During the past two decades, former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh has always been only a phone-call away from leaders of neighbouring countries. In the midst of the ongoing diplomatic tension with Cambodia, his fence-mending clout could have come in handy had he not been part of the problem himself.
The retired general is now sitting back and watching the government run into a brick wall of diplomacy in dealing with Phnom Penh.
Gen Chavalit, the government's natural enemy through his position as opposition Peau Thai Party chairman, came under fire for igniting the diplomatic row with Phnom Penh after his return from a working visit to that country which happened shortly after he was appointed Puea Thai chairman.
Many watchers believe the former army chief is manoeuvring to stir up friction with neighbouring countries in an effort to isolate Thailand.
Gen Chavalit's personal ties with national leaders extend to virtually every neighbouring country and beyond. He is also said to be on friendly terms with the Chinese leaders as well.
Much of the relationship was cultivated when he was army chief, defence minister or as the prime minister. Gen Chavalit may have been in and out of the domestic political scene, but he has never given up nurturing his friendships through personal visits to those countries.
Gen Chavalit is visionary in the sense that he has groomed the next "public diplomat" - Gen Vichit Yathip. The former deputy army chief is not dubbed the "hand that unites in all directions" for nothing.
Gen Vichit has been asked by past governments and the army to help coordinate with leaders of respective countries when any bilateral impasse needed breaking. But in the current spat with Cambodia, Gen Vichit is staying put because he is on Gen Chavalit's side, which makes it awkward for the government to solicit his help.
Posts
