Bangkok--Mar 4--MFA
Responding to a press enquiry, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tharit Charungvat expressed concern about the Brookings Institution’s Index of State Weakness, which ranked selected developing countries according to their performance in four critical spheres, namely, economic, political, security and social welfare. The Spokesman noted that the report, released on 26 February 2008, had its own weaknesses as many of its findings relied on outdated information and indicators, some of which dated back several years.
In Thailand’s case, due to the report’s methodology, weighting was still given to the political climate nearly two years ago in 2006. This resulted in the country’s relatively low political and security indicators and consequently its ranking. Overall, Thailand was ranked 79th among the 141 selected developing countries, placing it in the “States to Watch” category—this, despite the country earning high marks on all the other fronts, ranking among the best for its economic and social welfare performance
Mr. Tharit noted that the Kingdom had made significant strides in the political and security sphere since 2006. He also stressed that past political changes contributed greatly to a more mature democracy in Thailand. These included last year’s adoption of a new constitution through the country’s first national referendum as well as the general election held last December, which were accepted by all sides as being free and fair—all of which contributed towards the country’s return to a full-fledged democracy.
Had the report taken into account the above developments and the Kingdom’s return to a full-fledged democracy, Mr. Tharit believed Thailand would have fared much better and may well have ranked in the top tier of the selected developing countries.
However, Mr. Tharit did not believe that the report would affect Thailand’s image as foreign investors and those closely monitoring the Kingdom understand well the country’s real political situation and economic potential. Such confidence in Thailand is clearly reflected by continuing capital inflows and foreign direct investment into the country. This is also underscored by the increasing number of overseas tourists of over 13 million in 2007, sensitive as they are with the stability and safety of places to visit, who continue to regard Thailand as one of the world’s best tourist destinations. During the past several months, several organizations and research houses, including UNCTAD, the World Bank, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings, have all also given Thailand satisfactory ratings.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.
-PM-
Responding to a press enquiry, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tharit Charungvat expressed concern about the Brookings Institution’s Index of State Weakness, which ranked selected developing countries according to their performance in four critical spheres, namely, economic, political, security and social welfare. The Spokesman noted that the report, released on 26 February 2008, had its own weaknesses as many of its findings relied on outdated information and indicators, some of which dated back several years.
In Thailand’s case, due to the report’s methodology, weighting was still given to the political climate nearly two years ago in 2006. This resulted in the country’s relatively low political and security indicators and consequently its ranking. Overall, Thailand was ranked 79th among the 141 selected developing countries, placing it in the “States to Watch” category—this, despite the country earning high marks on all the other fronts, ranking among the best for its economic and social welfare performance
Mr. Tharit noted that the Kingdom had made significant strides in the political and security sphere since 2006. He also stressed that past political changes contributed greatly to a more mature democracy in Thailand. These included last year’s adoption of a new constitution through the country’s first national referendum as well as the general election held last December, which were accepted by all sides as being free and fair—all of which contributed towards the country’s return to a full-fledged democracy.
Had the report taken into account the above developments and the Kingdom’s return to a full-fledged democracy, Mr. Tharit believed Thailand would have fared much better and may well have ranked in the top tier of the selected developing countries.
However, Mr. Tharit did not believe that the report would affect Thailand’s image as foreign investors and those closely monitoring the Kingdom understand well the country’s real political situation and economic potential. Such confidence in Thailand is clearly reflected by continuing capital inflows and foreign direct investment into the country. This is also underscored by the increasing number of overseas tourists of over 13 million in 2007, sensitive as they are with the stability and safety of places to visit, who continue to regard Thailand as one of the world’s best tourist destinations. During the past several months, several organizations and research houses, including UNCTAD, the World Bank, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings, have all also given Thailand satisfactory ratings.
Prime Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press Division, Department of Information Tel.(02) 643-5170
Fax. (02) 643-5169 E-mail : div0704@mfa.go.th End.
-PM-