China defends its right to build dams on Southeast Asia’s most important river, while millions in downstream countries claim these hydropower projects are having a devastating effect on their economies

In this article we present both sides of the debate By MAXMILIAN WECHSLER

Like the two banks on the opposite sides of every river, so there are two very different views on whether the People’s Republic of China has the right to build a series of dams on the Mekong River.

Unsurprisingly, the Chinese government feels it has been perfectly justified in developing numerous hydropower projects in recent decades on the Lancang Jiang River, which originates in China high in the Tibetan plateau, and then changes its name to the Mekong once it leaves that giant communist nation.

Some observers in the Southeast Asian nations downstream of that boundary line – Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Lao PDR, and Myanmar – claim that China’s development projects have hobbled the once mighty Mekong and caused widespread devastation within their borders, affecting in particular the millions of people who depend on the river for fishing and agriculture.

The rest of the world almost unanimously takes the side of the downstream nations, but international pressure has had only limited success in pushing China to take steps to mitigate the consequences of its Mekong policy.

To give both sides a fair hearing, we present here excerpts from articles published in Thai and international press that are critical of that policy, as well as statements from the Chinese embassy in Bangkok and articles in the state-controlled Chinese press supporting the policy.

Readers can judge for themselves which side they want to be on. But first, some basic facts on the Mekong River:

For more than 70 years, this United Nations' agency has been based in Bangkok. Its Executive Secretary explains why its multi-faceted role is so important to the region

ESCAP came into being in 1947 as the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) to assist in post-war economic reconstruction. After a two-year period in Shanghai it moved to Bangkok in January 1949, its permanent home ever since, serving as the United Nations’ regional hub promoting cooperation among countries here.

The BigChilli recently caught up with Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, ESCAP’s Executive Secretary who took up her post in Bangkok on November 1, 2018. Appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, she is also the UN Under-Secretary-General. Ms Alisjahbana celebrates her 60th birthday on August 16.

By MAXMILIAN WECHSLER

"I joined the MFA because I have always been very interested in travelling and knowing other cultures. As a diplomat you manage to know other countries in a way no normal tourist can. You are not just traveling; you are getting involved in the cultures of the countries where you live.
“During previous assignments at the Spanish embassy in Bangkok I’ve done consular, political and cultural work. I came to Thailand for the first time in 1996 and left in 1999. The second assignment here was from 2005 to 2008. I took my ambassador post in September 2017. This is my first ambassadorial assignment. I am concurrently also ambassador to Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. I haven’t been able to travel to these countries, or anywhere else, in recent months because of Covid-19 restrictions, but normally I am traveling a lot.

“The current period of staying in place has its advantages. I am not unhappy staying put. My life had become too stressful so it’s good to have the opportunity to stop for a while,” the ambassador admitted. 

He said that in April and May the main task of the embassy was to repatriate non-resident Spanish nationals back home. Now the pressure to get tourists home safe and sound has decreased enormously and the embassy can focus less on consular duties. “I’ve restarted diplomatic meetings. The economic and commercial aspects of the job are also regaining importance, which I like.

“I am quite optimistic about the future. I think the world will rebound and here in Thailand they have managed Covid-19 very well. In this respect, I feel very safe. I am convinced that Thailand will be completely reopened by the end of the year. I am one of those who believe that maybe Covid-19 will just fade out, like what happened with SARS. You hear so many different things about how Covid-19 affects people. Some people with preconditions have died, and people who were healthy have died, but many others have been exposed and didn’t even realize it. There have been reports that blood type has an influence on how severely someone will be affected by the virus. Personally, I have the impression the virus is getting weaker.”

“As life returns little by little to normal I am increasingly focused on promoting bilateral relations between Spain and Thailand. I am scheduled for meetings at Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and I’ve already begun meetings with Spanish businessmen,” said Mr de Miguel Calabia.

Meetings have been conducted through video conferencing and for a while people-to-people contacts will be kept small. Cultural events are also in the works, but until the end of the year these should be approached through a virtual format, said the ambassador.

“Spain opened its embassy in Bangkok in 1961. We employ 25 people, both Spanish officials and local staff. Spain and Thailand established diplomatic relations exactly 150 years ago. We had a program scheduled to celebrate the anniversary, but we will have to move it to a digital format. We originally planned to bring speakers to Thailand from Spain and conduct some activities jointly with the Siam Society, but whether we like it or not digital contacts will take precedence for the foreseeable future.

