U.S., May 24 -- The Thai Travel and tourism industry would be well advised to read and study it carefully. Its future no longer depends on the Ministry of Tourism & Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the airlines, or the private sector, but on how well MFA diplomats can manage the three pillars of Thai foreign policy: maintaining strategic balance, fostering peace and stability, and advancing economic diplomacy.

The speech was delivered on 22 May at a function marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the MFA. For history buffs such as myself, the event was uplifting and thought-provoking. An exhibition traced some of the historic moments of Thai foreign policy. It recognised the distinguished personalities who have led di...