Don says envoys had no right to attend police questioning of Thanathorn

[webfact]

Don says envoys had no right to attend police questioning of Thanathorn

By Jittraporn Senawong 
The Nation 

 

Future Forward Party co-founder and leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit (R) stand next to an observer from a foreign embassy after meeting with police at the Pathumwan Police Station in Bangkok, 06 April 2019. // EPA-EFE PHOTO

 

THE FOREIGN MINISTER yesterday slammed a group of foreign diplomats for showing up at a Bangkok police station to witness the interrogation of Future Forward Party leader on April 6.

 

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit was officially hit with three charges, including sedition for an offence he allegedly committed in 2015.

 

“The acts of those foreign diplomats can be considered as diplomatically inappropriate and not in line with the United Nations’ diplomatic principles.

 

“They can only get involved in the Thai justice system if their citizens are accused and charged for committing offences in Thailand. In that case, they have the absolute right to get involved in questioning and the legal process,” Don Pramudwinai said.

 

He added that nobody would be allowed to do this in their countries, so he wondered why the diplomats thought they could do this in Thailand. 

 

A group of foreign envoys, including a UN official, showed up at Pathum Wan Police Station on April 6 when Thanathorn faced official charges. 

 

The diplomats were later seen shaking hands and taking pictures with Thanathorn at the stairs of the police station.

 

Thanathorn later posted two photographs showing the diplomats sitting in a room with chief investigator Pol General Srivara Rangsibhramanakul at the top of the table and Thanathorn near him.

 

The caption read: “Observed by the UN, the EU and 11 other foreign embassies, including the US Embassy during my interrogation by the deputy commissioner of Thailand.”

 

Srivara, who is also deputy National Police commissioner, said yesterday that the diplomats did not attend the questioning session, but that he had invited them for a briefing later on. 

 

Don reiterated that the diplomats should not have done this, adding that if they wanted to gather information about the case as they claimed, they could have done so without attending the questioning session. 

 

Don said his ministry would explain its concerns to the countries whose diplomats showed up, but added that he was considering whether to “invite” them for talks verbally or with a letter. Asked if the envoys have the right to show up, if invited by a Thai individual, Don said: “No, they are not. The individual in question could not invite them to engage in our justice system.

 

“All foreign diplomats should ask the Foreign Ministry and the government first if they are invited to attend such activities. In this case, the Foreign Ministry was not asked.”

 

Meanwhile Pannika Wanich, spokesperson for Future Forward Party, said that on April 4 a UN official contacted her party, Thanathorn’s lawyer and Pathum Wan Police Station saying he wanted to observe the April 6 interrogation session.

 

She added that the party has good ties with the ambassadors of the US, Canada and the European Union and that the party knew in advance that their diplomats would be attending the questioning session. 

 

She defended the diplomats, saying they were aware of the protocol but decided to attend the session any way, because they believe the sedition charge is severe. 

 

The diplomats were also concerned because this action is being used against a political leader who has just made his debut and his party has unofficially gained some 80 seats in Parliament. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30367440

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2019-04-10

[z42]

Starting to unravel. The more noise that is made here, the more i suspect that this issue may snowball in a way the Junta won't like.

Rigging an election is 1 thing, hitting a popular politician with a tsunami of blatantly bogus charges after the election is another, but looking to haul in foreign diplomats to dress them down for no reason is something else. Hope it does blow up in the Junta's face.

 

[perthuniversity]

some people are fighting very hard to keep a lot of things covered up

 

and i tell you - thanathorn is not one of them

 

real-life hero that guy

[Odysseus123]

Well done those folk!

 

Must have given Pol.General Bangabigdrumian quite a turn.

 

Not quite the done thing in the land of Night and Fog.(Nacht und Nebel)

Edited April 9, 2019 by Odysseus123

[Chang_paarp]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit was officially hit with three charges, including sedition for an offence he allegedly committed in 2015.

 

“The acts of those foreign diplomats can be considered as diplomatically inappropriate and not in line with the United Nations’ diplomatic principles.

 

Very undiplomatic language for something that is standard diplomatic procedure.

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

A group of foreign envoys, including a UN official, showed up at Pathum Wan Police Station on April 6 when Thanathorn faced official charges. 

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

 

“The acts of those foreign diplomats can be considered as diplomatically inappropriate and not in line with the United Nations’ diplomatic principles.

 

Ignorance of international diplomatic procedure is not a good look for the Foreign Minister. Being reminded that diplomats report to others is a good result.

[Orton Rd]

Arresting innocent political opponents is not in line with United Nations principals either, nor are military coups and rigging elections.

[YetAnother]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The acts of those foreign diplomats can be considered as diplomatically inappropriate

did they do or say anything inappropriate ? no, they just went and watched; i guess in a police state that is considered inappropriate

[Lupatria]

In a democracy this is what happens when an "official" says: "We got nothing to hide"

[robblok]

4 hours ago, Odysseus123 said:

Well done those folk!

 

Must have given Pol.General Bangabigdrumian quite a turn.

