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Published on August 2, 2007

The policy aimed to serve the national interest, which is defined as reconciliation and unity, said government spokes-man Dr Yongyuth Mayalarp.

From this year to 2011, Thailand would face a deep divide in political thought and people would be involved in a fierce struggle to impose their goals upon each other. The struggle would affect the security of national institutions, according to a policy paper prepared by the National Security Council (NSC). Violence in the South was also a main national security concern, as was international terrorism, narcotics and illegal immigration, it said.

Global warming, natural disasters and the trans-border spread of diseases were also included in the national security concerns, the paper said.

Thai governments of whatever political hue from now on needed to create policies to engage with foreign countries, particularly in the Islamic world; to build confidence in the international community; and to bridge the gaps in the Kingdom amid changes in international politics.

Neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia must be a priority in foreign relations. Thailand's close neighbours needed to understand concerns here about its Muslim population and new ways had to be found to tackle the insurgency in the deep South, the paper said.

Security was a major concern for the military-installed government. In a recent meeting, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont instructed the NSC to set the national security policy for the next five years even though his government would cede power after the coming general election.

The government has also proposed an Internal Security bill, which is now under the consideration of the Council of State and the government's legal adviser. The bill has received heavy criticism from civic groups for giving too much power to the Army chief.