Thai FM Denies Banks' Involvement in Myanmar Arms Sales

[webfact]

 

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa today firmly denied allegations from a United Nations report claiming that Thai-owned banks were involved in arms sales transactions with Myanmar's government forces.

 

During a House of Representatives session, Maris rebuffed claims from Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Myanmar, who asserted that nearly $130 million in weapon sales had been funneled through unnamed Thai banks to Myanmar’s military, the Tatmadaw. The UN report, titled "The Billion Dollar Death Trade," accused Thailand of being a key supplier of arms fueling Myanmar's internal conflict.

 

Maris, relying on statements from the Bank of Thailand and the Anti-Money Laundering Office, stressed there was no evidence to support these claims. He reiterated Thailand’s consistent adherence to international human rights and humanitarian principles.

 

"The Bank of Thailand and Anti-Money Laundering Office have made it clear that no Thai financial institutions have facilitated arms sales to Myanmar. We stand by our commitment to human rights and international standards," Maris stated.

 

While addressing the accusations, Maris emphasized that Thailand will not sever economic ties with Myanmar. He explained that maintaining bilateral trade relations is crucial for avoiding negative impacts on the cordial relationship between the neighbouring nations, despite ongoing conflicts within Myanmar.

 

"We will continue our trade with Myanmar to sustain both our economies and our diplomatic relations, even as we stand firm on our human rights commitments," he concluded.

 

The allegations come amid intense scrutiny of Myanmar's human rights record, particularly regarding military actions against ethnic rebel groups. The Thai government’s prompt denial aims to preserve diplomatic and trade relationships while addressing the serious allegations raised by the UN report.

 

This pivotal moment underscores Thailand's balancing act as it navigates international human rights obligations and its geopolitical interests in the region.

 

File photo courtesy: Pantip

 

-- 2024-07-19

 

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[JoePai]

We all suspected this but now I suggest Mr Tom Andrews should follow up on his accusations with the proof he has 

[brianthainess]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The UN report, titled "The Billion Dollar Death Trade," accused Thailand of being a key supplier of arms fueling Myanmar's internal conflict.

Considering they let the Junta Launder trucks full of money to be driven over into Thailand and flown out, it wouldn't surprise me one jot, that Thailand is suppling arms to their friend the murdering Junta.

Oh, and how is deporting the illigal workers back, going ?

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa today firmly denied allegations from a United Nations report claiming that Thai-owned banks were involved in arms sales transactions with Myanmar's government forces.

Liar, liar pants on fire.

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

He reiterated Thailand’s consistent adherence to international human rights and humanitarian principles.

 

Then why are you sending the Burmese back to Burma where they will probably be conscripted into the army?

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Thailand's balancing act as it navigates avoids international human rights obligations and its geopolitical financial interests in the region.

 

Is that more realistic?

 

 

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

During a House of Representatives session, Maris rebuffed claims from Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in Myanmar, who asserted that nearly $130 million in weapon sales had been funneled through unnamed Thai banks to Myanmar’s military, the Tatmadaw. The UN report, titled "The Billion Dollar Death Trade," accused Thailand of being a key supplier of arms fueling Myanmar's internal conflict

They do seem to have some incrimination evidence ?

[spidermike007]

There is no doubt that Thailand has been aiding and abetting the Burmese military for a long time, likely long before this current conflict started, and the election was stolen over there. And here. There are countless reports on Thailand aiding these heinous leaders in Burma and there's no doubt that fortunes are being made on the conflict.

 

I would guess that foreign minister  Maris Sangiampongsa is a liar and a stooge for the administration. No reason to think otherwise. 

[JimHuaHin]

The Report is readily available, on-line, and makes interesting reading.

 

The Thai banks concerned are named in the report.

[Pouatchee]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

Maris, relying on statements from the Bank of Thailand and the Anti-Money Laundering Office, stressed there was no evidence to support these claims. He reiterated Thailand’s consistent adherence to international human rights and humanitarian principles.

 

thailand the hub of no evidence

 

He reiterated Thailand’s consistent adherence to international human rights and humanitarian principles.

 

i wonder how the illegal, undocumented and unprotected people in the canneries and fishing vessels feel about that

[pookiki]

All government's have a standard of 'plausible deniability'.   In this case, however, all the Thai banks under scrutiny stated that they do not have the capacity to monitor and/or verify these allegations.  So, if the banks don't know or, if they do know and are just admitting they are incompetent and unwilling to admit their incompetence, then there is no way to engage in 'plausible deniability', just inherent incompetence and stupidity.

[Gknrd]

Again just Thailand helping China.  Thailand is a lost cause. Now, it is just a matter of the US and its allies to do what ever possible to hinder their progress.  

[Srikcir]

14 hours ago, webfact said:

even as we stand firm on our human rights commitments

Even as the UN has continued since 2014 banned Thailand from its Human Rights Commission? The only thing Thailand has stood firm is its denials of human rights even to its own citizens.

[Kinnock]

Never believe anything until you get the official denial.

[bamnutsak]

21 hours ago, webfact said:

Maris, relying on statements from the Bank of Thailand and the Anti-Money Laundering Office, stressed there was no evidence to support these claims. He reiterated Thailand’s consistent adherence to international human rights and humanitarian principles.

 

 

THB285m assets of Senator Upakit frozen over alleged transnational crime

 

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40033144

 

 

But then this one was swept under the rug.

 

 

Senate votes against police request to question Senator Upakit Pachariyangkun

 

https://www.thaipbsworld.com/senate-votes-against-police-request-to-question-senator-upakit-pachariyangkun/

 

 

 

 

[cncltd1973]

is this like giving money to the homeless to buy food and they buy drugs instead?