US Assistant Secretary Of State Campbell Meets Red-Shirts Protesters

[justasken]

Bloody Yanks,why don't they mind their own business ?

DIGITAL JOURNAL

Apr 11, 2010 By ■ Leo Reyes

Turmoil in Thailand: US, Australia, call for peaceful resolution

The United States, Australia, Philippines and other Asean countries have called on both the government of Thailand and the street protesters to exercise restraint and urge contending parties to find peaceful resolution of the month-long protests. Bloody AUSSIES, why don't they mind their own business.

[schmutzie]

I wonder how much time Mr. Campbell has even spent in Thailand? Does he know the political culture and the players?

Considering that he is the Assistant Secretary of State for South East Asian and Pacific Affairs, I'd say he knows quite a bit more about politics in Thailand than some of the forum members here.

Bingo

I wouldn't assume that...?! Considering that he is the Assistant Secretary of State for South East Asian and Pacific Affairs he could just be another career bureaucrat whose only knowledge lies in how Washington likes to do things. Or maybe not. Considerations, considerations.

Here's his official bio: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/125594.htm

[difos57]

Be a bit firkin daft NOT to talk to the reds, considering many/most people think that they would win an election right now.

Of course they will win an election right now. Anyone that doesn't vote for them, they will shoot. Eventually they will have a majority if they shoot enough people. Anyone that campaigns against them, they will bomb. There will not be anyone else to vote for. This is the red terrorist way.

They have to get the guns and bombs away from the red terrorist so we may have democracy. The red terrorist have to be delt with first. 5,000. paid demonstrators, (jobless because they disappear when Toksin offers more money) do not make the majority.

[schmutzie]

What a misleading topic heading! He didn't meet with the "protesters"; he met with banned TRT and PPP executives, Chaturon, Phongthep, Noppadol, etc.

These men are opposition figures, but not protestors or terrorists.

The US opposed the coup in 2006, so politically they have no conflict with coup-deposed former ministers like Chaturon. The fact that these people have been banned from political involvement in Thailand is a consequence of this country's ancient practice of punishing everybody associated with a wrongdoer (at least they don't execute them and their families now). A TRT executive was caught buying votes, so the whole 111 executive members were banned. Weird. Why shouldn't the US spokesman meet with them? And there's no need for government representatives to attend a meeting between an overseas official and opposition figures.

Xangsamhua, I am stunned at how naive, nosy and embarassing the U.S. Assist. Secretary of State is. Here is a quote about the U.S.'s position from the lead article:

"Campbell's statement reflects Washington's support for the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD)'s campaign."

It just reeks of cluelessness.... the crap that follow are word from an IGNORANT BUREAUCRAT - embarassing, uninformed, political BS.... just nice flowery bullshit.

How embarassing... I am an American and his behavior is so incredibly STUPID!!!!

See my post above in this thread presenting the whole and complete statement of AsstSec Campbell. Moreover, your rhetoric is silly and rediculous. The position of Assistant Secretary of any Executive Department of the government of the United States is not the bureaucrat General Service (GS) position but, rather, is a Senior Executive Service (SES) position, the difference being that one who holds a SES position is nominated by the POTUS (Obama) and must be disposed by vote of the US Senate after appropriate public hearings into the qualifications of the president's nomineee to the SES position.

So AsstSec Campbell is a presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate after a fully private White House vetting followed by a fully public Senate Q & A vetting both by vote of the appropriate committee of jursidiction and subsequently by the entire Senate. No General Service 'bureaucrat' appointed to the GS Schedule is in any way subject to this procedure, vetting or process. The man is not a bureaucrat. He's a policy decision making expert specialist who is fully qualified to make executive level decisions and directly to consult with the Department Secretary (in this instance SECSTATE Clinton), appropriately to advise

the Department Secretary and, on occasion, the POTUS himself.

You're another clueless and pathological America basher who needs to get up to speed but who clearly hasn't the human resources ever to do so. You therefore are one of those who are emminently dismissable in these matters, not to mention so many other matters pertaining to the United States of America.

You're getting grumpy. Bear with us as we aspire to bash less and reduce said cluelessness...

[difos57]

The US government has a long time rule never to discuss or negotiate with terrorists. So why is the assistant secretary of state making an exception now? Is it because these terrorists are not threatening the US? Not only Thailand has double standards.

\\

Amen and amen! My brother, who still lives in the states, has been trying to tell me what a disaster this administration is. Now it does this! On behalf of Americans, I apologize for my indescribably stupid government's actions!

