National 4 (Spotlight Weekly)

'It Is Very Unfortunate When News About Nepal Is One Sided'

— POWTHEP VANACHINDA

POWTHEP VANACHINDA, Ambassador of Thailand to Nepal, is leaving the country after serving two and a half years in the post. Vanachinda, 60, served for 32 years in the Thai government before retiring from the Foreign Service. He spoke to KESHAB POUDEL in his office on various issues. Excerpts from the half-an-hour interview:

You have been in Nepal for the last two and half years. How would you describe your experience?

My two and half years in Nepal have been very important professionally as well as in terms of the many events the country has seen. I wish some of the events didn't happen at all. I see Nepal as a country that is quite similar to my own in at least three respects. First, we are democratic countries with monarchy. Second, we have never been colonized by any western power and are very proud of our independence. Third, the characters of Nepalese and Thai people are very similar. We are friendly, gentle and modest. We look very happy. I see a lot of people every day walking, smiling, talking and laughing along the street. It is very difficult to find such people outside Thailand and Nepal. I must admit, I see more smiling faces here than in Bangkok. So my impression about Nepal is very good. Nepal is facing a Maoist insurgency and confronts many development and political challenges. But no country in the world is without problems. We have to try to solve these problems amicably and peacefully. Everybody must do his or her duty faithfully and with sincerity.

How do you view the Maoist insurgency?

The Maoist problem may look very terrible, but my country passed through such an experience a long time ago. We spent a lot of time to overcome the insurgency. No insurgency in the world can be overcome in one, two or three months or even a year. It takes a long time and requires some sacrifice. The security forces must do their duty. The politicians must play their part in facilitating negotiations. Every one has a duty to do. I sincerely believe Nepal will overcome these difficulties in due course.

How would you recall your assignment in Nepal?

I have seen a lot of events - the royal succession, economic difficulties, among others. All obstacles must be overcome. I am here on the last leg of my service. It has been very satisfying for me. I have received full cooperation from all sides in Nepal - the government, people, press, businessmen and lots of friends.

Some people in the West as well as in Nepal describe the situation here as horrific. How do you see things?

It is very unfortunate when news about Nepal is one sided. Reports of damage and casualties on the side of security forces and government tarnishes the image of the country. This hurts tourism and the wider economy.

How do you see the situation?

I cannot say the situation is normal, since the government imposed the state of emergency and soldiers are patrolling the streets. As an Asian, I am not scared of that. In my view, security patrols make you more secure and comfortable. The state of emergency cannot be viewed as a crisis. It is one procedure the government has to take in order to restore law and order.

Thailand is one of the oldest friends of Nepal and shares many similarities, including the monarchy. What is the volume of bilateral trade?

The bilateral trade is in favor of Thailand. This is unfortunate for Nepal, but there are potentials for improvement. It will depend upon the cooperation and understanding between businessmen on both sides. If you visit the World Trade Center in Thailand, you can find so many Nepalese handicrafts. Trade is one way of developing contacts between the two peoples. It is one way of knowing each other.

Thai Airlines was the first carrier that started jet service in Nepal. How do you look at the service?

We remain the No. 1 airline flying between Kathmandu and Bangkok and the number of passengers is always full. TG has a very high reputation both in Kathmandu and Bangkok. It is a matter of great pride that the TG has proved to be a very good and reliable airline. If there is a direct flight, people will know each other better and become much more closer. We will try to retain that high quality for the sake of the two countries. We have made every possible effort to serve passengers of connecting flights.

Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and Thailand is a Buddhist country. How do you see the possibility of increasing the number of Thai tourists?

I think right now we have around 5,000 Thai tourists visiting Nepal each year. It may have gone up, since I don't have recent data. Lumbini is an important destination for Thai tourists. Many Thai people come to Lumbini through India. Many Thais come to Nepal to perform religious rituals. The Thai people regard Nepal as an important place because this is the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

How do you see the future of Nepal?

It will take some time for things to become normal. The insurgency will disappear. Theories that can be used in other countries cannot be readymade for Nepal. You may have some things that need to be adjusted and improved, although this is something that I should not be saying. You will overcome these obstacles through patience and determination. You have beautiful mountains and places to see. After the insurgency disappears, your country will prosper.

What inspires you the most in Nepal?

I have difficulty in picking one thing, as there are so many memorable and beautiful things. Nepal entered my heart a long time ago. When I served in Malaysia in 1986, I bought a book on Nepal, which I brought here also. I cannot say which part of your country I love most. It is everything - people, nature and mystery, which you cannot find in other places.

How do you view Nepal's democratic transition?

There is no readymade formula for democracy, whether it is eastern or western. Democracy in one place may not suitable for another. The adjustment of the system is very important. You have to adjust it according to the system you have. Democratic system depends on mentality of the people, habits and the kind of politicians you have. If you have a very good and capable government, then economic growth follows. It is very easy to preach but very difficult to practice. It also needs time. The government is important for democracy. After that, the devotion of politicians, civil servants, soldiers and police all count. If they devote themselves to the cause of the people and country, your country will be prosperous.

What is the position of the bureaucracy in your country?

If you see the bureaucracy, it has some drawbacks. Bureaucracy means a lot of rules and laws. Sometimes, it delays the procedure. If you have democracy, you have two kinds of people. First you have politicians like the prime minister and ministers and, secondly, secretaries and other senior civil servants. These two must understand and help one another so that the administration can function smoothly. In my experience, politicians are quick-minded and want to do things fast. They should lay down policies. The civil servants implement those policies. This is very difficult sometime. Compromise is the best solution. Civil servants have to ensure that things function legally. You don't say yes too often. Some precautions need to be taken. Unfortunately, so many people don't say no. So civil servants are dragged into politics and politicians intervene in the civil service. In my view, the duty of the civil servant is to give faithful comments and suggestions to the prime minister and ministers to let them know what can and cannot be done. This will good for the country.

What is on your mind on the eve of your retirement?

The question I have been asked often is which country I like among the five I served in - Germany, Malaysia, Italy, Romania and Nepal. It is very difficult to give an answer. I would like to convey a message to the Nepalese people: live in democracy under His Majesty the King and be faithful to your country. Nepal will always be in my mind and your smiling faces will be always in my heart.