EDITORIAL: From an Asean partner, fair criticism

[webfact]

From an Asean partner, fair criticism

By The Nation

 

 

What goes around comes around as a Jakarta newspaper columnist jabs Thailand for its undemocratic backsliding

 

Thailand can cry foul and cite Asean’s long-standing policy of non-interference all it wants. But an opinion column published last week in the Jakarta Post – “Don’t let Thai junta chief chair Asean next year” – should be a reminder that what’s going inside our borders is of sharp interest to people on the outside.

 

The Indonesian writer, specifically citing setbacks to democracy here, called on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to deny Thailand its due turn chairing the regional bloc next year and instead pass the job on to another member-country. “Thailand deserves the right to chair Asean, but not under a junta that has continued to cling on to powers it stole from the people four years ago,” the commentary said.

 

Thailand’s gutter politics and colour-coded rivalries may not have a direct impact on the wellbeing of Indonesia and its people. But because the two countries are members of the same regional group, there is an obvious connection – and thus impacts to be felt, whether directly or indirectly.

 

Membership in the 10-nation Asean should be more meaningful. It cannot be based solely on geographical location. As such, we appreciate hearing a non-resident of Thailand take the Kingdom’s government to task while reminding other regional leaders that membership should not be taken for granted. 

 

Asean began as an anti-communist front, only refocusing on trade matters after the Cold War ended. But, in terms of developing common political values, the group has little to show for all its boasts of unity.

 

Yes, there is a mechanism in place safeguarding human rights, as well as an emergency-response team. But when abuses take place and natural disasters occur, such mechanisms remain largely idle.

 

The Jakarta Post commentary called on the Indonesian government to oppose Thailand’s chairmanship of Asean until after its military rulers allow an election. Not surprisingly, the suggestion raised hackles in Bangkok. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, sending out word through Government Spokesman Lt-General Sansern Kaewkamnert, said Thais shouldn’t make an issue of the ruckus lest it widen the political divide further.

 

“It’s still unknown who will form the next government after the election, so the prime minister doesn’t want to see anyone use this issue to create rifts in society,” Sansern said. The logic is odd. The election is currently slated for February. The government subsequently formed will be the one chairing Asean. Suggesting that seeing a link between national politics and the chairmanship could cause domestic trouble seems like a mere scare tactic. It would indeed be better if Prayut were to speak honestly about what the future holds for us.

 

He should remember the incident at a Pattaya resort hotel in which red-shirt protesters stormed an Asean-Plus summit, making a mocking of a vow by then-premier Abhisit Vejjajiva that it wouldn’t be allowed to happen. The leaders of China, Japan and South Korea were sent scurrying. Another premier at another time, Chuan Leekpai, criticised Myanmar over atrocities committed against ethnic minorities, who were fleeing into Thailand. Our country was being directly affected. We had to say something.

 

Today, the junta prefers to turn a blind eye to atrocities committed in Myanmar on a much larger scale, against the Rohingya. Who would give a country that occupies the moral low ground the rudder of Asean, even for a year?

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/opinion/30351594

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-08-07

[Samui Bodoh]

Burma was denied the Chair in 2006 due to its military government; Why should Thailand not face the same sanction?

 

The decision to disallow Burma the Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2006 was the correct decision; a decision to disallow Thailand a Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2019 would also be a correct decision.

 

As the editorial notes;

 

"...Who would give a country that occupies the moral low ground the rudder of Asean, even for a year?.."

 

Thailand/Prayut demanding the Chair is weapons-grade hypocrisy. 

 

 

Edited August 6, 2018 by Samui Bodoh
Lack of coffee

[a977]

"he who must be obeyed" couldn't chair a good s##t. How did this guy ever get to be a General???????

[Lungstib]

From a moral standpoint it seems reasonable that a govt that took over illegally and has no respect for human rights, free speech and freedom of assembly is not allowed to head a political block. Mr Cornelius got that right. On the other hand, with the totally non-democratic Burma, Vietnam and Cambodia as its members Prayuth is a pretty good fit and could almost be considered a moderate in that company. What a shambles the ASEAN group has turned into.

[YetAnother]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

fair criticism

to thais , such a thing does not exist; they cannot take criticism in any way

[Hayduke]

1 hour ago, a977 said:

 How did this guy ever get to be a General???????

 

Good point. But bear in mind this is an army (and the word is used loosely) whose…sole…purpose is to point weapons at its own people.

 

 

[mfd101]

Fair criticism, though I doubt that ANY ASEAN country could escape well-earned criticism for longterm human rights abuses & lack of genuine democracy.

[meechai]

Fair criticism & to be honest

Thai's deserve Prayut

If after 4 years they will not get off their butts & take their country back

then they deserve having a master slave relationship with him

Edited August 7, 2018 by meechai

[nong38]

A government spokesman asked where Indonesia was, the PM gave him a map of Thailand, the search is in its early stages, but the smart money s going on Issan.

[AlQaholic]

I think any upcoming election will be in the spirit of a recent election that took place in an oil-rich South American country...

[saminoz]

3 hours ago, a977 said:

"he who must be obeyed" couldn't chair a good s##t. How did this guy ever get to be a General???????

$$$$$$$$$$$  .......kaching!!

[DrTuner]

SEA, the Hub of military D's. There's no hope.

[spidermike007]

Tiny P. does not deserve any honors, recognition, or the ability to lead ASEAN.

 

Always remember one thing. The General was installed to prevent the elite, the powerful, the connected, the influential, the wealthy, or those in power from ever having to face the consequences of their actions. There are the occasional crimes that are so heinous, and get worldwide attention, as in the case of General Manas, who was recently convicted of human trafficking, that they cannot be ignored. But, they are rare, and the absolute exception to the rule. 

 

More absolutely inane rantings, from this fabulously incompetent administration. They continue to sabotage the economy. They cannot get out of their own way. They shoot themselves, and the honest, hard working, common Thai people in the foot daily. 

[yellowboat]

Thailand after the coup wanted to sit on the UN Security council.  That was pushed aside.  If ASEAN does do the wise thing, The Chair should go to Malaysia.  They have earned people respect and admiration. 

On 8/7/2018 at 6:29 AM, webfact said:

Today, the junta prefers to turn a blind eye to atrocities committed in Myanmar on a much larger scale, against the Rohingya. Who would give a country that occupies the moral low ground the rudder of Asean, even for a year?

The Junta only cares about the golden circle and itself.  They have a wildly delusional outlook of today's Thailand that is ruining the country.  They should be punished for their terrible behavior and their piers should take this opportunity to do that.   Thank gawd for the freedom of the press and the Indonesian journalist who had the courage to say something. 

[pattayadgw]

'Stuck in the middle with you'.... take a look north (Lao) and east (Cambodia) and west (Myanmar)... :))) 

[anon537687643]

SE asia is pretty much a cabal of “fake democracies and military dictatorships” ASEAN glorified get together portraying themselves as progressive and working together . Fake !!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

 

[lamyai3]

4 hours ago, pattayadgw said:

'Stuck in the middle with you'.... take a look north (Lao) and east (Cambodia) and west (Myanmar)... :))) 

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right...