US House Urges Peaceful End To Thai Crisis

[webfact]

US House urges peaceful end to Thai crisis

WASHINGTON (AFP) -- The US House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly backed a symbolic resolution urging Thailand's political crisis be resolved peacefully and through democratic means.

Lawmakers voted 411-4 in favor of the measure, which also calls on all parties in Thailand to "work assiduously to settle their differences" based on a five-point reconciliation plan crafted by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Two months of mass "Red Shirt" rallies in Bangkok sparked outbreaks of violence that left 90 people dead, mostly civilians, and nearly 1,900 injured, ending with a deadly army crackdown on May 19.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-07-02

[webfact]

US House issue resolution supporting Thai roadmap

The US House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly supported Thai government's roadmap, urging Thailand's political crisis be resolved peacefuly and through democratic means.

The lawmakers voted 411-4 in favour of the roadmap. They issued a resolution which called on all parties in Thailand to "work assiduously to settle their differences," basing on a five-point reconciliation plan drafted by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The resolution came in favour of the Thai government and Abhisit despite the fact that runaway ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra dispatched his legal adviser; Noppadon Pattama, to Washington to meet some US senators to repaint the red shirts' image and the Thai political crisis in Americans' perception.

Earlier the Thai government sent a special envoy; Kiat Sittiamorn, to meet the US senators to explain about the government's roadmap and reconciliation plans.

-- The Nation 2010-07-02

[TallForeigner]

Here some excerpts from the "American Thinker", published yesterday:

In sum, the United States has four choices with regard to the increasingly volatile situation.

One: Do nothing.

This option aims to keep a low profile during the crisis while seeking to maximize interests by working with whichever party is in charge of the levers of power. Such a policy could eventually lead to those opposed to the government branding the United States as a supporter of the government in office. At the same time, U.S. interests might still be harmed during the violence, and Washington would have little leverage over reducing attacks waged by those against it. Finally, the U.S. would lose what little leverage it holds in reducing human rights violations during this period.

Two: Be vocal.

This scenario entails Washington's making of occasional public or private pronouncements which, neutral in substance, call for peace and order across the country. Yet unless words are followed with something more tangible (a proactive stance), this option will, like Option One, do little to protect or further U.S. interests in Thailand.

Three: Support one side or the other.

The bout between Thaksin and his opponents could lead to foreign powers lining up on one side or the other. Aside from Cambodia, certain groups in Russia have also demonstrated support for Thaksin (as long as he can repay a loan). Indeed, Thaksin recently borrowed U.S. $100 million from a major Russian bank to finance his political return. The danger with this option is that the U.S. could get pulled into the crisis as the ally of either the forces opposing or supportive of Thaksin. If violence erupts into civil war, it could evolve into a proxy conflict among powerful countries in the international community. Political instability could then spread beyond Thailand or become more lasting.

Four: Actively push for peace and order through compromise.

This option offers the most constructive manner by which the international community can influence current political events in Thailand. It involves a pro-active push for negotiations between Thaksin and the chair of the Privy Council. Such talks to end the seemingly endless political impasse could result in a grand coalition government being formed between the anti-Thaksin Democrat Party, the pro-Thaksin Puea Thai Party, and other minor parties with the prime minister being someone acceptable to all sides (perhaps current Senate President Prasopsuk Boondej), paving the way for a constitutional convention and new elections.

Obviously the House of Representatives of the USA decided to go with option Two.

Edited July 2, 2010 by TallForeigner

[jackdawson]

who give a flying f*** what the House does ?

it can't manage it's own country

let alone get involved in the business of another one

Edited July 2, 2010 by jackdawson

[LikeHeat]

Cool, if Thaksin is running out of disposable cash and is borrowing from the Russians to keep up appearance, then he is nearly finished and the Russians will take care of him if he cannot repay. Now if the Thai Government can just keep freezing his finances and making life difficult, it will soon be quiet. Even his paid lobbyist will abandon his "cause" when there is no longer any payment.

[animatic]

Looks like Noppadom's lobbying trip was for naught.

