Us Visit Will Boost Thailand's Image: Pm

[webfact]

US visit will boost Thailand's image: PM

By THE NATION ON SUNDAY

Published on September 27, 2009

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday that his visit to the United States would help improve Thailand's image in the international community and show the country's readiness to resume its role in world forums.

"Thailand has been absent from the global stage for a long time. Now we have made a comeback," he said.

Abhisit said he had reassured foreign political and business leaders he met during his visit that the country had returned to normalcy.

The prime minister said he believed business leaders now had a better understanding of and increased confidence in Thailand.

He expects more foreign investors to return to the country within the next month or two, particularly in the food, automotive and service sectors. He added that he had stressed the country's strength as a major producer of food products.

Abhisit was speaking in an interview with the Nation Channel last night after delivering his speech to the United Nations General Assembly. He is scheduled to return to Thailand at 9pm tonight.

Earlier in the day, the prime minister talked about his participation in the Group of 20 Summit in Pittsburgh.

He said the G-20 leaders had agreed to continue economic stimulus packages and tighten regulations governing financial institutions as part of the move to salvage the world's sagging economy.

Speaking through a Web conference to Government House reporters, he said the G-20 leaders would not scrap their stimulus packages, as they believed the measures would help curb the severity of the global recession. However, they will also work to find solutions to any problems caused by their huge stimulus packages.

The PM went on to say that the summit had also agreed to reform international financial institutions and establish a mechanism to prevent a further economic crisis by strictly monitoring the global monetary system and pushing for a successful conclusion to the Doha Round of trade talks.

Abhisit said the G-20 leaders' decision on stimulus measures corresponded with Thailand and Asean's opinion that stimulus by the state was needed to bolster economies, as it was a way to create jobs and income, which in turn would spur consumption and private investment.

The summit decided to make the G-20 a committee that would oversee the world economy, vowing to overhaul regulations governing financial institutions and tighten rules on payments of bonuses to bank executives.

G-20 leaders also agreed to increase the percentage of votes held by developing countries from 5 per cent to 50 per cent, a move that had been pushed by Brazil, India and China but opposed by Europe.

-- The Nation 2009/09/27

[Publicus]

Glad to see Abhisit flashing his smile and demonstrating his brains abroad, especially in the US and around the G-20 leaders presently meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

PM Abhisit can only give a good and positive impression and image of Thailand and of Thai government and politics. The fact there wasn't any attempted coup while he was abroad from Thailand also has no doubt impressed leaders of governments and investors.

The guy has a lot of work to do in Thailand but it's good to see him abroad impressing leaders and investors in the most important nations and economies of the world.

It's also fact that Thaksin couldn't get a visa to enter the United States even if he promised to bring Usama bin Laden with him.

[PeaceBlondie]

Some good clips from US media last night (thanks, Donnyboy). Good PR.

[Jingthing]

Compare and contrast:

Thaksin: doing "call ins" from a "nearby" country, agitating revolutionaries, running from justice, scrambling for passports

Abhisit: Standing man to man with Barack Obama, the most popular world leader in decades

Yes, I would say Abhisit has helped his cause. Very much.

Edited September 27, 2009 by Jingthing

[britmaveric]

False Popularity I might add....

Dare say the fake PM Abhisit will be gone sooner rather than later.

[Jingthing]

False Popularity I might add....

Dare say the fake PM Abhisit will be gone sooner rather than later.

From the same crew who said he wouldn't last a month. Sour grapes, methinks.

[webfact]

False Popularity I might add....

Dare say the fake PM Abhisit will be gone sooner rather than later.

From the same crew who said he wouldn't last a month. Sour grapes, methinks.

