US, UK Closes Embassies In Thailand, 'Very Concerned' About Violence

[Totsagan]

Is the Embassy opened today?

[cdnvic]

Tons of off-topic posts deleted.

[gregb]

Thailand IS the home of many expats. Xenophobia is UGLY.

Yes, when Farangs USA think they can tell to Thai people GO HOME than is that xenophobe and ugly. But it t would be better for all if these farangs who are full of hate GO HOME. Nobody likes you here.

You mean the ones who do not support your Thaksin-loving position one presumes.

On the other hand , the hate-filled red supporters are OK to stay.

I think that just about summarises your nonsense.

I am a farang with only love for the Thai people in my heart. My wife and my children are Thai after all.

Which is why I am thoroughly against the UDD and the hate filled red protesters and hope that they are quickly dispersed by whatever means are necessary.

Only after they are eliminated can we hope to have peace again. The violent red protesters will never lead us to any solution worth having.

Having explained my position kissdani, do you think I should "go home?" Keep in mind, my home is in Thailand.

[moskito]

A typical over-reaction from both the nations.....................

I am surprised the Americans are not evacuating people from the roof of the embassy.................

like before?

[moskito]

It would be wise for both sides to ask for and use (perhaps privately so Thailand can save face as an independent nation) the assistance of USA mediation -- after all, a country like the USA which has 250+ years of experience in democracy may have some good experience and ideas; whereas Thailand has less than 80 years, and all of it fraught with coups, tension, and conflict. Thailand should realize it is in the infancy of democracy and needs to understand how to deal with it.

Ah, democracy US-style...

Do you mean like George W, got into power the first time having lost both the electoral and the popular vote?

Or are you referring to the fact that they threw out the British?

Or the conflict between North and South?

Or to the fact that they wiped out as many of the Indian tribes?

Or to the use of slaves?

Wouldn't think Thailand needs that kind of solution. The USA has many great qualities, and I have close family who are American, but your suggestion is not a good one.

Keep talking about the great abuses committed by the US...Do you recall the manner in which the British treated the Indian people? Thankfully for you that you are not speaking German today.

For all the uneducated here. There was just one vote missing when the decision was made in US between german and english language some hundred years ago. And what is so wrong with the german language? I guess its better as the US English these days...fuc_k dad nigga or What up son is even worse then my grammar

BTW,

to all members here, doesnt matter if Aussie, USAmerican, English, German, Spanish or Russian etc etc.

there is no reason to blame other nations for their past, check your own history out before you open your mouth.

have a great (unbloody) weekend

[kopite]

If you want to understand America's view of the world ,have a look at this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=fJuNgBkloFE

americans are fantastic. youve got to love them. bless

[davethesailor]

America is 2 continents

North America and South America

The United States of America is the single most important country on planet Earth.

As you can see from 2008 and 2009, when The United States of America fails economically the whole world fails until the U.S.A. gets better.

As for you short sided conspiracy folk;

What other Empire allowed its enemys to freely compete in the free market system and win (as Germany and Japan had in the past and China and Russia are currently doing) ?

There has never been an Empire in the history of our planet that has allowed both enemys and lesser countries to freely and fairly compete (and win) against the current world superpower.

NOT ONE!

This aspect alone is what assures the Empire will never fail. The Empire is alive and open to all that are willing to compete.

The more the merrier

Welcome

Please join us

You forgot

USA is the most hated country in the world

The USA is the most arrogant country in the world

The USA barbaric country in the world

The USA is the leader in using force when it does not get it's way

The USA can go take a flying leap

Bravo

[Jingthing]

You forgot

USA is the most hated country in the world

The USA is the most arrogant country in the world

The USA barbaric country in the world

The USA is the leader in using force when it does not get it's way

The USA can go take a flying leap

Oh, really?

Edited May 15, 2010 by Jingthing

[GMoney]

A typical over-reaction from both the nations.....................

I am surprised the Americans are not evacuating people from the roof of the embassy.................

like before?

Too bad that's not the U.S. embassy....just wishful thinking by others. http://www.mishalov.com/Vietnam_finalescape.html

[Heng]

Exactly. The emby guys hightailed it out of there in a much more organized fashion.

[midas]

You forgot

USA is the most hated country in the world

The USA is the most arrogant country in the world

The USA barbaric country in the world

The USA is the leader in using force when it does not get it's way

The USA can go take a flying leap

Oh, really?

thats funny you choose that because under the Obama Regime more and more venues in America

are now being told they cant even use the word " God "

[Replogle]

Given the possibility that this little bottle-rocket and slingshot melee goes on for a while, it may be wise to consider temporarily relocating services to a vacant office space somewhere with reasonable security.

[Reddstars]

So...anyway...Is the US or UK embassy going to open today?