Agreed, the last thing Thailand needs is US involvement. Thailand will be paying for many years to come. And really, Is the the US something that we should model our society after? They have enough problems of their own which they do not seem to be addressing. I see implosion in the future.

[Valentine]

What a misleading topic heading! He didn't meet with the "protesters"; he met with banned TRT and PPP executives, Chaturon, Phongthep, Noppadol, etc.

These men are opposition figures, but not protestors or terrorists.

The US opposed the coup in 2006, so politically they have no conflict with coup-deposed former ministers like Chaturon. The fact that these people have been banned from political involvement in Thailand is a consequence of this country's ancient practice of punishing everybody associated with a wrongdoer (at least they don't execute them and their families now). A TRT executive was caught buying votes, so the whole 111 executive members were banned. Weird. Why shouldn't the US spokesman meet with them? And there's no need for government representatives to attend a meeting between an overseas official and opposition figures.

Xangsamhua, I am stunned at how naive, nosy and embarassing the U.S. Assist. Secretary of State is. Here is a quote about the U.S.'s position from the lead article:

"Campbell's statement reflects Washington's support for the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD)'s campaign."

It just reeks of cluelessness.... the crap that follow are word from an IGNORANT BUREAUCRAT - embarassing, uninformed, political BS.... just nice flowery bullshit.

How embarassing... I am an American and his behavior is so incredibly STUPID!!!!

See my post above in this thread presenting the whole and complete statement of AsstSec Campbell. Moreover, your rhetoric is silly and rediculous. The position of Assistant Secretary of any Executive Department of the government of the United States is not the bureaucrat General Service (GS) position but, rather, is a Senior Executive Service (SES) position, the difference being that one who holds a SES position is nominated by the POTUS (Obama) and must be disposed by vote of the US Senate after appropriate public hearings into the qualifications of the president's nomineee to the SES position.

So AsstSec Campbell is a presidential appointee confirmed by the Senate after a fully private White House vetting followed by a fully public Senate Q & A vetting both by vote of the appropriate committee of jursidiction and subsequently by the entire Senate. No General Service 'bureaucrat' appointed to the GS Schedule is in any way subject to this procedure, vetting or process. The man is not a bureaucrat. He's a policy decision making expert specialist who is fully qualified to make executive level decisions and directly to consult with the Department Secretary (in this instance SECSTATE Clinton), appropriately to advise

the Department Secretary and, on occasion, the POTUS himself.

You're another clueless and pathological America basher who needs to get up to speed but who clearly hasn't the human resources ever to do so. You therefore are one of those who are emminently dismissable in these matters, not to mention so many other matters pertaining to the United States of America.

You're getting grumpy. Bear with us as we aspire to bash less and reduce said cluelessness...

This is not about how he was appointed, I couldn't give a toss, but is all about an official rep of the US govt meeting with banned politicians. Clarification of why he did this will go a long way to clearing up any confusion. Right now I think the Thai govt will be making their feelings known to the US ambassador. To me this meeting appears to be outside of official protocols.

Edited May 10, 2010 by Valentine

[toptuan]

Is USA backing the red terrorists? Send this guy back home to US immediately. He was not officially invited, and should not go here to meet with the terrorists.

That was what THE NATION said. Can't you differentiate between news and yellow journalism?

[justasken]

The US government has a long time rule never to discuss or negotiate with terrorists. So why is the assistant secretary of state making an exception now? Is it because these terrorists are not threatening the US? Not only Thailand has double standards.

\\

Amen and amen! My brother, who still lives in the states, has been trying to tell me what a disaster this administration is. Now it does this! On behalf of Americans, I apologize for my indescribably stupid government's actions!

Agreed, the last thing Thailand needs is US involvement. Thailand will be paying for many years to come. And really, Is the the US something that we should model our society after? They have enough problems of their own which they do not seem to be addressing. I see implosion in the future.

Not to the last poster here but to the Obama basher.

Mcpain LOST

Obama won.

Get over it republicans. Your crying is pathetic and off topic.

[Publicus]

The US government has a long time rule never to discuss or negotiate with terrorists. So why is the assistant secretary of state making an exception now? Is it because these terrorists are not threatening the US? Not only Thailand has double standards.

\\

Amen and amen! My brother, who still lives in the states, has been trying to tell me what a disaster this administration is. Now it does this! On behalf of Americans, I apologize for my indescribably stupid government's actions!

Agreed, the last thing Thailand needs is US involvement. Thailand will be paying for many years to come. And really, Is the the US something that we should model our society after? They have enough problems of their own which they do not seem to be addressing. I see implosion in the future.

