United States Navy To Build New Training Facility In Thailand

[bonobo]

Welcome Sailors!

Americans abroad always support our boys in uniform. Just always remember your Daddy: President Obama. (Future figure on Mount Rushmore.)

Indeed, hmm I wonder how I can get on the bidder's list for the construction... hmmm

Joking aside, I think I remember that you are African-American, and if I am not mistaken in that, you actually have a reasonable shot and getting a subcontract if you set up your bid correctly. Whatever anyone thinks of the government policy to grant black or Latino-owned businesses preference in contracts, it would be foolish to pass up on any opportunties should the desire be there.

You are very correct. However my US company will not be eligible for the coveted 8A certification untill this November (needs to be 2 years old). However I have already taken a bunch in Iraq, the thing there is they don't care about any of that stuff in Iraq. There its all about their "Iraqi First" initiative. So I'm wondering if they will do the same thing here and choose Thai company's first. Oh well I guess I just need to get up off my but and make some calls... Anyone want to go in with me for the concessionary Rights lol..I need someone who can sell beer

The Iraqi first policy is part of bringing potential opponents into the fold as vested players. I had a big hand in this while I was in Iraq. I doubt that would be the case here. I would imagine that the prime contractor would welcome a good 8A company into their fold if that company can provide good service here in Thailand.

[bonobo]

A shame for Thailand to support a country which starts wars all the time and murders civilians.

Not long time ago there was an article in the german press about a guy tortured in an secret US jail in Thailand. They tested on him new strategies to torture people

Wow! It took 19 posts for this to turn into a US-bashing opportunity. I would have thougth that would have happened much quicker!

[bonobo]

Well as some of us are still second class citizens in the US (don't ask, don't tell) and given the world famous tendency of navy guys having a whole lot of not telling goin' on, at least we can serve our country in other ways. Its all good. God Bless America!

(

Well, that elicited a good chuckle from me!

[bubblehead]

A shame for Thailand to support a country which starts wars all the time and murders civilians.

Not long time ago there was an article in the german press about a guy tortured in an secret US jail in Thailand. They tested on him new strategies to torture people

Yes, that torture stuff sounds bad. As we are a democracy, we kicked out the torture guys and are doing our best to stop using torture. Keep in touch and remember who liberated Europe from the Nazis and Asia from the Japanese, ha ha ha.

The Septic Tanks have only ever won 1 war - 'The American Civil War'. Time to reread your history books

[EndofDays]

Oh I so pity Thailand now

Having grown up in a State having so many US Military bases I have to say........

Soldiers on leave are worse than most bar drunks you have met

Where abouts is this Camp Eraw An ?

Having been a soldier, I say say you are full of it.

Soldiers are more respectful than the average citizen.

[EndofDays]

Welcome Sailors!

Americans abroad always support our boys in uniform. Just always remember your Daddy: President Obama. (Future figure on Mount Rushmore.)

He is the commander-in-chief for now. Not their daddy.

[Jingthing]

He is the commander-in-chief for now. Not their daddy.

It was just a manner of speaking. I do love that man. He is the first US president I have ever loved so please don't rain on my parade.

[EndofDays]

A shame for Thailand to support a country which starts wars all the time and murders civilians.

Not long time ago there was an article in the german press about a guy tortured in an secret US jail in Thailand. They tested on him new strategies to torture people

Wow, think for yourself much? I don't remember killing innocent civilians? Pretty sure there weren't any children either.

[EndofDays]

A shame for Thailand to support a country which starts wars all the time and murders civilians.

Not long time ago there was an article in the german press about a guy tortured in an secret US jail in Thailand. They tested on him new strategies to torture people

Yes, that torture stuff sounds bad. As we are a democracy, we kicked out the torture guys and are doing our best to stop using torture. Keep in touch and remember who liberated Europe from the Nazis and Asia from the Japanese, ha ha ha.

Actually h90...I was just telling my wife the other day...Now that Nobama has it in for the Afghans as well I think Thailand will take a hit, Same as the during Vietnam war they will surely be in TL more often now.

