Former Thai minister of foreign affairs Kasit Piromya yesterday urged Taiwan to enhance its cooperation with ASEAN nations on civic and political education by sharing its knowledge of democratization.
In his keynote speech yesterday on the first day of a two-day conference on Southeast Asian studies held at the National Chengchi University, Kasit said Taiwan could share with Southeast Asian nations the success of its democratic transformation.
“People in general want and love freedom. That is the starting point for Taiwan to get out into the world,” Kasit said, adding that the nation should work with Southeast Asian nations that have either become democratic or are in a transition and share its experiences and best practices.
Kasit said Taipei should endeavor to convince nations in the region that pluralism and openness are a better way, while demonstrating the importance of inclusivity, dignity and distributive prosperity.
“Taiwan should not be shy to share with others its achievements,” Kasit added.
Asked what advice he would give President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) regarding her “new southbound policy,” Kasit said that Tsai should put an emphasis on civic and political education, as well as enhancing knowledge about democratic practices.
“Since your president is moving south in a more comprehensive manner, you have priorities, whether you put the emphasis on education, culture or people or so on. My point is that Taiwan has been successful as a democratic nation, why not compete with China on this political thing?” Kasit said.
Thailand has encountered difficulties in its long-standing quest for openness and democracy, Kasit said, adding that he hopes Taiwan could join hands with Thailand and help it overcome some of the difficulties.
“Then I think we could become a full-fledged democratic polity,” Kasit said.
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