(Sorry to bring this back on topic)

Yeah this is what I am wondering!!!!! My Thai fiancee will have a k1 interview at the us embassy anyday now...

[Fishbucket]

US and UK embassies concerned about the situation?

what a load of <deleted>.

either of them could put a stop to it if they so desired.

[Publicus]

US and UK embassies concerned about the situation?

what a load of <deleted>.

either of them could put a stop to it if they so desired.

Only AsstSecState Campbell and his colleague in Pacific and East Asia competency and expertise US Ambassador to the former LOS Eric John are trying, having met face to face with essentially disengaged (and suspended) Thaksin types while clearly reiterating their support of the oldest Asian treaty ally of the US, the government of the Kingdom Thailand.

The ques outside the front doors of the US State Department are long and many, each and every day, as governments, civil society groups, domestic combatants and irreconcilably opposed sides etc etc etc in a given country are begging the US to step in to use its prestige to solve their self created problems. This is a problem for Thais to resolve. Thais created this problem yet Thais cannot resolve it. Hence Obama, SECSTATE Clinton. Campbell and John, but each individually and all collectively can do only so much.

The US the UK and other democracies East and West are limited in what they can do. If there's a key player in the current hel_l that is the former LOS, it is Asean. Get on their case for a change. Quit the intellectual and cultural cliches against the US or the UK. Where are the cowards of Asean?

[filipinalily]

Here is a more current US stance related to this thread…

US warns citizens travelling to Thailand, evacuating staffs...from the nationmultimedia.com

The United States has warned its citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Thailand and began evacuating non-essential embassy staff and families due to unrest in the country.

"US citizens should defer all travel to Bangkok and defer all non-essential travel to the rest of Thailand," a statement said.

"The Department of State has authorized the departure of all non-emergency US government personnel and eligible family members from Bangkok," the statement added.

The US Thursday closed its embassy in Bangkok and said it was "very concerned" about the violence between the Thai government and protesters there.

US embassy personnel who live in affected areas are being relocated to housing outside of the affected areas, the State Department said.

The warning came as the troops continued for the second day the operations to end the red shirts protest....

Edited May 16, 2010 by filipinalily

[filipinalily]

I don't really know but I have read numerous news about the US of A's concern in what is happening around Bangkok recently. So far, if I may put it correctly, the US of A is one country which seems to be acting so panicky (or involved) in what is going on. I am not that surprised about this coz America, as what I've heard, is one of those countries which has supplied information to Thailand about terrorists mixing with the protesters. That is a little bit something to consider; and that too might be the reason why America is always in the picture lately. This makes my mind twitch from disturbing thoughts…

Then, I have also read somewhere that the US of A has been visible in almost all affairs of Thailand – especially when Thailand has started to take heavy tolls in their political bickering since the Thaksin brouhaha way way back. Have you ever wondered why those associated with Thaksin have had the nerve to ask for US assistance? Have you forgotten how they've marched to the US embassy and deliver a request letter asking Hillary C. to meddle or become an arbiter of some sort? Our outgoing president does that too. As per the news, she even has thrown a lavish 1-million-peso party in New York for her friends in Washington while most of my countrymen have been starving almost to death. Yeah, what a nerve! And so, we, Filipinos, seem to know the little whys concerning all these.

Haven't you known that only Americans are allowed to own properties 100% in Thailand? Yes, the US of A has earned (or been awarded?) this favor. I am just not sure whether it is embedded in a treaty or something, but who cares! We, Filipinos, have a good taste of this American…what? You bet, American colonialism! And that sucks big time! Yes, it is true that our history shows a hel_l lot of America. We are always thankful for the influence in our English, but that is just about it! It is like America going overboard after that, sinking the Philippines down into the deeps.

I am thinking that this MIGHT be one, if not the main, reason why this political chaos is going on in Thailand. Who doesn't know how America does politics in a highly tactical way? As what a song says (which, by the way, is American composed), "…And somewhere down the road…Our roads are gonna cross again…It doesn't really matter when…" Or, perhaps, it doesn't really matter what cost it takes…And probably, it is not just America at all, but all the powers that be who like to benefit from Thailand's grandeur. Indeed, some people just think that life is getting cheaper by the day…Duh!

Edited May 16, 2010 by filipinalily

[toptuan]

We, Filipinos, have a good taste of this American…what? You bet, American colonialism! And that sucks big time! Yes, it is true that our history shows a hel_l lot of America. We are always thankful for the influence in our English, but that is just about it! It is like America going overboard after that, sinking the Philippines down into the deeps.