“Understandably, the relations between our two countries are now at a low pitch because of Covid. But we retain the same high level of mutual sympathy and regard. There are no major troubles between our countries, but as always we are looking for ways to increase bilateral ties. I’ve noticed that many people in Thailand do not have a proper knowledge of Spain. We would like to convey to our Thai friends that Spain is a very modern country with a high level of technology. We have a very rich and diverse culture. This is the image we wish to convey to Thailand.

“We share some national characteristics which tend to bolster our relations. For example, both cultures are very family-oriented and our peoples are very sociable. However, there’s a lot of ground for improvement, and that makes me sorry that all my plans for this year have had to be put somewhat on standby.”

Mr de Miguel Calabia said that trade between Thailand and Spain has held up fairly well, but  noted that international trade has fallen pretty much everywhere over the last three months.

“In 2019 Spain exported to Thailand products valued at almost US$1 billion, and imported from Thailand products worth about $1.2 billion. We have a deficit with most countries in ASEAN. We import mainly seafood, vehicles and auto parts, machinery, tools and rubber. We export mainly machinery and tools, chemicals and cars.  

“There are about 40 Spanish companies operating in Thailand. The Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce was established just this year. Some major Spanish companies in Thailand are Amadeus, in the tourism sector; Indra, a global technology company; and Roca, a toiletries manufacturer.
“Our societies are getting closer and closer. About 1,200 Spanish nationals now reside in Thailand; twenty years ago it was less than 200.  Twenty years ago we would have one marriage of a Spanish-Thai couple every three or four months. Now there may be several in a single month. Last year 200,000 Spanish tourists visited Thailand. I can’t tell you how many Thai citizens visited Spain because of the Schengen visas.”

​“I truly enjoy my career. As for hobbies, I especially like reading and writing, and also going to the gym. Before the Covid-19 I used to travel around Thailand on weekends, but since mid-March I’ve left Bangkok only twice for short periods.

“I sometimes eat at Spanish restaurants along Sukhumvit. I have a Spanish chef at my residence. He is excellent. Here in Thailand people like the Spanish dish paella, which is like khao pad. They also like to eat Spanish cold cuts like ham. The Spanish breakfast dish known as churros is well known to many Thais. You should try it with chocolate.    

“Like most Thais, Spanish people love football and I’m no different. Many Spaniards are missing football. The Spanish League has many fans in Thailand; in fact it is second only to the English Premier League.”

Mr de Miguel Calabia feels very much at home in Thailand, and this is partly because he can speak and read Thai. “I can’t write in Thai because the orthography is very difficult. Besides Spanish I can speak English and French well, and long ago I studied Russian. I think if I studied again for one or two months I would recover it quite quickly.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Thai authorities. Since my arrival in 2017 they have been very supportive. We have had very good relations with the MFA and other Thai agencies. There are at least two diplomats at the MFA who speak Spanish well.

One of these is the desk officer for Spain at the ministry.

This makes things easier for us. Whenever I need something from the MFA, she is always the one I call.
​
“Since I first came here many years ago I have always genuinely liked the Thai people. I find them very friendly, generous and compassionate, and they are respectful of others,” Mr de Miguel Calabia concluded the interview.

Words MAXMILIAN WECHSLER
His Excellency Marek Libřický took his post as the Czech Republic’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Thailand in January 2017 and is concurrently Ambassador to Kingdom of Cambodia and Lao People’s Democratic Republic. At just 49 years old, Ambassador Libřický is already a highly experienced diplomat. Before taking his assignment in Thailand he held a number of important posts with the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Prague and in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. His appointment as head of the Czech Republic’s mission in Thailand is a much cherished milestone for this bright young diplomat.​

About the Czech Republic  
“The Czech Republic is a mid-sized European country situated in the very heart of the continent. I do not want to get into a ‘dispute’ where exactly the geographical centre of Europe is, but I must emphasise – like many of my colleagues from neighbouring countries would certainly do – that the Czech Republic is in Central Europe.