 

Not quite the done thing in the land of Night and Fog.(Nacht und Nebel)

They don't want any people looking in on this because it undermines their credibility. Still, what do we expect the diplomats to do ? 

 

I like that they were there but I think they are kinda toothless tigers. 

[Brislocal]

Foreign diplomates should keep there noses out of another countries internal affairs.

They cause more problems especially the UN.

[Prince77]

Don, Don, Don - you don't like that foreign diplomats look at sticky fingers? Well, may be you should get used to it. I am happy they were there and whether this is the correct diplomatic style or not - who cares except you?

[Eligius]

In a normal, law-based society, the Western Diplomats would not be expected to sit in on a meeting of this kind (with the accused, Thai native, Thanathorn); but in a land which is totally and utterly lawless - where phoney laws are invented on the hoof, where the Authorities' own 'Constitution' is completely disregarded or breached when it suits them, and where the entire 'government' was illicitly seized at gunpoint from the sovereignty-holders of the  nation (the Thai people), and where the entire 'election' is deemed by many to be 100% bogus and illegitimate - in such circumstances, the Diplomats had extremely good moral cause to be present.

For the junta to invoke international law and niceties when it suits them is the rankest hypocrisy. But then, 'hypocrisy on steroids' is their middle name!

 

Edited April 10, 2019 by Eligius

[DPKANKAN]

28 minutes ago, Prince77 said:

Don, Don, Don - you don't like that foreign diplomats look at sticky fingers? Well, may be you should get used to it. I am happy they were there and whether this is the correct diplomatic style or not - who cares except you?

If everything was above board with the election etc., the Junta boys would not be getting their knickers in a twist now would they????

Edited April 10, 2019 by DPKANKAN

[KiChakayan]

20 minutes ago, Kasset Tak said:

I guess that many of you who are making remarks like this one see all Thais as uneducated and ignorant people!?

Most of Thai friends, even those of them who are Thaksin supporters, are saying that Thailand should expel these diplomats for interfering in Thailand's internal affairs. And even my friend with MA and PhD form UCLA, who used to be MP in Thailand, UN envoy for Thailand and Human Rights Commissioner (he was in the group of foreigners that first visited Aung San Suu Kyi after she was put in house arrest by the Burmese junta), says that what these diplomats did was not appropriate to do according to international diplomatic standards...

But hey, I guess that Thai's are all wrong and you are right...

Your friends are probably upset because they are narrow minded nationalistic Thais, but they should read Eligius' post (#13)...

And no, all Thais aren't idiots, in this case Don cleverly plays this unpleasant nationalistic streak.

Edited April 10, 2019 by KiChakayan

[gunderhill]

1 hour ago, robblok said:

They don't want any people looking in on this because it undermines their credibility. Still, what do we expect the diplomats to do ? 

 

I like that they were there but I think they are kinda toothless tigers. 

Just them being there is  enough.

[Baerboxer]

1 hour ago, robblok said:

They don't want any people looking in on this because it undermines their credibility. Still, what do we expect the diplomats to do ? 

 

I like that they were there but I think they are kinda toothless tigers. 

 

Agree. But the Foreign Minister is correct. Foreign Diplomats, and the UN officials, do not have these rights. 

 

When was the last time diplomats from Asian countries invited themselves to attend an interview of a Western politician by his home country police?

 

The EU mission sent someone, probably doing nothing else useful anyway, some ineffective overpaid UN official, and Germany of course as they now want to project themselves as a world power all over again.

 

I have some sympathy with Germany as I believe it to be a democracy that does concern itself with some HR issues; although turns a blind eye to the criminal activities of it's businesses. The EU bureaucrat muffins and UN "Doctors" jump on any bandwagon to show they're busy doing something.

 

Regardless of the situation here, the arrogant West are in no position to lecture anyone; and certainly don't have any authority too.

 

 

[Eric Loh]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

All foreign diplomats should ask the Foreign Ministry and the government first if they are invited to attend such activities. In this case, the Foreign Ministry was not asked.”

 

Because if they asked, they will be denied numbnuts. 

[55Jay]

29 minutes ago, Kasset Tak said:

//snip// But hey, I guess that Thai's are all wrong and you are right...

That appears to be the case, so maybe your friends actually DO have it wrong.   You ever consider that?  

 

As for the mates you described, I would be especially dismissive of the guy you say "supports Thaksin".  What does that even mean?  How can you support a politician who's not a politician anymore, doesn't actually represent a party, and hasn't physically been in this country for years.   And your buddy with foreign Uni degrees does not compute - brave, standing against junta tyranny in Myanmar, but not here, in his own country.  Hmmm. 

Edited April 10, 2019 by 55Jay

[GarryP]

25 minutes ago, Kasset Tak said:

I guess that many of you who are making remarks like this one see all Thais as uneducated and ignorant people!?

Most of Thai friends, even those of them who are Thaksin supporters, are saying that Thailand should expel these diplomats for interfering in Thailand's internal affairs. And even my friend with MA and PhD form UCLA, who used to be MP in Thailand, UN envoy for Thailand and Human Rights Commissioner (he was in the group of foreigners that first visited Aung San Suu Kyi after she was put in house arrest by the Burmese junta), says that what these diplomats did was not appropriate to do according to international diplomatic standards...

