Within approximately 12 years since the Chaitichai government in 1988 until the beginning of the Thaksin government in 2001, Thailand had eight civilian governments; each of which had an average length of 1.5 years. Cabinet positions responsible for foreign policy were also frequently changed which resulted in incoherence in policy strategy. Initiatives originated by preceding governments or ministers were generally abandoned or watered down by new comers. This was a major complaint by many stakeholders in Thailand dealing with the government especially local businesses and provincial authorities, that the government had no clear and substantive framework to direct an effective project implementation (DERC, 1995).