“Many people still follow the stereotype of the Cold War and its East-West geopolitical division, which has been destroyed by the fall of the Berlin Wall and following democratic changes in the region. I consider this old-style perception of Europe to be out-of-date, because it only cements many stereotypes that are clearly from the past, and thus create false and misleading picture of many European countries. Today, the Czech Republic is a standard European country, enjoying many successes and facing the same challenges as other members of the European Union or other European nations.
​
“Given the numbers of Thais travelling to the Czech Republic, I believe our cultural and historical heritage is well known to Thai public. Many of them already know Prague, Karlovy Vary or Český Krumlov, but there is still much more to discover in other parts of my country. We have dozens of spas, over a thousand castles and chateaux, many natural wonders, wine regions and of course a lot to offer to beer lovers – not only in cities of Plzeň or České Budějovice (Pilsen or Budweis in German) but also in hundreds of craft breweries. There are many good reasons why the Czechs are the largest beer consumers in the world.”

Ambassador’s background
“I am a career diplomat, having joint the Czech Foreign Service many years ago. During my career, I have moved around a couple of regions, each of them giving me a unique and usually pleasant experience. I served at the Czech Embassies in Manila, Tel Aviv and Madrid as the Deputy Head of Mission or Head of Commercial Section, to become Ambassador in Addis Ababa in 2009 and in Bangkok in January 2017.

“Although my foreign postings were diverse, I have spent most of my time in the headquarters working at the Asia-Pacific Department – moving up from a desk officer to the Deputy Director and the Director, which is an equivalent of the Director-General level in Thai terms. The only exception was when I worked as the Deputy or Acting Chief of Protocol.

“I live in Prague, but I come from the city of Hradec Králové, some hundred kilometres east of the capital. By the way, I am not the first Czech Ambassador to Thailand with this background – I share my origins with Ambassador Jiří Šitler who is still very active    vis-à-vis Thailand and has many friends here. I studied

in Prague and graduated from the University of Economics with major in International Trade and minor in International Politics and Diplomacy.
“I joined the Foreign Service in February 1994, when I received a fourth offer to become a diplomat and decided to try it, not only because I thought that it might have been the last chance since further offers would not have come. The second reason that made the offer irresistible was that it was to join the Asia- Pacific Department, my long-time preference. As I said, I had studied International Trade and International Politics and Diplomacy, so it was a natural choice.

“Mid-90’s were very exciting and extraordinary times, full of changes – world-wide and in the Czech Republic. A few years after democratic changes in then Czechoslovakia, the split of it and birth of the independent Czech Republic. We had many great ambitions to join the democratic and prosperous world, NATO or the European Union, and be successful. Ideal times to join the Foreign Service for those who wanted to be an active part of it.

“I came to Thailand for the first time decades ago. I remember the old-style Bangkok, less elevated streets, less high-rise buildings, but the same charm and hospitality we experience today. Actually, Bangkok was to be our first posting in 1995, but destiny decided otherwise and we left for the Philippines instead.

“I became Ambassador to Thailand in January 2017 after spending three years being in charge of the Asian-Pacific affairs in the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I applied for the job based on a smart family decision, and was lucky to be appointed.

“But my first ambassadorial posting was in Addis Ababa from 2009 to 2014 when I covered not only Ethiopia but also 11 more countries of East Africa, the

African Union and three UN agencies. It was a great and extraordinary experience that I enjoyed tremendously.

“In case of countries like Thailand, the standard term of posting is four years but it is not a dogma, it can be extended for various reasons.
“I am here in Bangkok together with my family – my wife Alena, who works in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well, and our two sons, Šimon and Filip. We have all been enjoying our stay here in spite of late challenges we all have had to face.”

Duties and bilateral relations
“My major and principle task is to promote and defend interests of the Czech Republic and Czech citizens and companies in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. This includes strengthening of bilateral relations between the Czech Republic and these three countries.

“As excellent as they are, each of them has a slightly different history, storylines and focus, and there is always potential and need for further improvement. I still remain in charge of our relations with Cambodia in my capacity of non-resident ambassador, although we reopened our Embassy in Phnom Penh a few years ago.

“My everyday duties are the same as those of my colleagues you have interviewed before – meeting with relevant partners and interlocutors from the  government, business figures, as well as representatives from areas of culture, civil society, etc. There may only be different emphasis put on this or that agenda by each country or in different time.