As for JT saying they kicked out the torture guys as you know that is BS & this is where the new Prez has already lost a lot of ground....While he promised & promised during his campaign to end that torture & bring those to justice that committed the crimes,,,, we now see he is condoning it. He now thinks the guys were ....errrrm just following orders.

He also thinks it is best not to release all the pictures showing the crimes we the US committed in Guantanamo as it would just enrage ( as it should) the world & place out soldiers in even more harms way than even he plans.

I guess the Geneva convention means squat to him. Funny how we chased WWII criminals around the world for decades & yet let the ones in our house go free................

NOne, not one of the photos to be released, were from Gitmo. Get your facts straight. Gitmos prisoners have it better than anyone in American prisons.

[Jingthing]

War is hel_l. So what else is new?

[EndofDays]

Well as some of us are still second class citizens in the US (don't ask, don't tell) and given the world famous tendency of navy guys having a whole lot of not telling goin' on, at least we can serve our country in other ways. Its all good. God Bless America!

(Justice and equality will inevitably come some day, but in the meantime ... )

BTW, no, we will never shut up about this until we get all our equal civil rights, so if you don't like that, support equal rights for ALL Americans, OK?

[/quote

The military is not a democracy and there is a reason for that. In a democrazy, I cannot order you to charge a machine gun next knowing there is a chance you can die. In a democracy, I can't hang you for showing cowardice in the face of the enemy or for desertion durring a time of war. The army will do what it needs to do win the fight? Do you want the army to win wars or be a social experimentation. Any ways, it will mean more money for Thailand.

[Texpat]

Mack Daddy Obama has upheld rendition, continues to bomb Paki terrorists with cruise missiles and unmanned drones, has delayed closing gitmo, has refused to release interrogation photos, retained Bush's SecDef, ...

I'm liking him more every day... And just yesterday I read a story there are no policy changes pending for don't ask, don't tell.

You go Bambam.

[Jingthing]

The army will do what it needs to do win the fight? Do you want the army to win wars or be a social experimentation

Homosexual soldiers are accepted in most of the civilized countries of the world. You are a voice of bigotry and the past. There is no problem with this in other countries. Are you saying American soldiers are not as good as soldiers in other countries, that they can't handle a few homos in their ranks? I hope you are not saying that. BTW, you are losing this fight. The change will happen with the next few years and it will be no big deal. Also talking about marriage and immigration rights of course, also the march of history is towards more liberty.

[EndofDays]

A shame for Thailand to support a country which starts wars all the time and murders civilians.

Not long time ago there was an article in the german press about a guy tortured in an secret US jail in Thailand. They tested on him new strategies to torture people

Wow! It took 19 posts for this to turn into a US-bashing opportunity. I would have thougth that would have happened much quicker!

Yes, it is rather pathetic. They just listen to CNN or read these threads and call us baby killers. Oh well, they only love us when they need us. Waning America? Are you sure? I will keep my U.S. dollar and you can stock up on your local currency or get in bed with the Chinese. Again, it will be good for the Thai military and should push their standards forward. Thailand may be jacked up but it is the least jacked up the countries in the region. Somebody needs to start an American bashing forum so you toads can spew out your stupidity and agree with each other. I wonder if the Navy CBs will do any construction or will it be all local contract work?

[EndofDays]

The army will do what it needs to do win the fight? Do you want the army to win wars or be a social experimentation

Homosexual soldiers are accepted in most of the civilized countries of the world. You are a voice of bigotry and the past. There is no problem with this in other countries. Are you saying American soldiers are not as good as soldiers in other countries, that they can't handle a few homos in their ranks? I hope you are not saying that. BTW, you are losing this fight. The change will happen with the next few years and it will be no big deal. Also talking about marriage and immigration rights of course, also the march of history is towards more liberty.

I had homesexual sodiers, and I didn't care. Sexuality shouldn't be a part of the U.S. military and you make it so. The military is about killing the enemy in the quickest way posible and should not be a part of social experimentation. It will change on its own as it already has. Also, If I remember correctly, we can pretty much kick those other country's butt. This post is about the affect of this base on Thailand. There is a gay forum where you can discuss your views on and I can redirect you if you like. The post is about the base.

