Look farther, and find the answers - Editorial

[webfact]

Look farther, and find the answers

By The Nation

 

 

When it comes to international affairs, Thailand too often has its head in the sand. This year we can be bolder

 

There is much going on across Asia of tremendous global importance, but you wouldn’t know it from listening to the political parties campaigning ahead of the March 24 general election. Granted that issues deriving from international relations generate little interest among voters and that what Bill Clinton once trumpeted – “It’s the economy, stupid!” – remains the most compelling message any campaigner can use today.

 

But none of this means we should shun pre-election dialogue about international relations and foreign policy. Thailand suffers from a dearth of people in government and the bureaucracy who fully grasp the importance of foreign relations, and the latter are not encouraged to conceive progressive or bold moves, remaining content to merely toe the line. Others experts in the field are constrained in ivory towers. There is no independent think-tank in Thailand to which they might contribute valuable ideas.

 

With the election just three weeks away, no one in the running for office has yet broached subjects such as the rise of China or even what the US-China trade spat is doing to the Thai economy. We should be discussing what might happen here if the United States, our treaty ally, confronts China more forcefully. What would be our response? 

 

Thailand welcomes millions of Chinese visitors every year and seeks to maintain that tourism boon even in the face of gaffes like Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan’s foolish remarks about the Phuket boat accident in which 47 Chinese travellers died. Chinese citizens were apoplectic over his suggestion that their compatriots were somehow to blame, though Beijing did not exploit the incident for political gain, possibly to prevent Thai-US relations strengthened further.

 

Another glaring example of events occurring beyond our borders but nevertheless affecting us significantly is the mass influx of Rohingya boat people from Myanmar that started a decade ago. Thai marine forces were globally portrayed as heartless when they blocked the first wave from landing here. International condemnation forced a change in policy, but severe mistrust lingered over human trafficking along the western coast that has seen bribes paid to local government officials. In the most publicised event, government security officials were among the many people arrested, but in the world’s eyes the damage was already done. And meanwhile no one ever found the courage to point out the source of the problem, which is Myanmar’s brutal treatment of its Muslim minorities including the Rohingya.

 

Thailand is this year taking its turn as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a position presents a prime opportunity to shine a light on issues of global importance and, in doing so, enhance the Kingdom’s international standing. We have begun what should be a highly auspicious year, being in charge of Asean and about to hold an election that represents military autocrats returning the mandate to the people. With the coronation in May, His Majesty the King will formally begin his reign as head of state.

 

We should then proceed with unwavering confidence and bring before the 10-nation Asean bloc issues of dire consequence that heretofore have been avoided. This is a chance to get far more Southeast Asians interested in foreign affairs. Let us remind our own citizens and those across the region that we must take a united stand on crucial matters, regardless of locality. This is Thailand, and Asean was after all founded in Bangkok.

 

Let’s take it forward.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/opinion/30364946

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2019-02-28

[Samui Bodoh]

What utter nonsense.

 

Thais and Thailand do not care one whit what occurs outside of its borders, and its populace is not educated regarding outside events in the slightest.

 

The international community sees the Thai government with the same eye a baby-sitter points at a problem child; they know that norms and rules will be broken by coups, legal gymnastics, deceptions, irregular and irrational application of global rules and the like. The baby-sitter merely tries to keep the child under control and out of their hair.

 

If Thailand wants to be a player on the international stage, it needs to get its own house in order first; no one listens and/or takes seriously a country with 20+ coups attempts and 20+ constitutions in under a century.

 

Sorry, dudes, your international voice is worthless until you sort your own country.

 

[Puchaiyank]

This article does pose an intriguing question...what side would Thailand chose if forced to do so due to a conflict between the US and China?

 

Me thinks the close proximity of China would weigh heavily in any decision.

[leeneeds]

Wanting to be part of the worlds society you first must learn it exists beyond your border,

giving my daughter a broad education that is not blinkered by the Thai system, is my way of ensuring a questioning mind, Thai government and its educators need to do the same so there are educated outside border thinkers who grasp what goes on,

on the world stage, not just Asean.

[JAG]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Another glaring example of events occurring beyond our borders but nevertheless affecting us significantly is the mass influx of Rohingya boat people from Myanmar that started a decade ago. Thai marine forces were globally portrayed as heartless when they blocked the first wave from landing here. International condemnation forced a change in policy, but severe mistrust lingered over human trafficking along the western coast that has seen bribes paid to local government officials. In the most publicised event, government security officials were among the many people arrested, but in the world’s eyes the damage was already done. And meanwhile no one ever found the courage to point out the source of the problem, which is Myanmar’s brutal treatment of its Muslim minorities including the Rohingya.

The world is fully aware of what has happened to the Rohinga, both within Myanmar and here in Thailand. The blame for what has happened to Rohinga refugees, in Thailand and in it's waters falls squarely on those Thais who took part in it.

 

You don't have to look very far at all to find the answers. Murder is murder and slavery is slavery.