“I always see my priorities in areas of economic and business relations, political and defence or security cooperation and people-to-people contacts that go hand-in-hand with culture or tourism. Due to circumstances related to Covid-19 pandemic, a bigger importance was given recently to consular issues and repatriation of Czech and other EU citizens from Thailand back home.

“The official diplomatic were established only in March 1974, meaning last year we celebrated 45th anniversary, but Czech-Thai or Czech-Siam relations and contacts date much back to the history. Until 1918 and the birth of independent Czechoslovakia, the Czech lands were part of the Austrian or Austrian-Hungarian empires, and there were many people from Czech lands who actively participated in contacts between Austria and Siam. Pre-1918 relations between Austria and Siam form an integral part of our common history.

“After the establishment of Czechoslovakia, bilateral ties were focused primarily on business with the presence of the leading Czech companies in Siam getting stronger and stronger. Some of the Czech (or then Czechoslovak) brands became common household names, and have remained them since. We can name Bat’a shoes, Škoda industrial goods or ČZ arms as examples. When H.M. King Prajadhipok visited Czechoslovakia in 1934, nobody was surprised – given the level of economic cooperation – that he inspected the premises of Škoda or Bat’a factories as well.

“After the WWII, it was not easy to build on the pre-war cooperation, although from time to time one or the other side came up with initiatives to do so. Unfortunately, without much success until 1973-74.

“The Czechoslovak Embassy was opened in Bangkok in 1974, and it was led by Chargé d'Affaires a.i. with the Ambassador being accredited as non-resident from Rangoon. These arrangements changed after 1989 when the ambassador moved to Bangkok.

“Nowadays, there are nine Czech staff members working at the Embassy, include a representative of CzechTrade, our Trade Promotion Organization. We have also an active Defence Attaché accredited from New Delhi.”

Visits, trade, tourism and culture
“Every ambassador would surely say that relations are great and excellent, and I am glad I can say it as well and I can say it sincerely. Without any hesitation, last couple of years can be considered one of the peaks of our relations. In January 2019, first-ever official visit of Czech Prime Minister to Thailand took place – with the two Prime Ministers, Mr Andrej Babiš and General Prayut Chan-o-cha, having met on a number of occasions before and after.

“The Prime Minister’s visit also followed up on three meeting s between our President, Mr Miloš Zeman, and the Prime Minister of Thailand in years prior to the visit. Last November, our Minister of Defence, Mr Lubomír Metnar, paid a visit to Thailand and supported our national presentation of the Czech defence and security industry at the Defense and Security 2019, in a similar manner as the Deputy Minister of Defence during the previous editions of the exhibition.

“Last year, we also welcomed in Bangkok the President of the Czech Supreme Court. The latest major event that took place was the official visit of the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Parliament, Mr Radek Vondráček, to Thailand in February 2020. It not only cemented the inter-parliamentarian pillar of cooperation, but also showed a great synergy between the legislature and the executive branch because the Speaker was accompanied by the Minister of Environment, Mr Richard Brabec. These were the major visits while there were many more high-level contacts.
“During his meeting with the President of the National Assembly and the House of Representatives, Mr Chuan Leekpai, both sides recalled that it was only the second visit of the Czech Speaker to Thailand,  the first taking place in 1994. In this regard, President Chuan recalled how he had welcomed our President Mr Václav Havel at the airport upon his arrival for the state visit in 1994. In this context, I dare to compare the current level of relations between our two countries to their quality and intensity of mid-1990s.

“In terms of trade, we have been experiencing the best period in modern history during the last decade. If we combine national trade statistics of both sides – which is the approach I prefer to get a more complex picture – we can see a steady increase of figures in both directions. Combined turnover of our bilateral trade in goods made in the Czech Republic or Thailand has been around US$1.6 - 1.7 billion, or getting closer to the target of $2 billion if we add goods made in third countries.

“The real flow of goods between our countries is much bigger than it is perceived based on export statistics only. In particular, the Czech imports of Thai goods of more than $1.3 billion are more than $600 million higher than Thai export statistics. All this means that mutually we are much more important trade partners than many people think. The Czech Republic is a much more relevant trade partner and customer to Thai companies than many other European countries that are traditionally considered to be on top.