I see you missed the post I made that the US Government hasn't ever, nor is it about to, declare on the evidence after investigation to declare the Red Shirts to be terrroists. IMO the Redshirts are terrorists, but my government hasn't declared them to be so, nor is is about to do so during your lifetime. You guys who are and keep harping on the false and untrue, need to face facts and get up to speed in this, or be considred rhetorical fools as with so many others who with their blinders keep trying to assert the US Government is somehow negotiating with terrorists and allegedly practicing untrue double standards.

My god, how many times does this point of fact have to be communicated to the bogus "double-standardists" who make 100% inaccurate accusations against the United States in the matter of AsstSecState Campbell's presence and diplomatic activities in Thailand? To me the Red Shirts are terrorists....however, my government in no way considers the Red Shirts to be terrorists.

The United States Government hasn't ever found or declared the Red Shirts to be a terrorist organization, nor is it about to make or declare such a finding.

Edited May 10, 2010 by Publicus

[justasken]

This is not about how he was appointed, I couldn't give a toss, but is all about an official rep of the US govt meeting with banned politicians. Clarification of why he did this will go a long way to clearing up any confusion. Right now I think the Thai govt will be making their feelings known to the US ambassador. To me this meeting appears to be outside of official protocols.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just a point of fact.

An ambassador or assistant secretary of State in this case, can meet with anyone they want. The Thai government has not arrested these people. Obviously, THE President of the United Stated, Obama, told his person to do the meeting.

People in Thailand do not like this?

people in New York have to put up with idiots from every nation on earth trashing America in the UN.

Be big boys Thais and take it like men.

Are you really surprised that a very left wing Obama would take sides with the poor people of Issan? Maybe he thinks elections should be held. Perhaps he thinks the real winners should be left in power and not thrown out in coups. perhaps the thai current system is at a breaking point and he wants to give it a push into the toilet.

Just saying

[difos57]

I can't believe the tripe you post. What is an "ordinary American?" Your definition is?

America is a nation of all nationalities. What other nation can say that? Why does everyone, except you and a few others, want to go there? Bush is gone, get over it. Is anarchy the way to political reform? Pretty sad to promote that way of "thinking." Education, what's that? What's it good for? Nothing, if you don't have one! Sheep or lemmings?

It's simply beyond some (or rather a lot) people's intelligence that the red shirts are not a terrorist movement. Sure, there are terrorist elements that are trying to mix with the red shirts for their own gains, such as Seh Daeng, but that doesn't mean that the red shirts are terrorists, as some people here are suggesting.

If someone is a supporter of Chelsea or Liverpool, and then someone plants a bomb somewhere wearing a Chelsea or Liverpool shirt, does that mean the entire football club is a terrorist organization? Of course not. Same thing with the red shirts.

At least the US Assistant Secretary of State has more intelligence than some of the ridiculous posters of this forum, and he can tell the difference, but that's obvious.

Those who condone the terrorist acts, aid with them. They are the company they keep. The terrorist are hiding out in Lumpini Park and using the others as shields. If the red mob see these actions, then the red mob should go home. Taking no action means that they are taking action. They need to go home and do whatever everyone else in Thailand is doing, go to work and do their job.

[whybother]

I think a lot of posters are not reading the OP.

Campbell met opposition politicians, not Red leaders. Democrats were also invited.

[animatic]

Great news...finally the US comes out and shows the clear and moral way forward...I don't understand all the negative comments on here about this meeting...it is in all of our interests to see a peaceful solution to the situation, so what is wrong with the US as an impartial 3rd party offering to lend a hand towards a peaceful outcome...

Well finally ret and I have agreed on something.

I don't see this as saying:

USA backs UDD /PTP to lead Thailand.

But as they have a chance to lead their people

by getting out of the rally site and on the road map,

and with it Thailand out of the predicament.

Yes the under sec tried to bring a level of players with some upward and downward clout,

together in the same rooms to resolve the situation. One side showed up, but

he delivered his messages. Both the public one, and no doubt a discrete private one.

"Even though Thailand is going through a difficult period, there is reason to be

encouraged by efforts from all sides to bridge the differences

between the government and the UDD (DAAD) protesters

and to negotiate a fair and endurable compromise," he said.

"We strongly welcome the PM's road map for national reconciliation

and commitment for holding new elections.

We're also encouraged by the UDD's positive response to the road map

and hope that its leaders will seize this opportunity to

responsibly and expeditiously lead Thailand out of its current predicament."

The road map is good, and very welcome.

Elections are good, if they solve the issues.

That UDDD made ANY positive noises is seen as positive.