[connda]

12 hours ago, Puchaiyank said:

This article does pose an intriguing question...what side would Thailand chose if forced to do so due to a conflict between the US and China?

 

Me thinks the close proximity of China would weigh heavily in any decision.

They'd side with China until the US sends boots on the ground into Thailand at which point they will start waving American flags and whistlin' Dixie.  Read history over the last couple of hundred years.  "Thailand's has never been conquered!"  Right.   They've learned to suck up to whatever colonial or occupying power that is walking their turf in any given period of time.  And they're good at it.  As long as they don't lose their sovereign 'face' all is good.  Mission accomplished.

[kannot]

13 hours ago, Puchaiyank said:

This article does pose an intriguing question...what side would Thailand chose if forced to do so due to a conflict between the US and China?

 

Me thinks the close proximity of China would weigh heavily in any decision.

doesnt  matter theyll always  change their mind  later

[nong38]

28 minutes ago, connda said:

They'd side with China until the US sends boots on the ground into Thailand at which point they will start waving American flags and whistlin' Dixie.  Read history over the last couple of hundred years.  "Thailand's has never been conquered!"  Right.   They've learned to suck up to whatever colonial or occupying power that is walking their turf in any given period of time.  And they're good at it.  As long as they don't lose their sovereign 'face' all is good.  Mission accomplished.

What you say is pretty much on the money, they face both ways at the same time until they decide who to bow to, There are many pages missing in the Thai version of history so they can perpetuate the myth that they have never been conquered, they have given up a lot of land to avoid battle though. The only people they seem to be able to suppress are their own people military 12 people nil, since 1932. Coups are so third world.

They seem to actively discourage leaving the country or the teaching of geography or World history, everything faces inwards, unless you have studied geography and history and can afford to travel which most people on 300 bts a day or less will never be able to see and experience a different way.

One day it is to be hoped that the penny will drop and all that manufacturing the country does and sends over the horizon in ships is called "trade", "world trade" and its what keeps the country afloat, not the tourists who are finding places new to visit or put their roots down in. A more open free and fair society is not just round the corner I am afraid there are to many people with closed minds in the positions that matter.

[Spidey]

13 hours ago, Puchaiyank said:

This article does pose an intriguing question...what side would Thailand chose if forced to do so due to a conflict between the US and China?

 

Me thinks the close proximity of China would weigh heavily in any decision.

First one to invade as always.

[overherebc]

10 minutes ago, Spidey said:

First one to invade as always.

Financial invasion or military invasion?

[Spidey]

1 minute ago, overherebc said:

Financial invasion or military invasion?

I was thinking military invasion but, yes, in the world we live in now, financial invasion works equally well.

[overherebc]

7 minutes ago, Spidey said:

I was thinking military invasion but, yes, in the world we live in now, financial invasion works equally well.

And it looks much more attractive if you don't have the inclination to look under the surface or bother about looking into the future.

[from the home of CC]

 Definitely granted that Thailand needs to 'grow up' in many aspects, some more critical than others. When looking outwards one has to wonder what the impressions some countries have on Thailands 'visions for the future'. Do they want to emulate political systems that are in total shambles such as the presidential circus that is currently playing out in America? Or perhaps the complete lack of unity and distrust that pervades the U.K. in it's quest for a possibly altered future. By comparison China appears steadfast which in itself I find unsettling. Thailand is unsure about it's own future but imho they just need to look around to see where they don't want to head to.

[Lacessit]

1 hour ago, connda said:

They'd side with China until the US sends boots on the ground into Thailand at which point they will start waving American flags and whistlin' Dixie.  Read history over the last couple of hundred years.  "Thailand's has never been conquered!"  Right.   They've learned to suck up to whatever colonial or occupying power that is walking their turf in any given period of time.  And they're good at it.  As long as they don't lose their sovereign 'face' all is good.  Mission accomplished.

My feeling is if the Thai army, navy and air force were ever pitted against a professional force, the rank and file would get slaughtered, and the generals would all be fleeing to Switzerland.

[KarlS]

7 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

My feeling is if the Thai army, navy and air force were ever pitted against a professional force, the rank and file would get slaughtered, and the generals would all be fleeing to Switzerland.

And you might be surprised as were the yanks when they were booted out of SE Asia by a peasant army. 

[overherebc]

1 hour ago, KarlS said:

And you might be surprised as were the yanks when they were booted out of SE Asia by a peasant army. 

There is that, although many would deny it.

[champers]

16 hours ago, Puchaiyank said:

This article does pose an intriguing question...what side would Thailand chose if forced to do so due to a conflict between the US and China?

 

Me thinks the close proximity of China would weigh heavily in any decision.

Thailand is very pragmatic, so instead of picking sides they would remain neutral. They may offer to act as an honest broker to facilitate talks between the two. Staying on friendly terms with both is of prime concern.

They have long and historical military links with the US. They need Chinese tourists and investments for a bouyant economy.