But hey, I guess that Thai's are all wrong and you are right...

You move in a rather strange group. I haven't heard any complain about the diplomats' actions. Most of my Thai friends support what they did. No one raised objections. That is, those that did not support the action, were in fact indifferent and couldn't care less.  However, I can understand supporters of the junta getting their knickers in a twist.   

[Bundooman]

1 hour ago, robblok said:

They don't want any people looking in on this because it undermines their credibility. Still, what do we expect the diplomats to do ? 

 

I like that they were there but I think they are kinda toothless tigers. 

They might be toothless tigers here in Thailand, but back home they can be quite ferocious and effective critics of Thai injustice, right?

And that gives the instigators of this - an almighty loss of face internationally, doesn't it?

[Baerboxer]

27 minutes ago, Kasset Tak said:

I guess that many of you who are making remarks like this one see all Thais as uneducated and ignorant people!?

Most of Thai friends, even those of them who are Thaksin supporters, are saying that Thailand should expel these diplomats for interfering in Thailand's internal affairs. And even my friend with MA and PhD form UCLA, who used to be MP in Thailand, UN envoy for Thailand and Human Rights Commissioner (he was in the group of foreigners that first visited Aung San Suu Kyi after she was put in house arrest by the Burmese junta), says that what these diplomats did was not appropriate to do according to international diplomatic standards...

But hey, I guess that Thai's are all wrong and you are right...

 

Agree with your Thai friends. 

 

Ironic how many posters grumble about xenophobic Thailand, and other Asian countries, but see the West as so superior! But only the 'democratic West" of course; or should it be the countries they like to think are democratic!

 

The UN wouldn't dare try this in the West, or China and Russia. And the EU Mission, a joke!

 

No wonder Thais and other Asians have formed certain opinions about "farangs".

 

These diplomats should be warned about future behavior at least.

[PerkinsCuthbert]

The point intended to be made, was made: foreigners are watching. Job done.

Edited April 10, 2019 by PerkinsCuthbert

[Baerboxer]

3 minutes ago, fvw53 said:

What would happen if same countries send diplomats to monitor the secret trial in Saudi Arabia about the murder of Khashoggi ?

 

Same as if they try it in Russia, China, Japan, EU countries, Middle East Countries, Asian countries etc etc.

 

They'd be expelled.

[metisdead]

An inflammatory post has been removed.

[Baerboxer]

1 minute ago, PerkinsCuthbert said:

The point intended to be made, was made, foreigners are watching. Job done.

 

They could have made the point by making it clear they were monitoring things and talking to Future Forward leaders etc.

 

Turning up, invited without the courtesy of talking to the Foreign Ministry is an insult. Whether a calculated insult, arrogance or just sloppy diplomacy, we don't know.

 

I would expect Thailand to be summoning some ambassadors for a cup of tea soon.

[Caldera]

Says a man who has no right to be in office whatsoever.

[sammieuk1]

It all shines a spotlight of just how stupid everyone is looking right now the junta has been out smarted out foxed as their child like fiddling gets scrutinized world wide ????

[PerkinsCuthbert]

1 minute ago, Baerboxer said:

 

They could have made the point by making it clear they were monitoring things and talking to Future Forward leaders etc.

 

Turning up, invited without the courtesy of talking to the Foreign Ministry is an insult. Whether a calculated insult, arrogance or just sloppy diplomacy, we don't know.

 

I would expect Thailand to be summoning some ambassadors for a cup of tea soon.

Don't be naïve. Do you really suppose the Ministry would have welcomed such attendance if pre-notified?

[Bezdomny]

If Thailand would have biggest reserves of oil like Venezuela have, he would be already self declared president and recognized from USA and their poodles. So few small foreign officials aren't breaking any UN rules if we use same brushes?

[55Jay]

14 minutes ago, Baerboxer said:

 

Agree with your Thai friends. 

 

Ironic how many posters grumble about xenophobic Thailand, and other Asian countries, but see the West as so superior! But only the 'democratic West" of course; or should it be the countries they like to think are democratic!

 

The UN wouldn't dare try this in the West, or China and Russia. And the EU Mission, a joke!

 

No wonder Thais and other Asians have formed certain opinions about "farangs".

 

These diplomats should be warned about future behavior at least.

Why obfuscate and deflect with nationalistic jingo talk?

 

It's clear as day, the junta is about to railroad this guy on bullshit charges.  "Attitude Adjustment" is the least of this guy's worries.  It has happened before, not long ago, under the very same Junta you are soft-shoeing for now.

 

The Junta are bullies, which means they are cowards.  Bullies act tough but soon as you give them a smack, they call the police and use the law for protection - the same law they trample on so cavalierly because they think they've got everyone terrified.  Hell, these Dips didn't even do anything apart from showing up. 

Edited April 10, 2019 by 55Jay