Prayut’s trip to Washington confirms US non-interventionist foreign policy

[webfact]

OPINION

Prayut’s trip to Washington confirms US non-interventionist foreign policy 

By Titipol Phakdeewanich 
Special to The Nation

 

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha answered President Donald Trump’s invitation yesterday by paying a call at the White House.

 

The trip cannot be simply treated as a restoration of US-Thai relations that were soured by the 2014 coup staged by Prayut and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

 

The meeting between the two leaders in fact signals a departure from America’s role as democratic champion in Thailand and Southeast Asia, while establishing a comfort zone for the military government to operate both in the Thai political landscape and in US-Thai relations. 

 

The Trump administration is now establishing a non-interventionist foreign policy in Southeast Asia and the rest of the world, echoing China’s foreign policy stance since the mid-1950s. 

 

In the diplomatic language of the White House, Trump and Prayut were to “discuss ways to strengthen and broaden bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region”, with Thailand hoping that this would re-energise their relations.

 

The photo opportunity for Prayut and Trump, against the backdrop of the world’s most powerful office, reaffirms speculation that Trump’s “America First” foreign policy platform is putting US national interests above the promotion and protection of democracy and human rights.

 

Whether intended or not, the White House yesterday endorsed the NCPO’s “Thai-style democracy” – characterised by the suppression of political freedoms and free expression – and also accepted its rhetoric that Thailand is “not ready for democracy”. This could result in further delays in the Thai democratic timeline set by the NCPO.

 

The meeting rejects the democratic principle in the US constitution embodied in the words “We The People”, while endorsing the authoritarian and elitist model of governance in Southeast Asia. 

 

Despite growing criticism of Trump’s democracy and human rights record, the US remains a global leader of liberal democracy. As such, a meeting with the US president is a visa for dictators and strongmen to enter the democratic world and whitewash themselves and their records. It enables them to legitimise their position at home and redefine democratic norms in a way that fits their regimes. 

 

Thus, democracy without liberty and freedom is labelled illiberal democracy. Is this the form of democracy that best fits Thailand? Is this a form of governance that the US seeks to promote across the globe, following its engagement in the infamous Vietnam War it claimed was for democracy?

 

Washington’s imitation of Beijing’s “non-interference policy” not only undermines democratic progress in Southeast Asia and the rest of the world, but it also raises questions about America’s competence to review and criticise the state of democracy and human rights in foreign countries.

 

The US State Department’s 2017 Trafficking in Persons report kept Thailand on the “Tier 2 Watch List”, due to its failure to meet minimum standards. Yet Thailand is working hard to meet benchmarks set by the US, which proves that criticism from outside can improve human rights in the country.

 

Former secretary of state Madeleine Albright emphasises that the promotion of democratic freedoms beyond America’s borders is a duty of the US government. Thus, if the US decides to compromise on the current state of Thai democracy and human rights, it will work in favour of the junta and against the Thai people. 

 

In his inaugural speech at the United Nations, Trump said “we do not seek to impose our way of life on anyone, but rather to let it shine as an example for everyone to watch”. Nevertheless, the president must understand that protecting universal values of democracy cannot be considered as intervening in a foreign country’s affairs, while lending support to a dictator certainly constitutes intervention. 

 

The US Embassy in Bangkok has remained aloof to persisting anti-American and anti-democratic sentiment in Thailand, especially in the Thai political divide of the past decade. 

 

Trump’s compromise with the Thai junta will help soften anti-American sentiment among conservative Thais, while damaging the United States’ core foreign policy values – democracy and human rights. 

 

“I don’t think the US should have invited him [Prayut] to the White House, because he did not come to power by an election. As such, he cannot represent the country”, comments a student from a university in the Northeast of Thailand, speaking anonymously.

 

Although US non-interference is not entirely a replication of its Chinese counterpart, Washington appears to be leaning further towards Beijing’s understanding of foreign policy.

 

Today, the world is increasingly concerned that Trump’s “America First” actually means “America Alone”, especially since the US departure from the Paris Climate Agreement. Under Trump, invitations to the White House are primarily intended to serve private US interests, while traditional American values and concern at the human rights records of allies take a back seat. One glaring example is the invite extended to Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, whose war on drugs has seen at least 7,000 people assassinated in extra-judicial killings. 