To watch on TV Abhisit shaking hands with Obama must have been indeed very hard to swallow... for their man in Dubai too

[geriatrickid]

Get real. It's self survival mode for some countries now. As such I don't think anyone in the international community has much use for Thailand, It's neither an energy producer nor one of the governments propping up the international economy. Thailand was at the G-20 as an "observer" at it's own request I believe. Although it is an important food producer in the region, that's about it. The country has not supported the western governments in the quest for justice in Myanmar and the current silliness on the Cambodian border doesn't promote an image of statesmanship. Many members of the G-20 are still annoyed over the handling of the airport seizures last year and the use of their nationals as pawns in a poliitical brawl. Nor has Thailand made any friends in the various department of foreign affairs over its inability to deal with crimes and scams against foreign nationals. It's pretty bad when a delegation of ambassadors feels the need to voice a concern on crime as a group, don't you think?

If the Thai PM feels better by saying the country gained prestige and silly guppies want to swallow it, so be it, but it comes off as grasping at straws. It's sort of pathetic too. If he wants to boost prestige, how about a "crackdown" on corruption and violent crime?

And for those that think having Pres. Obama PM Abhisit's hand was an important event, note that Pres. Obama has also shaken hands with Mr. Chavez of Venezuala and Col. Khadaffey of Libya. Don't read too much into the action, except that President Obama has good manners. Hopefully, none of the Thai observers at the meetings felt the need to pick a nose or pop a pimple in public.

[animatic]

False Popularity I might add....

Dare say the fake PM Abhisit will be gone sooner rather than later.

From the same crew who said he wouldn't last a month. Sour grapes, methinks.

To watch on TV Abhisit shaking hands with Obama must have been indeed very hard to swallow... for their man in Dubai too

LOL, Yes I am SURE of that one.

He also has had the Bully Pulpit of the ASEAN Chairmanship to speak from.

He has stepped on the world stage JUST as Obama and others are bringing

Asia into the the G20 decision making inner circle much more strongly.

Sure we know the impetus is China, but Abhisit seems the right man at the right time.

I can't for the life of me picture Chalerm getting a smiling glad hand from ANY US Pres....

Remember Bush and Samak.... land of the absurd,

then Somchai looking barely titmouse to a lame duck Bush.

A returned Thaksin would not be welcomed in the real 'corridors of power'

outside of a Bangkok Gov. House he had purchased for himself.

He has a plane load of baggage and they ALL know it.

Abhisit stands with the big boys as at least a player in the game.

[geriatrickid]

Abhisit stands with the big boys as at least a player in the game.

Is it possible you meant, towel boy?

You really are deluding yourself if you think he carries any clout at these meetings. Canada quietly announced $2 Billion CAD (60 billion THB approx) in financial guarantees for Africa at the G-20. What did Mr. Abhisit announce? China is ponying up financial incentives for countries buying its technology. Assuming Thailand had technology to export, what do you think it would have offered? Khun Pingsitaluk's recipe for fried cobra? In the world of international politics, money is all that counts and Abhisit has none to share despite the best efforts of his various police forces and political readers to raise the funds Thai style.

[Jingthing]

Thailand was at the G-20 as an "observer" at it's own request I believe.

Abhisit was at the G20 as a rep of Asean as Asean is currently led by Thailand (it rotates). Asean represents 600 million people. This was good luck for Abhisit politically. Abhisit met personally with Obama to discuss the upcoming Asean-USA summit. Thailand is the leading exporter of rice in the world. In a world of food and water shortages, that is something. Thailand is not a major power, but it ain't chopped liver either. Thailand is lucky to have someone impressive like Abhisit at the top rather than a wannabe Chavez-like character; there were more than enough wacko world leaders at the UN this week. In short, Abhisit looks and sounds good, and he has helped Thailand. He has also invited a path for the self imposed exile to return in peace to Thailand: face his sentence like an adult.

Edited September 27, 2009 by Jingthing

[Publicus]

I'd put a dollar's worth of dimes Obama far prefers having Abhisit and the present government to work with than Newin or anyone in the leadership of any political party of Thailand. That would be true of the G-7 and for almost all of the G-20 (PRChina for one perhaps excepted).

The stink of both Thaksin and Bush continues to linger but both happily are sooooo yesterday.

