented your road map to constitutional democracy, which you hope to complete within a year's time. We thank you very much for your very strong commitment and we hope that you will have every success in all your endeavors," she said.
Chulanont arrived in Malacañang shortly after 5 p.m. He and his delegates were greeted with foyer honors at the Malacañang lobby instead of arrival honors at the Palace grounds because of inclement weather.
Security was tight around the Palace and arrangements for media coverage were changed. The expanded bilateral talks were not covered even by an in-house writer and the Official Dinner was strictly for photo opportunity.
Chulanont's delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs Nitya Pibulsonggram, Thai ambassador to the Philippines Asha Dvitiyananda, secretary general to the Prime Minister Gen. Pongethep Tesprateep, and Krit Garnjanagoochoin, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Arroyo's delegation included Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Trade Secretary Peter Favila, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla, and outgoing Presidential Management Staff head Arthur Yap.
Chulanont then signed the Palace guest book at the landing of the main staircase while the bamboo rondalla played. He had a 25-minute chat with Arroyo at the Ramos Music Conference Room before they were joined by other Thai and Philippine officials for the expanded talks.
Arroyo, in her toast remarks at the dinner, feted Chulanont, calling him "an accomplished and preeminent leader, undoubtedly a dedicated public servant who has given all his years to serve his country and turn it into a key player on the world stage."
She congratulated Chulanont for assuming his post and proposed toasts to Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the continued prosperity of the Thai people, and the enduring friendship between the Philippines.
Arroyo said Chulanont, a soldier, now presides over a "wider and more challenging arena, one which calls for his deep experience and wisdom in all fronts of statesmanship."
She said Chulanont now leads Thailand at a time that economic cooperation between the Philippines and Thailand is "in the pink of health", with bilateral trade reaching a record high of US$2.89 billion.
Arroyo said there are more than 7,000 Filipinos working and living in Thailand, and about 1,200 Thais staying in the Philippines. "This is hardly surprising. After all, we belong to the same vibrant region where cultures and peoples blend in solidarity and goodwill," she said.
She expressed confidence that relations between Thailand and the Philippines will continue to flourish and produce "enduring results" that will benefit both countries and the world.
Arroyo also expressed confidence that bilateral relations between the two countries will "continue to fuse with Asean's deeper integration in the context of a caring and sharing community."
She asked Chulanont's support for several initiatives that she has laid down for the Asean summit "in the interest of collective peace, stability, and progress". "Under Your Excellency's inspired leadership, Thailand will have a major part in hastening this process," she said.
Last week, Ermita said Arroyo's act of receiving Chulanont in Malacañang does not translate to support for mounting the coup that led to the ouster of Thaksin Shinawatra as prime minister.
"You can be sure that it's normal for a head of state such as the President to welcome the appointment of someone from other countries chosen to lead their country, especially now that the Philippines has taken the role as head of Asean. It does not follow though that we agree with their methodologies in changing their leaders but we have to respect their own processes," Ermita had said. (JMR/Sunnex)
(October 25, 2006 issue)
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