 

If the Trump administration wishes to maintain US leadership in promoting democracy beyond its borders, then it must reconsider its non-interference foreign policy stance. Otherwise the US will become just another China in Southeast Asia.

    

TITIPOL PHAKDEEWANICH is dean of the Faculty of Political Science at Ubon Ratchathani University, and a visiting fellow at the Centre for the Study of Globalisation and Regionalisation at the University of Warwick in England. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/opinion/30328305

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-10-03

[Thailand]

The current ptb have the power that the Donald wishes he had. The only thing different is that one was elected.

[Samui Bodoh]

10 minutes ago, webfact said:

The meeting rejects the democratic principle in the US constitution embodied in the words “We The People”, while endorsing the authoritarian and elitist model of governance in Southeast Asia. 

 

There is a lot of truth in this article, and that is sad.

 

If the US is going to give up their role as a promoter and guardian of democratic ideals (no matter how badly they did it), then who will step up to take their place?

 

When people are being oppressed and can't speak for themselves, who will try to speak for them?

 

It is a sad day for humanity.

 

 

[wayned]

31 minutes ago, webfact said:

The photo opportunity for Prayut and Trump, against the backdrop of the world’s most powerful office, reaffirms speculation that Trump’s “America First” foreign policy platform is putting US national interests above the promotion and protection of democracy and human rights.

So far a television replay of his photo shoot or Q & A forum has not made TV, at least CNN.  I

[SABloke]

Just now, wayned said:

So far a television replay of his photo shoot or Q & A forum has not made TV, at least CNN.  I

 

President Trump called him Prime Minister Prayuth and Mrs. Prayuth  Couldn't even (rightly) be bothered with their surnames. Then Prayuth sits there clearly not understanding a word but tries to fake it with timed nods. 

 

EDIT to add: I see now there is a translator behind Trump's right shoulder so Prayuth could understand - he just looks dumb. 

 

 

Edited October 2, 2017 by SABloke

[dyertribe]

When I hover over that video the text reads Prim Minister Yingluck of Thailand ... Who owns that error?

[dyertribe]

oops 555

 

 

[Thailand]

8 minutes ago, dyertribe said:

oops 555

 

 

Awesome

[Thailand]

16 minutes ago, dyertribe said:

oops 555

 

 

No wonder she escaped unnoticed, superb disguise.

[JAG]

10 minutes ago, Thailand said:

Awesome

He'll have to "get over it".

[mania]

Quote

Prayut’s trip to Washington confirms US non-interventionist foreign policy 

 

 

Want to bet? Actually what it confirms is USA's belief in people get the govt they deserve

 

USA is rightfully hands off by giving the Thai citizens the freedom of choice by NOT intervening at all.

 

If tomorrow the Thai people decided they wanted the Junta out & marched on the capital the US & other westerns countries would be watching.

If the Junta overstepped the tolerance mistaken for "non-interventionist policy"  by firing on or hurting the Thai citizenry then the Junta would see what Colonel Gaddafi saw when a no fly zone was opened over Libya ( Not that I agreed with that move)

 

Do not mistake disdain for tolerance/ non-interventionist foreign policy. There is nothing many countries would like more than to rescue the Thai citizenry but, The Thai's themselves must take the first steps towards  their own independence

 

This US meeting was nothing more than to tell the Thailand rep what is coming

Fair trade which is out of balance to the tune of 18 billion per year now.

Level it or else lose trade options.

 

Edited October 3, 2017 by mania

[YetAnother]

14 minutes ago, mania said:

Actually what it confirms is USA's belief in people get the govt they deserve

agreed; i believe the usa is accepting that , in political terms, thailand is a failed state;

they, the usa, have no role;

and if the best thailand can do for now is an authoritarian military 'government', and the best they can do , longer term, is a quasi-military 'govt', then that is the best they can do

[yellowboat]

The US has to deal with Saudi Arabia and other such places which are austere and autocratic.  Thailand, in todays crappy world of low standards, is rather quaint and non consequential.   

 

The US is still fighting a 16 year war.  Its tired.  The US government's current interests are Thailand's close relationship with North Korea and the trade imbalance. 