“The other stereotype we face is that our trade is based on agricultural commodities or other items considered to be low-tech.

On the contrary, the most important items are electronics, manufacturing goods related to the energy sector or transportation.  A large share of the exchange is part of international value or supply chains. Many Czech-made products come to Thailand under third-party brands being a part of turn-key solutions. It means that the picture is much more complex and we should look under the surface to find more, especially given the growing significance of services, innovations and other ‘soft items’ that are not reflected in trade of goods.

“I am very glad that there is not only trade going up, but also investment flows. There have been very important investments in both directions – be it into chemical industries, light manufacturing or hospitality from Thailand to the Czech Republic, or ICT the other way. I hope there is more to come given the number of projects discussed on different levels and supported by the administrations of both countries. I mentioned innovations and services, which are to play more and more important role in our cooperation and our efforts to support the process of internationalization of each other´s companies or their solutions.

“Looking for new ways and areas of cooperation does not mean that we should forget or neglect the traditional ones like tourism. It is not only about business, it is also about people-to-people contacts, getting to know each other and each other´s culture better.

“Last years, there were around 50,000 to 60,000  Czech tourists visiting Thailand and approximately the same number of Thais coming to the Czech Republic, although some expert estimates even talk about as many as 120,000 if we count Thais who ‘hop in, hop off’ for a day-long visit from neighbouring Germany or Austria. I think the numbers are respectable, but should be higher once there is a direct flight between Bangkok and Prague. Re-establishment of this connection is one of the projects we have been working on for a while.

Cirriculum Vitae of H.E. Mr Marek Libřický

Education
• 1993: Master of Economics, University of Economics, Prague. Major ‒ International Trade. Minor ‒ International Politics and Diplomacy.
• 2002: Diplomatic Academy (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic).

Professional Experience
• Since January 2017:  Embassy of the Czech Republic in Bangkok ‒ Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Thailand, Kingdom of Cambodia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
• March 2014 - January 2017:  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic ‒ Director of the Asia-Pacific Department, ASEM and EU-ASEAN SOM Leader.
• December 2009 - February 2014:  Embassy of the Czech Republic in Addis Ababa ‒ Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Somalia, Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros and South Sudan, and Permanent Representative of the Czech Republic to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
• September 2007 - December 2009:  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic ‒ Deputy Director of the Asia-Pacific Department, ASEM and EU-ASEAN SOM Leader-alternate, Chair-alternate of the EU COASI and COEST (Central Asia) Working Groups during the Czech EU Presidency in 2009.
• July 2003 - August 2007:  Embassy of the Czech Republic in Madrid ‒ Deputy Head of Mission and Head of the Political Section (covering Spain and Andorra).
• October 2001 - July 2003:  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic ‒ Deputy/Acting Director of the Diplomatic Protocol Department.
• August 2000 - September 2001:  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic ‒ Desk Officer, Asia-Pacific Department.
• March 1997 - August 2000:  Embassy of the Czech Republic in Tel Aviv ‒ Head of the Commercial Section (covering Israel and Palestinian National Authority).
• March 1995 - March 1997:  Embassy of the Czech Republic in Manila ‒ Deputy Head of Mission.
• February 1994 - March 1995:  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic ‒ Desk Officer, Asia-Pacific Department.
• September 1993 - January 1994:  ICL Czech Republic ‒ Marketing Manager/Manufacturing Business Unit.
• July 1993 - September 1993:  KORD Ptáčník ‒ Hradec Králové, Assistant to the General Manager / Owner.

Languages
• Fluent in English, Spanish languages and intermediate in French and Russian.

“Shortly after his death I received a phone call from the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs in which he expressed the condolences of the Thai government. We opened a condolence book at the Peruvian Embassy and the United Nations also opened one at its headquarters in Bangkok. Many high ranking Thai officials, ambassadors and other dignitaries signed the books. A minute of silence was observed at ‘LHong 1919’ art gallery, on March 6th, during the opening of an exhibition of works by Peruvian painter Edson Chacon Huari. The event was attended by about 70 people, including a number of ambassadors.” 