Strange, all of my Filipino friends (and I have many in the USA and PH because of a long history of business dealings between the two countries) are thankful for the history and relationship between them and the USA. Most realize they'd still be under the flag of the Rising Sun if it wasn't for their close ties to the USA. You're the first dissident I've met (online or elsewhere). A real anomaly.

[filipinalily]

We, Filipinos, have a good taste of this American…what? You bet, American colonialism! And that sucks big time! Yes, it is true that our history shows a hel_l lot of America. We are always thankful for the influence in our English, but that is just about it! It is like America going overboard after that, sinking the Philippines down into the deeps.

Strange, all of my Filipino friends (and I have many in the USA and PH because of a long history of business dealings between the two countries) are thankful for the history and relationship between them and the USA. Most realize they'd still be under the flag of the Rising Sun if it wasn't for their close ties to the USA. You're the first dissident I've met (online or elsewhere). A real anomaly.

Oh, yeah, that is a very regretful scenario. If the Philippines has been an ally or even a commonwealth of the Land of the Rising Sun, I believe She (sic) has gone a long way upwards – without being minded, dictated and played at.

Tell me, what kind of development has the USA given to the Philippines? Yeah, there can be plenty to mention, but look at their nature. American control is everywhere. It is as if a known attachment to everything that America does for our country. Everything is hooked up – or more, I can say, favorable to Americans than the Philippine people.

And, this is what I hugely see happening to Thailand big time! America will suck everything out until there is nothing left for Thailand; then Thailand will beg for more America in its system - hands tied and noses stuck to Uncle Sam.

I hope that Thais are intellectual enough to realize this, that is why they need to learn English very fast. It is better from elsewhere and not from America and Thais should know why.

Edited May 16, 2010 by filipinalily

[Humungus]

I'm supposed to pick up my daughter's passport an our embassy on Thursday, don't know if I'll be able to, not sure how I'm going to get her out of the country without it.

[filipinalily]

I'm supposed to pick up my daughter's passport an our embassy on Thursday, don't know if I'll be able to, not sure how I'm going to get her out of the country without it.

Other issues aside, I believe you cannot do anything just yet. You can wait for further announcement. The situation is really alarming especially for the US embassy officials. Surely, they will give an update just like the way they announce things with regard to closing the embassy. Good luck anyway! Let your daughter enjoy Thailand for a while but just avoid the hot spots.

[toptuan]

We, Filipinos, have a good taste of this American…what? You bet, American colonialism! And that sucks big time! Yes, it is true that our history shows a hel_l lot of America. We are always thankful for the influence in our English, but that is just about it! It is like America going overboard after that, sinking the Philippines down into the deeps.

Strange, all of my Filipino friends (and I have many in the USA and PH because of a long history of business dealings between the two countries) are thankful for the history and relationship between them and the USA. Most realize they'd still be under the flag of the Rising Sun if it wasn't for their close ties to the USA. You're the first dissident I've met (online or elsewhere). A real anomaly.

Oh, yeah, that is a very regretful scenario. If the Philippines has been an ally or even a commonwealth of the Land of the Rising Sun, I believe She (sic) has gone a long way upwards – without being minded, dictated and played at.

Tell me, what kind of development has the USA given to the Philippines? Yeah, there can be plenty to mention, but look at their nature. American control is everywhere. It is as if a known attachment to everything that America does for our country. Everything is hooked up – or more, I can say, favorable to Americans than the Philippine people.

And, this is what I hugely see happening to Thailand big time! America will suck everything out until there is nothing left for Thailand; then Thailand will beg for more America in its system - hands tied and noses stuck to Uncle Sam.

I hope that Thais are intellectual enough to realize this, that is why they need to learn English very fast. It is better from elsewhere and not from America and Thais should know why.

Actually, I was involved in building a factory in a rural area north of Manila in a town that had about 70% unemployment. After our factory was up and running, we employed about 40 workers at 100% above the prevailing wages. We had happy, employed people, and it was a boon to the area. We then bought their products at insanely expensive prices (compared to similar Filipiino products) which further helped them. It was good for us and good for them, but mostly good for them.

This scenario is repeated thousands of times throughout the Philippines.

Where do you see that as "control?" Where does your logic fit into that?

[Amdesign]

How about Swedish Embassy? Any info if they work tomorrow or not?

[Scott]

It is an official holiday in Bangkok, so the embassy will most likely be closed. Do they have a website you can check.

[Scott]

I might add that this topic is not about the colonial history of the Philippines by the US. Your feelings are understandable, however, let's keep this thread on topic for now.

[filipinalily]

Your contentions were rather general. But, I should admit that it kinda moved me. I would however hold my breath until I could vividly picture out the things you said. I would be also willing to bow down if necessary.

I am ready for an on-the-spot research, just give more details. If you cannot mention the business you set up, I am interested to know what you have mentioned as:

...This scenario is repeated thousands of times throughout the Philippines....