[connda]

Hopefully we'll see an article in the next day or so that actually discusses the content of the Prayut / Trump meeting.  Instead, Dean Pitipol spent his opinion piece reiterating how he perceive US foreign policy and his views on the both the US and Thai administrations. Nothing new and no revelations.
I, like others no doubt, would like to know what the PM and the US president actually discussed.  But this was labelled an opinion piece.  Beggars can't be choosers I guess.  We'll wait to see what's published in the next couple of days.

[retarius]

4 hours ago, Samui Bodoh said:

 

There is a lot of truth in this article, and that is sad.

 

If the US is going to give up their role as a promoter and guardian of democratic ideals (no matter how badly they did it), then who will step up to take their place?

 

When people are being oppressed and can't speak for themselves, who will try to speak for them?

 

It is a sad day for humanity.

 

 

 

The headline US's 'non interventionist policy" made me snort my coffee. What about Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, North Korea? What about "regime changes"? Are they non-interventionist?

 

I find Samui's comment also in the same vein...exactly where has the US promoted a stable democracy in living memory? Iraq? It's a basket case with regular market bombing and sectarian violence. Life was much better under Saddam. Afghanistan.....total corruption of democracy and rule by war lords. Ditto Libya, rule by war lords. Syria...it already had democracy at least as good as, and probably better than Afghanistan's....the US destroyed it. Democracy in Ukraine? Destroyed by the CIA....how can you listen to Victoria Nuland saying we've (the US) spent 5 billion on this uprising, 'forget' the EU, we are picking Yats as Prime Minister...and talk about democratic ideals?

[jgarbo]

5 hours ago, Thailand said:

The current ptb have the power that the Donald wishes he had. The only thing different is that one was elected.

Neither was elected. Gen Prayut kicked out arrogant criminals and has since won popularity with the people. Trump was selected by the US Electoral College against the votes of the majority and is now the most unpopular president in recent history. There, fixed it for you. 

Edited October 3, 2017 by jgarbo

[PREM-R]

5 minutes ago, jgarbo said:

Neither was elected. Gen Prayut kicked out arrogant criminals and has since won popularity with the people. Trump was selected by the US Electoral College against the votes of the majority and is now the most unpopular president in recent history. There, fixed it for you. 

"Gen Prayut kicked out arrogant criminals and has since won popularity with the people. "

 

Are you Steven100 in disguise?

[jgarbo]

Just now, PREM-R said:

"Gen Prayut kicked out arrogant criminals and has since won popularity with the people. "

 

Are you Steven100 in disguise?

No, a tired old ,journalist who calls out BS when he sees it. I covered Thaksin Inc. from his criminal beginnings to ouster, then his sister's. Even for Hakkas they are bad.  

[Lucky mike]

Democracy nil self interest ten !

[johnarth]

3 hours ago, mania said:

 

 

Want to bet? Actually what it confirms is USA's belief in people get the govt they deserve

 

USA is rightfully hands off by giving the Thai citizens the freedom of choice by NOT intervening at all.

 

If tomorrow the Thai people decided they wanted the Junta out & marched on the capital the US & other westerns countries would be watching.

If the Junta overstepped the tolerance mistaken for "non-interventionist policy"  by firing on or hurting the Thai citizenry then the Junta would see what Colonel Gaddafi saw when a no fly zone was opened over Libya ( Not that I agreed with that move)

 

Do not mistake disdain for tolerance/ non-interventionist foreign policy. There is nothing many countries would like more than to rescue the Thai citizenry but, The Thai's themselves must take the first steps towards  their own independence

 

This US meeting was nothing more than to tell the Thailand rep what is coming

Fair trade which is out of balance to the tune of 18 billion per year now.

Level it or else lose trade options.

 

I agree, first time America has a real businessman at the helm, for good or bad, what you say fits well with what a businessman would be looking at.

[candide]

29 minutes ago, johnarth said:

I agree, first time America has a real businessman at the helm, for good or bad, what you say fits well with what a businessman would be looking at.

Reduction of trade deficit was one of the main promise of his election campaign . As he failed to get anything from the main economic partners of his country, he now tries with neglectible partners so that he can at least pretend he has fulfilled his promise.

