Why Do You Even Drink?

[webfact]

 

In a high-profile diplomatic push, the US ambassador to Thailand, Robert F Godec, has committed to enhancing economic, security, and humanitarian cooperation with Thailand under its new government.

 

This bold pledge came during a meeting yesterday, October 9, with Chusak Sirinil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, as both nations gear up for the 200th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

 

Godec emphasised the importance of modernising both countries’ ties, stating his commitment to deepening the strategic partnership. He reiterated the US dedication to fostering collaboration across sectors, particularly in security, trade, and addressing global challenges.

“The US is ready to work closely with Thailand in many areas, including modernising the military, combating drugs, and strengthening economic ties.”

Chusak warmly welcomed the ambassador, expressing confidence in his vast experience to propel bilateral relations forward.

“Thailand remains a steadfast ally of the United States.”

 

Chusak stated his desire for greater cooperation in areas such as foreign investment and military modernisation.

 

In a heartfelt gesture, Godec extended sympathy for the widespread flooding in Thailand, pledging long-term US support, including vital water resource management. This pledge underscored the humanitarian dimension of their partnership.

 

Economic discussions took centre stage, with Chusak urging the US to ensure policy continuity and facilitate foreign investment from firms like Google and Amazon Web Services. Godec responded by highlighting the mutual benefits of enhanced trade and investment, particularly in developing Thailand’s digital skills.

 

The two leaders also addressed the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, sharing hopes for peace and democracy through diplomatic negotiations and humanitarian aid.

 

With both nations eyeing a 200-year diplomatic milestone, this meeting signals a renewed focus on strengthening ties for the future, reported The Nation.

 

by Puntid Tantivangphaisal
Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2024-10-11

 

 

[JoePai]

Yanks are getting worried about the increase of Chinese influence 

[John Drake]

Why?

 

[Tropicalevo]

Sorry Bob, but that ship has sailed.

Too many ethnic Chinese running the country now.

Xi is there best friend.

[Trippy]

29 minutes ago, JoePai said:

Yanks are getting worried about the increase of Chinese influence 

Yanks are the only one's standing between you, and a Chinese re-education camp.

[Patong2021]

11 minutes ago, John Drake said:

Why?

 

 

Thailand is the 2nd largest economy in SE Asia. The USA is a major source of  imports for Thailand, holding 5% of the market. In 2022, Thailand imported  almost  $15 billion worth of  US products. US manufacturers rely on a significant amount of components sourced from Thailand, Thailand is also an important supplier of   consumer electronics.  Sourcing from Thailand reduces dependence on China and India.

[mdr224]

56 minutes ago, JoePai said:

Yanks are getting worried about the increase of Chinese influence 

Not really. Thailand is irrelevant and the US already knows thai politicians have sold their country out to China

[connda]

Run, Thailand - Run.

 

Translated:  "Thailand has applied to become a member of BRICS and its banking structure makes it a good candidate for a new monetary mBridge system of international payments which completely bypasses SWIFT. The US ambassador is needed to threaten Thailand consistently with hellfire and brimstone and massive sanctions if they don't back-down into retreat and promise to become an economic and military vassal of the US, publicly denounce China, and promise to dump their BRICS aspirations, as well as promise to become a forward deployment base for the new Asian NATO, US military bases, and missile batteries pointed toward China, Myanmar, Laos, and the Straits of Malacca."

Now - that's closer to reality. 

[connda]

36 minutes ago, mdr224 said:

Not really. Thailand is irrelevant and the US already knows thai politicians have sold their country out to China

Based on it's Geographical location to the Eastern Eurasian "Heartland," Thailand is anything BUT "irrelevant" which is why there is a new push to turn the Thai ship-of-state onto a Westerly course, install a Captain who will do the US' bidding ( 🤔 Like a member of the Shinawatra dynasty 🙄 ), arm the ship to the teeth, and point those weapons at China.
Metaphorically speaking, the US would be happy to load up that ship with high-explosives and ram it into the Chinese ship-of-state.  Ordo ab Chao.  US Embassies are basically Spook Central.  Nothing unique as all embassies are Spook Central for the guest country's embassies.  But look for a rise in the number of Western NGOs appearing in Thailand.  You can consider those to be diplomatic and even hostile "tugboats" sent to "steer" the "wayward" Thai ship-of-state in a direction desirable to the United States interests.  Thailand's own interests are what's irrelevant - at least to the US. They just need to find politicians who will sell Thailand's interest down the river for a piece of the golden pie offered by the likes of this US ambassador (think stacks of Benjamins 100's).