[Texpat]

I reckon the contracts will go to Thai companies.

It's not like they'll be building shipyards and drydocks in Lopburi. Thailand is funny. They're owned by the Chinese yet look to the US for defense assistance. Playing both ends against the middle.

Whatever gets you through the day. We ain't had a good proxy war since Nicaragua.

[Jingthing]

Mack Daddy Obama has upheld rendition, continues to bomb Paki terrorists with cruise missiles and unmanned drones, has delayed closing gitmo, has refused to release interrogation photos, retained Bush's SecDef, ...

I'm liking him more every day... And just yesterday I read a story there are no policy changes pending for don't ask, don't tell.

You go Bambam.

I am a left wing American. I think you are not American at all (hat or no hat) but I must say we are largely in agreement. I support Obama's foreign policy. I do not want him to be a yes man for the left or the right. I want him to make the best decisions he can for the American people. Unlike Bush, Obama is a man a great intelligence and intellectual curiosity. I trust his decisions over the long term will be more successful than Bush.

[EndofDays]

Mack Daddy Obama has upheld rendition, continues to bomb Paki terrorists with cruise missiles and unmanned drones, has delayed closing gitmo, has refused to release interrogation photos, retained Bush's SecDef, ...

I'm liking him more every day... And just yesterday I read a story there are no policy changes pending for don't ask, don't tell.

You go Bambam.

It called facing reality. He could make all his campaign promises but then he had to face the Generals and the experts. He is also planning to send more addtitional troops, on top of the 22,000, to Afghanistan. He is pretty much continuing with the Bush/Petraues model. He doesn't want to be known as the president who lost the war.

[EndofDays]

I reckon the contracts will go to Thai companies.

It's not like they'll be building shipyards and drydocks in Lopburi. Thailand is funny. They're owned by the Chinese yet look to the US for defense assistance. Playing both ends against the middle.

Whatever gets you through the day. We ain't had a good proxy war since Nicaragua.

True. Will those "Thai" companies be actually owned by Chinese interests? I figure the planning will be U.S. military and civilian personnel. I say the more local companies the better. Plus, this will boost the surrounding economy and should have a nice trickle effect for the country. If the Airforce was coming then you could guarantee another nice golf course for Thailand.

[Jingthing]

The army will do what it needs to do win the fight? Do you want the army to win wars or be a social experimentation

Homosexual soldiers are accepted in most of the civilized countries of the world. You are a voice of bigotry and the past. There is no problem with this in other countries. Are you saying American soldiers are not as good as soldiers in other countries, that they can't handle a few homos in their ranks? I hope you are not saying that. BTW, you are losing this fight. The change will happen with the next few years and it will be no big deal. Also talking about marriage and immigration rights of course, also the march of history is towards more liberty.

I had homesexual sodiers, and I didn't care. Sexuality shouldn't be a part of the U.S. military and you make it so. The military is about killing the enemy in the quickest way posible and should not be a part of social experimentation. It will change on its own as it already has. Also, If I remember correctly, we can pretty much kick those other country's butt. This post is about the affect of this base on Thailand. There is a gay forum where you can discuss your views on and I can redirect you if you like. The post is about the base.

I will not be segregated by you. How can you justify the recent firing of the gay Arabic translator just for being gay? There is a sever shortage of Arabic translators. That policy is INSANE and self destructive. America needs the talents and resources of ALL its citizens. Bigotry hurts our country, It is unpatriotic.

[EndofDays]

The army will do what it needs to do win the fight? Do you want the army to win wars or be a social experimentation

Homosexual soldiers are accepted in most of the civilized countries of the world. You are a voice of bigotry and the past. There is no problem with this in other countries. Are you saying American soldiers are not as good as soldiers in other countries, that they can't handle a few homos in their ranks? I hope you are not saying that. BTW, you are losing this fight. The change will happen with the next few years and it will be no big deal. Also talking about marriage and immigration rights of course, also the march of history is towards more liberty.