[Krataiboy]

4 hours ago, mania said:

 

 

Want to bet? Actually what it confirms is USA's belief in people get the govt they deserve

 

USA is rightfully hands off by giving the Thai citizens the freedom of choice by NOT intervening at all.

 

If tomorrow the Thai people decided they wanted the Junta out & marched on the capital the US & other westerns countries would be watching.

If the Junta overstepped the tolerance mistaken for "non-interventionist policy"  by firing on or hurting the Thai citizenry then the Junta would see what Colonel Gaddafi saw when a no fly zone was opened over Libya ( Not that I agreed with that move)

 

Do not mistake disdain for tolerance/ non-interventionist foreign policy. There is nothing many countries would like more than to rescue the Thai citizenry but, The Thai's themselves must take the first steps towards  their own independence

 

This US meeting was nothing more than to tell the Thailand rep what is coming

Fair trade which is out of balance to the tune of 18 billion per year now.

Level it or else lose trade options.

 

 

There is a big difference between influence and intervention. If Trump is sincere, the US's new stance is welcome.

[PREM-R]

1 hour ago, jgarbo said:

No, a tired old ,journalist who calls out BS when he sees it. I covered Thaksin Inc. from his criminal beginnings to ouster, then his sister's. Even for Hakkas they are bad.  

Good to see that as a journalist you remain, balanced, fair, and objective in your writing.

[Jip99]

1 hour ago, Lucky mike said:

Democracy nil self interest ten !

 

 

Under which regime ?

[Media1]

This is a false and misleading article manufactured by the Thai media. Trump did not endorse the dictatorship. They pushed for a return to democracy asap..

LiAR Thais publishing false stories

[Media1]

6 hours ago, SABloke said:

 

President Trump called him Prime Minister Prayuth and Mrs. Prayuth  Couldn't even (rightly) be bothered with their surnames. Then Prayuth sits there clearly not understanding a word but tries to fake it with timed nods. 

 

EDIT to add: I see now there is a translator behind Trump's right shoulder so Prayuth could understand - he just looks dumb. 

 

Goose can't speak English lol

 

[Media1]

1 hour ago, jgarbo said:

Neither was elected. Gen Prayut kicked out arrogant criminals and has since won popularity with the people. Trump was selected by the US Electoral College against the votes of the majority and is now the most unpopular president in recent history. There, fixed it for you. 

Yes they regret Trump.a mistake

[Media1]

6 hours ago, SABloke said:

 

President Trump called him Prime Minister Prayuth and Mrs. Prayuth  Couldn't even (rightly) be bothered with their surnames. Then Prayuth sits there clearly not understanding a word but tries to fake it with timed nods. 

 

EDIT to add: I see now there is a translator behind Trump's right shoulder so Prayuth could understand - he just looks dumb. 

 

 

His very poorly educated

[Media1]

5 hours ago, mania said:

 

 

Want to bet? Actually what it confirms is USA's belief in people get the govt they deserve

 

USA is rightfully hands off by giving the Thai citizens the freedom of choice by NOT intervening at all.

 

If tomorrow the Thai people decided they wanted the Junta out & marched on the capital the US & other westerns countries would be watching.

If the Junta overstepped the tolerance mistaken for "non-interventionist policy"  by firing on or hurting the Thai citizenry then the Junta would see what Colonel Gaddafi saw when a no fly zone was opened over Libya ( Not that I agreed with that move)

 

Do not mistake disdain for tolerance/ non-interventionist foreign policy. There is nothing many countries would like more than to rescue the Thai citizenry but, The Thai's themselves must take the first steps towards  their own independence

 

This US meeting was nothing more than to tell the Thailand rep what is coming

Fair trade which is out of balance to the tune of 18 billion per year now.

Level it or else lose trade options.

 

Probably the best post I have read..Apart from my own of course.

Yes they have the Thai people bluffed but soon if there not very careful.  Will see themselves ousted 

[heybruce]

2 hours ago, jgarbo said:

Neither was elected. Gen Prayut kicked out arrogant criminals and has since won popularity with the people. Trump was selected by the US Electoral College against the votes of the majority and is now the most unpopular president in recent history. There, fixed it for you. 

So, no criminals in this military government and nothing arrogant about an illegal coup?

 

Don't you think Prayut's popularity with the people should be tested with an election?  Shouldn't it have been tested with an election long ago?