Words MAXMILIAN WECHSLER

​His Excellency Ganesh Prasad Dhakal is Ambassador of Nepal to the Kingdom of Thailand and also Permanent Representative to UNESCAP. On top of that, he is concurrently accredited as Nepal’s ambassador to Cambodia, Laos, Singapore and Vietnam. To say he is a busy man is an understatement, but when we met at the Nepali Embassy on Sukhumvit 71 the Ambassador was relaxed and focused on our interview. He seemed to project a certain mindfulness often associated with the ascetics and adventurers who have always been drawn to the mountainous nation he represents.

“My main job is to protect the interests of Nepali nationals, strengthen bilateral relations and expand bilateral cooperation with Thailand and the other countries I am accredited to: Cambodia, Laos, Singapore and Vietnam. I presented a letter of credence in Laos in February this year and I am awaiting the opportunity to do the same in Cambodia, Singapore and Vietnam. Be that as it may, I am keeping close contact with ambassadors of these countries in Bangkok.

“Every day is unique for me with new tasks and dealings, so I can’t say I have a consistent daily routine. I spend most of my time on matters that contribute to strengthening and expanding the Nepal-Thailand relationship, which is already friendly and cooperative.

“Nepal and Thailand share a traditional and historic relationship, influenced by the philosophy of Buddhism. Thai people like to visit Nepal not only to pay respect to Lord Buddha’s birthplace, Lumbini, but also to enjoy the unique cultural and natural diversity. Young Thai people like to go to Nepal for adventure tourism, which includes trekking, jungle safari and white water rafting among others. Of course, Nepal is also widely known for Mount Everest (Sagarmatha in Nepali), which at 8,848 meters, is the highest peak in the world.

“Since my arrival in Thailand I have enjoyed it here very much. Thai people are very friendly and cooperative.

There are many similarities in culture and family values between Nepal and Thailand, which bring our two countries closer. Nepal is a very diverse country in terms of culture, religion and nature. But there is no question that Buddhism has had a profound influence in our culture and outlook. I also enjoy my official duties and engagements in Thailand, meeting with people of both government and private sectors.
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“All in all, I am very happy with my posting here. People often assume that it must be too hot and humid for me, but actually in the southern part of Nepal where I am from, the weather is quite similar. That is why I don’t feel much difference in terms of weather here. In Nepal, we have a very diverse climate: in the south it is tropical most of the year, in the central region the weather is moderate, and in the Himalayas it is always cold.” 

Blooming bilateral relations
“Our embassy here has four Mongolian diplomats and one local staff. My family and the families of other Mongolian staff live nearby the embassy, which is on Soi Ekkamai 22. We moved to this location from a place on Asoke Road in 2006. We are close to some government offices and the embassies of Bangladesh, Nepal and Egypt among others. Previously, one of our embassy staff was looking after both consular affairs and UNESCAP, but this became too much for them. With a growing number of Mongolians visiting Thailand, we now have a consular officer fully dedicated to the consular affairs, after separating UNESCAP and consular portfolio.
 
“There’s no Thai embassy in Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian capital; the Thai embassy in Beijing has responsibility for Mongolia. Thai colleagues tell me that Mongolia is at the top of the list for new Thai embassy locations, and we are looking forward to that day. Mongolia has three other embassies in Southeast Asia, in Singapore, Vietnam and in Laos. Vietnam and Laos are our long-standing friends and traditional partners. We established embassies in our respective countries because we were in the same camp under the old global political system, and we are happy to maintain our traditionally friendly ties now that things have changed.
 
“There are 49 Mongolian diplomatic missions around the world including embassies, missions to UN and consulates, and our economic growth makes it possible and worthwhile to maintain them. We have big embassies in Moscow, Beijing, Washington DC, Tokyo and in Seoul, while other embassies are comparatively small. Our embassy in Bangkok is about average in size.

His Excellency Stanislav Opiela is nearing the end of his final assignment for the Slovak Republic. When he and his wife Wiera return home sometime this year, they will be missed by many good friends they’ve made in Thailand.
 
Ambassador Opiela is known as one of the most active and astute members of the Bangkok diplomatic corps (see CV), and colleagues and Thai officials alike are keen to hear his take on developments in international affairs. Though not a trained diplomat herself, the ambassador’s cheerful and elegant wife works long hours assisting him at the embassy and is a constant companion at the myriad social functions that go with the job. It seemed only fitting to interview both husband and wife, but for the sake of clarity their comments are presented separately.