On 21 November 2023, Mr. Srettha Thavisin, the Prime Minister of Thailand, delivered a policy guidance on “Proactive Diplomacy” to Thai Ambassadors, Consuls-General, Commercial Attachés and Investment Attachés at Vites Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, calling on “Team Thailand” at the headquarter and abroad to join efforts in driving forward a new era of Thailand’s foreign policy, which is tangible and contributes to the well–being of the Thai people and enhances Thailand’s role in the international community.

In this regard, the Prime Minister conveyed two policy guidances in regard to diplomatic work as follows: (1) Economic diplomacy – Team Thailand has an important role in promoting trade and investment, particularly facilitating trade and investment for the Thai private sector overseas. In doing so, Thai Ambassadors, Consuls-General, Commercial Attachés and Investment Attachés should serve as coordinators in facilitating business activities by the private sectors abroad, recommend channels and opportunities in market access, provide in-depth economic information, and identify Thailand’s opportunities in crisis situations by working proactively to ensure swift adaptation by the Thai private sectors. At the same time, Team Thailand must improve Thailand’s Ease of Doing Business index and expedite negotiations of free trade agreements (FTA), as well as provide accessible information to investors on Thailand’s mega-projects, particularly the Landbridge Project, and steer forward Thailand’s soft power. The Prime Minister sees merit in establishing a supporting agency to provide a systematic and indicative index for Thai private sectors in investing abroad and (2) Preserving the honour of Thai people, and supporting Thai people and Thai businesses abroad – Ambassadors and Consuls-General have important roles in honouring the dignity of Thailand and the Royal Family. Thailand must maintain a neutral position and friendly relations to all to leverage its interest. Team Thailand must understand the dynamics and key issues of each country so that Thailand could adjust its positioning accordingly.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted on the importance of Ambassadors and Consuls-General in adopting a “customer-centric” work approach, a “business sense”, a “sense of urgency” by focusing on the target and impact of the work, and a “can-do attitude” by making efforts in accomplishing the work as well as a new culture of diplomatic practice by assisting Thai agencies to achieve targeted goals for the benefits of Thailand and the Thai people as well as working together actively as Team Thailand to acquire knowledge and information and gear towards a new growth-driven diplomacy, with a view to enhance Thailand’s role and revitalize Thailand’s international stature with dignity and honour.

On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for the policy guidance on “Proactive Economic Diplomacy” to the "Economic Team Thailand" and reaffirmed the readiness of Thai Ambassadors and Consuls-General to work closely with the Commercial Attachés and Investment Attachés to proactively drive the economic team towards a successful revitalization of the Thai economy and responding to the people’s interests in a concrete manner.

After receiving the policy guidance, executives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce and the Board of Investment of Thailand, together with the Thai Ambassadors, Consuls-General, Commercial Attachés and Investment Attachés brainstormed on identifying ten target countries for Thailand’s proactive economic diplomacy and reported to the Prime Minister on 23 November 2023.