After the ASEAN-Pattaya fiasco precipitated by Thaksin, how many of the G-20 governments or investors would want to do business with a mad hatter who ruled as a tyrant and has behaved even worse since being deposed?

Globally Abhisit is a breath of fresh air who gives both governments and investors cause to think of the future Thailand rather than the Thailand of the miserable past, whether recent or immediate. When leaders of foreign governments see Abhisit they can think of a viable parliamentary democracy.

[animatic]

You said clout I didn't.

He is a player, if not a prime mover.

As ASEAN Chair he has more clout than you imagine.

[britmaveric]

Globally Abhisit is a breath of fresh air who gives both governments and investors cause to think of the future Thailand rather than the Thailand of the miserable past, whether recent or immediate. When leaders of foreign governments see Abhisit they can think of a viable parliamentary democracy.

:D :D

Let's be honest about it, Thailand will always be looked as a joke until the elite are marginalized. They are pulling the strings with Abhisit and I'm afraid until this is changed the perception for thailand will remain the same.

Edited September 27, 2009 by britmaveric

[Jingthing]

To hellow with yellow, but Kudos to Abhisit. He is a survivor.

[animatic]

I'd put a dollar's worth of dimes Obama far prefers having Abhisit and the present government to work with than Newin or anyone in the leadership of any political party of Thailand. That would be true of the G-7 and for almost all of the G-20 (PRChina for one perhaps excepted).

The stink of both Thaksin and Bush continues to linger but both happily are sooooo yesterday.

After the ASEAN-Pattaya fiasco precipitated by Thaksin, how many of the G-20 governments or investors would want to do business with a mad hatter who ruled as a tyrant and has behaved even worse since being deposed?

Globally Abhisit is a breath of fresh air who gives both governments and investors cause to think of the future Thailand rather than the Thailand of the miserable past, whether recent or immediate. When leaders of foreign governments see Abhisit they can think of a viable parliamentary democracy.

Hear hear,

here!

The only ones not seeing him for the viable leader he is, are:

a ) those wishing their own teams was at the trough and controlling the 'mega-projects',

b ) hardcore Thaksinista zealots

c ) those with some philosophical axe to grind, of idealism vs real political practicality in practice.

d ) some resident curmudgeons, who just like to gripe at all governments no matter whom.

Edited September 27, 2009 by animatic

[Publicus]

Globally Abhisit is a breath of fresh air who gives both governments and investors cause to think of the future Thailand rather than the Thailand of the miserable past, whether recent or immediate. When leaders of foreign governments see Abhisit they can think of a viable parliamentary democracy.

Let's be honest about it, Thailand will always be looked as a joke until the elite are marginalized. They are pulling the strings with Abhisit and I'm afraid until this is changed the perception for thailand will remain the same.

You'd prefer as a new PM some Thai Plato from PAD or a cave man red shird with a club?

Abhisit is neither.

Get real: Elites always rule or govern. That's why Joe the Plumber couldn't cut it as John McCain's chief economic advisor during last year's campaign.

[dkstoney]

Now if they can lift their ridiculous tariffs.

[mca]

The only ones not seeing him for the viable leader he is, are:

a ) those wishing their own teams was at the trough and controlling the 'mega-projects',

b ) hardcore Thaksinista zealots

c ) those with some philosophical axe to grind, of idealism vs real political practicality in practice.

d ) some resident curmudgeons, who just like to gripe at all governments no matter whom.

You're forgetting e) those thinking that Thailand is in a situation of a state within a state.

[Jingthing]

Now if they can lift their ridiculous tariffs.

Yes that is a reasonable criticism.

Another issue. In Abhisit's interview with Fox Business network he made a special point that Thailand tourism is more than standard tourism, it is also health care tourism and elder care tourism. Oh, really? Thailand could easily boost the elder care foreign exchange by providing a path for more visa stability for expat retirees here, namely a path for permanent residence.