I had homesexual sodiers, and I didn't care. Sexuality shouldn't be a part of the U.S. military and you make it so. The military is about killing the enemy in the quickest way posible and should not be a part of social experimentation. It will change on its own as it already has. Also, If I remember correctly, we can pretty much kick those other country's butt. This post is about the affect of this base on Thailand. There is a gay forum where you can discuss your views on and I can redirect you if you like. The post is about the base.

I will not be segregated by you. How can you justify the recent firing of the gay Arabic translator just for being gay? There is a sever shortage of Arabic translators. That policy is INSANE and self destructive. America needs the talents and resources of ALL its citizens. Bigotry hurts our country, It is unpatriotic.

He was fired because if the locals found out about him: A. they would never talk to him B. kill him. They stone people for that there.

My army cook was gay and he told me so when he new there was a rumor spreading. I said, are you an American Solier? He said, "yes". I replied, that is all I care about. Nobody can ask you about it and you don't need to tell anybody. There is no black, white, yellow, purple whatever, you wear the same uniform. I got my guys together, the man next to you may save your life or die trying and that is all that matters, so shut your yaps and get back to work...or something like that

[Texpat]

I can't go into Thai Visa's gay forum and say what I think. I will be reprimanded or banished.

Gays in the US military can either shut up or get out.

Sounds fair to me. Sometimes you just have to put up with injustice, eh?

[Jingthing]

I can't go into Thai Visa's gay forum and say what I think. I will be reprimanded or banished.

Gays in the US military can either shut up or get out.

Sounds fair to me.

I am not the boss of the gay forum. Take your issue up there if you want.

[EndofDays]

I can't go into Thai Visa's gay forum and say what I think. I will be reprimanded or banished.

Gays in the US military can either shut up or get out.

Sounds fair to me.

Is that a 10-gallon hat? It looks a litte smaller. Do you actually have one like that? I haven't been here long but it seems there are those that force their opinion into different posts. They seem to be a one issue persona. I mean, I am against abortion but I am not going to hold onto that one issue until I choke. I am straight but it doesn't personify who I am. If ANYTHING does, it is the amount of food I eat. Food is important.

[Jingthing]

You might feel differently if you were a second class citizen. I doubt Texpat wears such a hat as apparently he is not American, nothing wrong with not being American, but why hide behind a hat? Yes, food is important!

The translator was not fired for any of those reasons you stated. He was fired because of the stupid bigoted POLICY. A policy that sooner or later is going to change, so get used to it.

[oldsparrow]

Think we can handle that. If it was not intervened by the American we would be f... up by the French in 1945. If American had not drop few millions tons and chat with Chairman Mao the Comies might have been strong enough to advance west of Cambodian border. It's not all about paying back but I mean Thai diplomatic manuveur has been great. As we are not of the Swiss's caliber I agree with the gov. that siding with American is the best choice available.

Eh.. you know Thailand were on Japan and Germanys side during the war right? And the US wasn't too interested in joining the war until Pearl Harbor was bombed. But when they did join, they did a lot of good that is for sure. If you read some history you would know how the US ran out on the South Vietnamese and left them all to die when their interests weren't there anymore. Just as they did with the Lon Nol soldiers they used to overthrow Sihanouk so they could bomb 500.000 innocent peasants in Cambodia trying to find the VC.. When the Vietnam war was over they just packed up and left the Lon Nol soldiers to die, and millions of Cambodians were murdered by the Khmer Rouge who used US bombing in Cambodia to gain popularity among farmers who joined their forces. Then later when the Vietnamese drove out the Khmer Rouge, USA set up camps in Thailand and with the Brits trained the Khmer Rouge soldiers and fed them with weapons to help them get back in power. The Americans did a lot of good during WWII, but I am not sure you can say the same for what they have done since then.

Yes I know this, from personal information my grand dad fought the French in Indochina with the Japanese (To get back the Thai colonial territory) in WWII which we call "The Great Eastern War" สงครามมหาเอเซียบูรพา

That's why I post I think we can manage this. Of course the American action can not be decided FIRST on interest of foreign countries. American's global role is selective to benefit USA, some got benefit too. It's not because USA is all good but sometimes it suits us for our survival. When the Japanese came we did fight for less than half a day and of course turn back to the west.