Edited May 16, 2010 by filipinalily

[filipinalily]

I might add that this topic is not about the colonial history of the Philippines by the US. Your feelings are understandable, however, let's keep this thread on topic for now.

Thanks to this reminder, but it came after I clicked the add-reply button.

I would however appreciate if you could suggest a thread where we could continue this discussion.

I believe it is relevant to what is happening in Thailand these days.

[chromedome]

So...anyway...Is the US or UK embassy going to open today?

(Sorry to bring this back on topic)

Yeah this is what I am wondering!!!!! My Thai fiancee will have a k1 interview at the us embassy anyday now...

I am in the same situation. My family and friends have already shelled out thousands USD to come over for thai ceremony in June. I empathize with both sides (at least until mob mentality took over reds) but I'm going nuts worrying how much this will screw things up.

[chromedome]

I don't really know but I have read numerous news about the US of A's concern in what is happening around Bangkok recently. So far, if I may put it correctly, the US of A is one country which seems to be acting so panicky (or involved) in what is going on. I am not that surprised about this coz America, as what I've heard, is one of those countries which has supplied information to Thailand about terrorists mixing with the protesters. That is a little bit something to consider; and that too might be the reason why America is always in the picture lately. This makes my mind twitch from disturbing thoughts…

Then, I have also read somewhere that the US of A has been visible in almost all affairs of Thailand – especially when Thailand has started to take heavy tolls in their political bickering since the Thaksin brouhaha way way back. Have you ever wondered why those associated with Thaksin have had the nerve to ask for US assistance? Have you forgotten how they've marched to the US embassy and deliver a request letter asking Hillary C. to meddle or become an arbiter of some sort? Our outgoing president does that too. As per the news, she even has thrown a lavish 1-million-peso party in New York for her friends in Washington while most of my countrymen have been starving almost to death. Yeah, what a nerve! And so, we, Filipinos, seem to know the little whys concerning all these.

Haven't you known that only Americans are allowed to own properties 100% in Thailand? Yes, the US of A has earned (or been awarded?) this favor. I am just not sure whether it is embedded in a treaty or something, but who cares! We, Filipinos, have a good taste of this American…what? You bet, American colonialism! And that sucks big time! Yes, it is true that our history shows a hel_l lot of America. We are always thankful for the influence in our English, but that is just about it! It is like America going overboard after that, sinking the Philippines down into the deeps.

I am thinking that this MIGHT be one, if not the main, reason why this political chaos is going on in Thailand. Who doesn't know how America does politics in a highly tactical way? As what a song says (which, by the way, is American composed), "…And somewhere down the road…Our roads are gonna cross again…It doesn't really matter when…" Or, perhaps, it doesn't really matter what cost it takes…And probably, it is not just America at all, but all the powers that be who like to benefit from Thailand's grandeur. Indeed, some people just think that life is getting cheaper by the day…Duh!

Speaking as an American who would love to buy land in Thailand; your statement about us being able to buy land is incorrect. You obviously have an axe to grind regarding Americans. American bashing is always all the rage, and I can accept that, I do my healthy share of it too, and it really is useless to defend my country by saying things like; you love us when we routed the Japanese in WWII for you but then hated us for keeping a defensive presence there afterwards to make sure it didn't happen again; no one logically contemplates those complexities, they only see US soldiers in their town and want them out, I understand. Please at least stick to factual statements regarding our fallacies, of which there are many, but be wary inside your glass house.

[Publicus]

I'm supposed to pick up my daughter's passport an our embassy on Thursday, don't know if I'll be able to, not sure how I'm going to get her out of the country without it.

There's a statement by the US Embassy posted earlier to this thread advising all of us that presently the Embassy's US Citizens Services are available in emergencies only. No details were provided in the post of the news report, but I expect you have some phone numbers and the email address of the Embassy, Citizens Services in particular.

I consider Citizens Services to be an essential function of the Embassy and its boss DEPSTATE, however, the DEPSTATE always has made clear that Citizens Services at any embassy are not a principal function of the the purpose of an embassy, which is diplomacy with the host government, so I'm concerned for you that Citizens Services (which have assisted me immensely in ordinary times in Korea and in the People's Republic of China) and which are supplemental to the Embassy may not be available during this time of evacuation of non-emergency staff and their families from Bangkok.

I'd guess you'd need to find out what "emergency" means to the Embassy and its bosses in Washington.

I truly hope you can get your daughter to safety asap without difficulty or having to deal with unavailable Embassy assistance. (If it might be encouraging, I was in Phuket during the tsunami and the DEPSTATE in Washington two days after called my home in the US to ask if they'd heard from me, which of course they had.)