Surakiart Sathirathai

One of the more interesting profiles. Dr. Surakiart, 48, is Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand overseeing foreign affairs, education and culture. Surakiart is U.S. educated (Tufts University and Harvard University) and is the first Thai to earn a doctorate in law from Harvard. He is known throughout the region for his smooth manner and solid intellect. He has been campaigning hard for the job and in 05 seemed to secure backing from Chia as the “Asian Candidate” although reports indicate some Chinese diplomats assert that a pledge of support was never made. Surakiart claims that the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is supporting his candidacy. However, recent statements from the region don’t seem to back that up. Hurting him are two things: His early campaigning and former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin. It’s guilt by association as Thaksin’s actions against Muslims in Thailand’s south (where hundreds have been killed, rasing concern in the Middle East), embracing of Burma’s military junta (raising concerns in the West), and domestic unrest (raising concerns in the region) have battered this candidacy. Moreover, it has been mentioned in diplomatic circles that placing himself in the race early was considered bad form. His web site can be found at http://www.surakiart.com/bio_e3.asp

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