[britmaveric]

^good luck on visa stability for expat retiree(s) - never happen.

[justanothercybertosser]

Glad to see Abhisit flashing his smile and demonstrating his brains abroad, especially in the US and around the G-20 leaders presently meeting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

PM Abhisit can only give a good and positive impression and image of Thailand and of Thai government and politics. The fact there wasn't any attempted coup while he was abroad from Thailand also has no doubt impressed leaders of governments and investors.

The guy has a lot of work to do in Thailand but it's good to see him abroad impressing leaders and investors in the most important nations and economies of the world.

It's also fact that Thaksin couldn't get a visa to enter the United States even if he promised to bring Usama bin Laden with him.

The US will work with whatever Thai government that there is, even if it is a coup government as the US has still large strategic and economic interests in Thailand. It is wishful thinking though that the US is overly impressed with Abhisit just because he held a few PR speeches. In reality the US is more than aware of the true power distribution in Thailand, the present conflicts, and how little Abhisit actually has to say.

Note also - US representatives are in regular contact with the opposition parties, and have close contacts with all sides here.

[Chang_paarp]

Now if they can lift their ridiculous tariffs.

Yes that is a reasonable criticism.

Another issue. In Abhisit's interview with Fox Business network he made a special point that Thailand tourism is more than standard tourism, it is also health care tourism and elder care tourism. Oh, really? Thailand could easily boost the elder care foreign exchange by providing a path for more visa stability for expat retirees here, namely a path for permanent residence.

If not PR, a stable long term visa. Malaysia has seen the benefits of this.

[mca]

The US will work with whatever Thai government that there is,

A case in point being the courting of Thanom Kittikachorn during the Vietnam War.

Edited September 27, 2009 by mca

[xminator]

G-20 groupie. Maybe they'll forget how Honduras coup leader got his power next year and let him pose on pictures too.

[Jingthing]

Yes, the US will work will work with most anyone. They were also against the coup when it happened. However, as things stand NOW (emphasis NOW) Abhisit looks much better than the fugitive. This is realpolitik, deal with it.

[Jingthing]

Now if they can lift their ridiculous tariffs.

Yes that is a reasonable criticism.

Another issue. In Abhisit's interview with Fox Business network he made a special point that Thailand tourism is more than standard tourism, it is also health care tourism and elder care tourism. Oh, really? Thailand could easily boost the elder care foreign exchange by providing a path for more visa stability for expat retirees here, namely a path for permanent residence.

If not PR, a stable long term visa. Malaysia has seen the benefits of this.

Agreed. I mentioned it because Abhisit made a special point of highlighting this as a benefit for Thailand. It would be so EASY to boost this channel even more. Will they? Probably not, but I thought worth mentioning.

[justanothercybertosser]

Yes, the US will work will work with most anyone. They were also against the coup when it happened. However, as things stand NOW (emphasis NOW) Abhisit looks much better than the fugitive. This is realpolitik, deal with it.

Abhisit may look better. But looks will not deceive. Thailand spirals into a massive crisis - and this fact does not escape the US decision makers.

[Jingthing]

Yes, the US will work will work with most anyone. They were also against the coup when it happened. However, as things stand NOW (emphasis NOW) Abhisit looks much better than the fugitive. This is realpolitik, deal with it.

Abhisit may look better. But looks will not deceive. Thailand spirals into a massive crisis - and this fact does not escape the US decision makers.

The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Look up at the sky, what is it that we see, that is falling? It has a square head.

[justanothercybertosser]

Yes, the US will work will work with most anyone. They were also against the coup when it happened. However, as things stand NOW (emphasis NOW) Abhisit looks much better than the fugitive. This is realpolitik, deal with it.

Abhisit may look better. But looks will not deceive. Thailand spirals into a massive crisis - and this fact does not escape the US decision makers.

The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Look up at the sky, what is it that we see, that is falling? It has a square head.

Wishful thinking.

The sky, by the way, has fallen - last year...