The opportunity is leading Thailand out of the predicament, not the UDD.

He suggests they seize the opportunity.

[chantorn]

"Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists" US President Bush.

If Campbell was with the TRT/PPP/PT last weekend, than Mark & Democrats MUST BE with the TERRORRIST last weekend.

Because it is a either / or situation, with nothings in between.

[whiterussian]

Be a bit firkin daft NOT to talk to the reds, considering many/most people think that they would win an election right now.

Of course they will win an election right now. Anyone that doesn't vote for them, they will shoot. Eventually they will have a majority if they shoot enough people. Anyone that campaigns against them, they will bomb. There will not be anyone else to vote for. This is the red terrorist way.

They have to get the guns and bombs away from the red terrorist so we may have democracy. The red terrorist have to be delt with first. 5,000. paid demonstrators, (jobless because they disappear when Toksin offers more money) do not make the majority.

I just cant wait to hear the wailing from the hi-so farang community if/once the rabble get elected. I guess it would be the kind of the same feeling if the US reelected a republican warmonger back into power. Now that really is using guns and bombs against critics. Oh well, its time for me to negotiate the terrorist traffic up here in the north, bloody terrorists are terrible drivers.

[justasken]

"Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists" US President Bush.

If Campbell was with the TRT/PPP/PT last weekend, than Mark & Democrats MUST BE with the TERRORRIST last weekend.

Because it is a either / or situation, with nothings in between.

Bush is NOT President. What Bush said is now meaningless. Just as when the reds take control, the current PM will become meaningless.

Obama is NOW President.

In case you had not noticed, they are in different parties.

Obama is the leftist and Bush was the right winger.

So why would anyone expect a man who ran on change to be the same?

"Change you can believe in."

And people are surprised things have changed?

Obama can have his diplomats talk to who ever he wants. They have diplomatic immunity.

[whybother]

<...>

I do see this as saying:

USA backs UDD /PTP to lead Thailand.

But as they have a chance to lead their people

by getting out of the rally site and on the road map,

and with it Thailand out of the predicament.

<...>

Do or Don't?

Campbell's statement reflects Washington's support for the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD)'s campaign.

Thanong's opinion. Not Campbell's or Washington's.

I don't see how Campbell's decision to meet politicians from both sides (the Democrats were invited but apparently declined) shows any support one way or the other.

The US support a peaceful resolution. They support the road map as a way forward to a peaceful resolution.

[difos57]

Looks like Thaksin has been making contributions to campaign funds in the US. Probably to a US senator or two, they always have their pockets open.

Sounds like this guy was sent on an errand, and I think all he really did was face it out, show the bosses back home that he did his duty.

Did somebody say that Thaksin has already been caught doing this? He should start a PAC, that's the way graft has been legalized in DC.

Some more of Thailand money that Taksin has foolishly lost in the world. Is there still a country left that hasn't taken money from Taksin? How much did he steal out of Thailand?

[schmutzie]

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, passing through Bangkok en route to Myanmar, welcomed the peace plan and said he was encouraged by the protesters' positive response.

"However, it must be said that we remain cautious about progress as those who don't want peace or political progress continue to employ violence as a means to undermine resolution of political difficulties," he told a news conference.

Source: http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kuaf/new...angkok.protests

[LomSak27]

QUOTE (Tanaka @ 2010-05-09 22:32:46)

The US government has a long time rule never to discuss or negotiate with terrorists. So why is the assistant secretary of state making an exception now? Is it because these terrorists are not threatening the US? Not only Thailand has double standards.

Are we forgetting the PAD, their relationship to the DEMS and their recent terror activities at Goverment house and The Swamp

Need to come up with better screed - defamation. Why not give it some work this week, and hey lets wash those singlets while your at it!

[difos57]

To me the Red Shirts are terrorists....however, my government in no way considers the Red Shirts to be terrorists.

??????

[lazurus]

Who said the Reds were terrorists?

Just because they use terror to get what they want, does that make them terrorists?

Maybe they have terrorized people with grenades and weapons and violated the rights of other citizens but does that make them terrorists?

Would a terrorist organization have a political wing in parliament?

[landofthefree]

What a hypocrite! I can't believe the guy would even talk to these red terrorists.

maybe check out the asiatimes online article by Shawn Crispin it lays a how the USA may be involved.

Interesting article. The US seems to have their dirty paws on everything. They should stay out of it.

Disclaimer:

I'm American.

I agree the worlds self appointed policeman should back off and let the Thais sort out their problems. WhaT the hel_l has it got to do with America?

