A few years ago, Council of Labor Affairs Chairwoman Chen Chu (陳菊) was denied a visa to visit Thailand, and early last year, a delegation planning to promote last year's referendum to Taiwanese expatriates in Thailand were also refused entry into the kingdom. These two incidents were the result of a failure to show proper respect for the leader of Thailand, which has had a negative impact on Taipei-Bangkok relations.
How is Taiwan going to engage with Thaksin's administration under the current circumstances? It is actually very simple, for as long as we respect the Thais, they will react accordingly. Therefore, we have to genuinely respect the rights of Thai workers and demonstrate more flexibility in dealing with the Thai government.
The authorities in Taiwan should deal carefully with last week's riot to avoid worsening already sour relations.
Chen Shang-mao is a doctoral candidate in political science at National Chengchi University, specializing in Thai studies.
Translated by Paul Cooper and Daniel Cheng
RSS