[thaipo7]

3 hours ago, JoePai said:

Yanks are getting worried about the increase of Chinese influence 

The Thais better.  Get in debt much more and the Chines government will do to them as they have done with Cambodia and African countries.

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

This bold pledge came during a meeting yesterday, October 9, with Chusak Sirinil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, as both nations gear up for the 200th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

Will they have to confirm this after it's been cleared by Khun Thaksin?

[John Drake]

Quote

This bold pledge came during a meeting yesterday, October 9, with Chusak Sirinil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, as both nations gear up for the 200th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

 

 

Can't even see the prime minister. Handed off to an underling.

[soalbundy]

6 hours ago, John Drake said:

Why?

 

Yes, I would be asking, "what do they want, it can't be in our interest."

[gk10012001]

Strong ties eh?  How about spearheading an effort to re-instate the Retirement Visa Income letter affidavit process. 

[John Drake]

3 minutes ago, gk10012001 said:

Strong ties eh?  How about spearheading an effort to re-instate the Retirement Visa Income letter affidavit process. 

 

The embassy has been at its most creative when developing ways where it doesn't interact with US citizens in person. To go back to the letter would cause them more work. And that they'll never do.

Edited 22 hours ago by John Drake

[gk10012001]

1 minute ago, John Drake said:

 

The embassy has been at its most creative when creating ways where it doesn't interact with US citizens in person. To go back to the letter would cause them more work. And that they'll never do.

yes.  I agree.  My first thailand visit was in 2004.  been over a dozen times

[CharlieKo]

6 hours ago, Trippy said:

Yanks are the only one's standing between you, and a Chinese re-education camp.

Yes like they stand between Russia and Ukraine. That is absolute rubbish. They are about to dump Ukraine. The Yanks are the problem not the solution.

[John Drake]

Now we know why the US ambassador was snubbed like this and shoved off to meet with an underling. When is the US going to learn to play hardball with these guys? Stop giving them things (such as trade privileges and investments) and hammer the door closed. Contrary to what a lot of people think, Thailand is not an essential or even important US interest. All funding, support, investment, defense agreements and trade pacts should be going to the Philippines. Cut Thailand loose.

 

 

[sscc]

29 minutes ago, John Drake said:

Now we know why the US ambassador was snubbed like this and shoved off to meet with an underling. When is the US going to learn to play hardball with these guys? Stop giving them things (such as trade privileges and investments) and hammer the door closed. Contrary to what a lot of people think, Thailand is not an essential or even important US interest. All funding, support, investment, defense agreements and trade pacts should be going to the Philippines. Cut Thailand loose.

 

 

 

Did you miss the photo of Thailand Prime Minister shaking hand with USA Antony Blinken on the same day in Laos  or you intentionally show one photo and not the other photo and narrow your  story  whatever that is  ?  

 

Key point is USA did not bring and offer much to Thailand and most developing countries.

USA influence globally is declining,  just the reality. 

[John Drake]

3 minutes ago, sscc said:

 

Did you miss the photo of Thailand Prime Minister shaking hand with USA Antony Blinken on the same day in Laos  or you intentionally show one photo and not the other photo and narrow your  story  whatever that is  ?  

 

Key point is USA did not bring and offer much to Thailand and most developing countries.

USA influence globally is declining,  just the reality. 

 

The biggest item of American influence is access to its markets. Thailand has been given too much of a free run there. It should stop, now. Thailand has been spitting in the face of the US ever since Covid, when Chinese vaccines got the red carpet treatment and the PM in attendance, while US vaccines arrived on a courier flight in the middle of the night and were met with a forklift. That is abominable US policy, to just take it off a dinky country like Thailand. Like I say, shift everything to the Philippines. 

[Patong2021]

21 hours ago, John Drake said:

 

Can't even see the prime minister. Handed off to an underling.

 

Ambassadors do not usually visit a Prime Minister. Ambassadors are representatives of the Foreign Affairs department of a government and they typically visit with  foreign ministry officials. If it is a trade matter they  visit with the   commerce or trade ministry officials.

When does the president of the USA  meet the Ambassador from Canada or the UK or the EU?

[John Drake]

21 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

 

Ambassadors do not usually visit a Prime Minister. Ambassadors are representatives of the Foreign Affairs department of a government and they typically visit with  foreign ministry officials. If it is a trade matter they  visit with the   commerce or trade ministry officials.

When does the president of the USA  meet the Ambassador from Canada or the UK or the EU?

 

Chinese ambassador meets Thai PM  http://th.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/dszl/dshd/202312/t20231216_11205225.htm