[Publicus]

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, passing through Bangkok en route to Myanmar, welcomed the peace plan and said he was encouraged by the protesters' positive response.

"However, it must be said that we remain cautious about progress as those who don't want peace or political progress continue to employ violence as a means to undermine resolution of political difficulties," he told a news conference.

Source: http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kuaf/new...angkok.protests

AsstSecState Dr Campbell put the onus on the Red Shirts to end the chaos as the Reds themselves started it, especially beginning March 12th, but then threre was Pttaya, 2009 Songkran, much since and now the present in between.

Campbell and the US Government clearly and properly have placed the onus is on the violent and electorally menacing Reds.

Edited May 10, 2010 by Publicus

[Insight]

For those suggesting that the position of the US is pro-red in any way, you may want to check the tweets from WizardOfWindsor yesterday covering the ensuing (inconclusive) red shirt meeting. Bottom line is it appears they are under immense pressure right now to call the protest off.

All announcements today are highly anticipated on both sides.

[ChiangMaiFun]

Is USA backing the red terrorists? Send this guy back home to US immediately. He was not officially invited, and should not go here to meet with the terrorists.

Don't be ridiculous - they are not terrorists - absurd notion - well done to someone finally trying to mediate pity the yellows didn't think it worth going

[scorecard]

What a hypocrite! I can't believe the guy would even talk to these red terrorists.

Hmm ...3 anonymous forum posts claiming the red shirts are terrorists. US Assistant Secretary of State seems to think otherwise. Hmm, who should I believe. Who's more credible ...hmmm, such a tough question!

1. Just because he met them doesn't mean that he doesn't think they are terrorists.

2. Why did he even meet them / ask to meet them. Sounds like inappropriate interference to me, and probably why the democrat people declined.

[schmutzie]

What a hypocrite! I can't believe the guy would even talk to these red terrorists.

Hmm ...3 anonymous forum posts claiming the red shirts are terrorists. US Assistant Secretary of State seems to think otherwise. Hmm, who should I believe. Who's more credible ...hmmm, such a tough question!

1. Just because he met them doesn't mean that he doesn't think they are terrorists.

2. Why did he even meet them / ask to meet them. Sounds like inappropriate interference to me, and probably why the democrat people declined.

As we have the privilege to speculate wildly and are protected by blessed anonymity, my response to this would be:

1.

Who cares what he thinks: If it doesn't come out of his mouth, it is not related to the US State Dept.

And clearly, it did not come out of his mouth, that is, the word "terrorists". And as previously stated by others, the people present were not UDD representatives.

2.

"Them", as previously defined, were a trio of currently banned politicians, amongst others.

I would speculate wildly, that someone in his office was tasked with setting up a little working breakfast in Bangkok en route to Myanmar.

I reckon most of those guys just served as meat in the room. The kind of guys who have the time and inclination to be seen as legitimate

representatives of Thai politics. I reckon the person in his office did a poor job. Or that Mr. Campbell needs to raise his profile.

So, we can speculate that the Democrats invited had better things to do or that they were genuinely opposed to sitting down in a room with these other politicians. I suspect the truth lies somewhere in between those two.

We could even speculate further that Myanmar is a priority in the current administration and that the US needs a stable Thai government to help them put pressure on their neighbor.

Edited May 10, 2010 by schmutzie

[SICA]

BANGKOK: -- US Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell Sunday met with red-shirt protesters before applauding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's road map, unveiled last week as a peaceful way to end the country's politi-cal turmoil.

So his opinion wouldn't really count for much then? Talks to the opposition and then applauds the PM's road-map. Just wants to add to the confusion, i guess?

Campbell met key figures from the opposition such as Pongthep Thepkanjana, Chaturon Chaisaeng and Noppadon Pattama. Pongthep and Chaturon are former Cabinet ministers banned from politics for five years under a court order, while Noppadon is a lawyer who is now spokesman for the Shinawatra family.

What is the point of meeting individuals who are banned from politics? Are they the only one's who were interested to meet this guy?

"More than 10 Democrats were also invited to attend the breakfast meeting, but none of them went. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn also declined the invitation," a political source said.

Can you blame them for not attending? What has it got to do with Mr Campbell and why should his opinion on Thai politcis matter?

Campbell said he came to Bangkok not to mediate a break-through or back any outcome.

So why meet them? Oh, just because he could i suppose. Seriously, can somebody please explain to me the reason behind this meeting?

[animatic]

And it would be difficult to put pressure on Myanmar after passing through a currently dysfunctional Thailand

and saying nothing, at a moment that is crying for a bit of diplomatic pressure to make a positive move happen.