For our theater, bad consequences on some, it could also be Thailand, but so far Thailand has ride with that quite well. It's the risk to take. It had also been Thai's own act to support KR in order to oppose VN Cambodia. We passed China weapon to KR a lot too. Collaboration it was for the perceived survival of Thailand, at least from the consideration of that time.

However, there were also some point on up and down of Communist insurgent in SEA supported by China that was the reflection of the American involvement in the region.

I wrote dissertation for MA at the U. of Nottingham on "Sino-American relation and conflict in Indochina 1964-75"

[EndofDays]

You might feel differently if you were a second class citizen. I doubt Texpat wears such a hat as apparently he is not American, nothing wrong with not being American, but why hide behind a hat? Yes, food is important!

The translator was not fired for any of those reasons you stated. He was fired because of the stupid bigoted POLICY. A policy that sooner or later is going to change, so get used to it.

How are you a second-class citizen? You can't vote? Run for office? Hold the same job anyone else can? Be a teacher? Join the military (they don't ask you sexual persuassion)? Can't eat at the same restaraunts? Drink at the same water fountains? Maybe you are a second-class citizen only in your mind. Some peopl feed off being martyrs. I don't care if you are gay, straight, or celibate. Why do you want to change the most powerful military force on earth at this time? Is your issue so important that it takes precedent over everything else in life? Is it more important than abortion, national security, U.S. naval base in Thailand...

[Jingthing]

How are you a second-class citizen?

Too old now, but my kind cannot openly serve in the military. If exposed, they are discharged and lose all their military benefits. Very unfair, very unjust.

Also, no marriage rights to marry a person I love. No immigration rights for a foreign national that I may love (connected with the no marriage rights).

Really that's about it. But its enough. And just like African Americans, we will fight to overcome until we win our equal civil rights. Obama in office for eight years will solve this as he fills the court with more liberal justices. The supreme court will rule that treating my class of citizen unequally is UNCONSTITUTIONAL. I have faith that good will triumph in the end. If wasn't so very long ago that interracial couples could not legally marry in many US states. This is the same struggle, and just like them, we will win.

[Texpat]

Here's my guess.

US Navy investing in Ko Kathiem -- the Thai SF HQ base and nearby Chandy Range -- an aerial gunnery range the US services use every year during various joint/combined exercises. Cobra Gold is the biggest and best known, but there are dozens of smaller exercises conducted annually. I'd hazard a guess the US drops more iron on Chandy than the Thais.

[soic]

If it was not intervened by the American we would be f... up by the French in 1945. If American had not drop few millions tons and chat with Chairman Mao the Comies might have been strong enough to advance west of Cambodian border. It's not all about paying back but I mean Thai diplomatic manuveur has been great. As we are not of the Swiss's caliber I agree with the gov. that siding with American is the best choice available.

I agree that in 45 Americans had a noble purpose. Sadly it is not that way now.

Siding with the Americans now would not be the best choice available but it is yours & Thailands to make as I know your a Thai citizen.

The rising star is now in the East actually & will be good for TL I think. It would be far better for TL to align more closely with those that produce & have something more to offer than unbacked promises that come with many strings.

Before anyone rushes to make alliances with the "Big East"; they need to weigh a couple of facts. Those in the East that "produce" aren't into charity... they are making strategic purchases; they expect to own. Once you're beholden to the Big C you're expected to cow to certain demands, all in their favor of course. America for all her imperfections still have the most to offer; because the root end of the deal still leaves a country with their freedom and independance. America's fault is for changing the battle ground to the media, popular opinion and caving in to the will and double speak of liberal whiners. If torture and atrocities were compared "tit for tat", America's atrocities are but a slap on the wrist compared to what has been hefted upon the Americans and their allies. What happened with popularity be darned... do what is right. Now if it isn't popular or giving away something it's terrible and mean. I agree that America has lost her noble purpose; but she has only done so by trying to appease everyone and do the "collective" right thing. America needs to go back to the policy of do what's right and who cares what the world thinks about it.