Thai govt turns to PR firm to boost image

The Straits Times, May 2, 2007


Bangkok - THAILAND'S military-installed government will hire an American public relations firm to improve its image abroad in the wake of a series of botched policies.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont told reporters on Monday that the government would pay US$200,000 (S$304,000) a month for three months but did not identify which firm would be hired.

'The money isn't much, but we have to do what we have to do. It is better than not doing anything at all,' he told reporters.

He indicated that one reason for the decision was to counter moves by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to rattle the government.

Mr Thaksin, who is living in exile overseas, has employed American lobbyists and a public relations firm.

General Surayud said the consultant that his government would hire would help create an understanding with the 'people of the United States and our allies' as well as explain what his administration had accomplished since taking power after a military coup last September.

'The company will explain (Thailand's political situation) to people in the US and other countries,' he said.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Tharit Charungvat said separately, however, that Thailand would spend only US$165,000 on a three-month 'Thailand Branding' campaign.

'It is both action and reaction to create better understanding of the country as a whole,' he said. He also declined to name the PR firm.

The plan was disclosed after an American lobby group which supports the US pharmaceutical industry attacked Thailand in an advertisement in the Wall Street Journal last week.

USA for Innovation accused the army-appointed government of 'imposing draconian measures on foreign-owned companies' and 'stealing American assets for military benefit' by overriding patents on American drugs.

The government has come under increasing criticism for flawed policies and over concerns that it will not meet its deadline for drafting a new Constitution, putting it to a referendum and holding elections by the end of this year.

The government has not proven any of its corruption allegations against Mr Thaksin and has been criticised for economic mistakes and nationalistic policies that have spooked foreign investors.

Mr Thaksin has pledged to steer clear of politics, but many remain sceptical, citing the fact that he has hired Washington law firms Baker Botts LLP and Barbour Griffith and Rogers LLC to serve as his lobbyists earlier this year.

He made the move purportedly to study the international legal and political issues surrounding his ouster.

His travel to capitals across Europe and Asia since he was deposed has also infuriated the junta.

His lawyer and de facto spokesman in Thailand, Noppadol Patama, could not be reached for comment.

ASSOCIATED PRESS, REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE