Although often viewed as a proxy for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Thailands foreign policy under Sretthas leadership was revitalized after the lost decades marked by coups and military rule. From a country known for its creativity and leadership in setting the agenda for the Southeast Asian region to one embracing quiet diplomacy imbalanced foreign policy and a lack of regional leadership it is no surprise that the very first foreign policy mission of Sretthas administration focused on rectifying and reinventing Thailands regional and global stature.