Herger, Johnson, Minnick and Paul.... One dem and three GOP;

is this the best 'Baker, Bott and Asso.' can pull off?

And what was their reasoning for voting no?

---- NOES 4 ---

Herger

Johnson (IL)

Minnick

Paul

---- NOT VOTING 17 ---

Baird

Edwards (MD)

Ellison

Hodes

Hoekstra

Lynch

McCollum

McDermott

Melancon

Moore (WI)

Moran (VA)

Payne

Rodriguez

Wamp

Welch

Woolsey

Young (AK)

Most likely this crew was off on the links, with the mia noi

or missed the call at the senate bar.

[animatic]

who give a flying f*** what the House does ?

it can't manage it's own country

let alone get involved in the business of another one

It's called moral support, or a vote of support for an issue.

It means, regardless of validity as law, that what is being said,

is also agreed with by legislators in another country.

I am SURE Noppadom got an ear buring from Thaksin's mouth after this came out.

They want nothing but embarrassment, at minimum, for the current government,

This can be construed as a major bitchslap on the worlds stage towards Team Thaksin.

[Pib]

These non-binding resolutions are a dime a dozen in the U.S. Congress.

[donx]

Looks like Noppadom's lobbying trip was for naught.

Herger, Johnson, Minnick and Paul.... One dem and three GOP;

is this the best 'Baker, Bott and Asso.' can pull off?

And what was their reasoning for voting no?

---- NOES 4 ---

Herger

Johnson (IL)

Minnick

Paul

---- NOT VOTING 17 ---

Baird

Edwards (MD)

Ellison

Hodes

Hoekstra

Lynch

McCollum

McDermott

Melancon

Moore (WI)

Moran (VA)

Payne

Rodriguez

Wamp

Welch

Woolsey

Young (AK)

Most likely this crew was off on the links, with the mia noi

or missed the call at the senate bar.

Since Edwards (MD) is a woman, I highly doubt your assumptions.

By the way they are congresswomen and congressmen, not senators.

[bendejo]

Lawmakers voted 411-4 in favor of the measure

With results like this, and so quickly, you know they didn't even give it a second thought.

"Ok, show of hands, who wants to see Thailand solve its problems peacefully?"

(Some may not have heard right, thought it had something to do with time of pizza delivery.)

But now they have an excuse to take paid-for SE Asia junkets, oops, I mean fact-finding missions.

IMO, if the reds didn't do the arson thing they may have got some sympathy in the Western world; instead, the problem became terrorism, the icons became the flaming city skyline and the burnt-out mall, near completely overshadowing the two month demonstration of the love of democracy. Anyone else recall the first Western reaction came when the they stormed Parliament?

My take on the Noppa meeting with the State Dept. guy was he was given the message: the purpose of this meeting is to inform you and your boss that we have nothing to do with you, so stop bugging us: now git!

(translation: 'git' is a verb, origins in rural USA, means "get the <deleted> out of here NOW!")

[animatic]

Looks like Noppadom's lobbying trip was for naught.

Herger, Johnson, Minnick and Paul.... One dem and three GOP;

is this the best 'Baker, Bott and Asso.' can pull off?

And what was their reasoning for voting no?

---- NOES 4 ---

Herger

Johnson (IL)

Minnick

Paul

---- NOT VOTING 17 ---

Baird

Edwards (MD)

Ellison

Hodes

Hoekstra

Lynch

McCollum

McDermott

Melancon

Moore (WI)

Moran (VA)

Payne

Rodriguez

Wamp

Welch

Woolsey

Young (AK)

Most likely this crew was off on the links, with the mia noik,

or missed the call at the senate bar.

Since Edwards (MD) is a woman, I highly doubt your assumptions.

By the way they are congresswomen and congressmen, not senators.

Point one, makes no difference,

she can have a girlfriend on the side, and wouldn't be the first in congress.

Point 1.1 she can play golf to, with her girlfriend if she likes.

Point two,

it was a joke, I know they are in the House,

and being in the SENATE bar is why they missed the roll call.

[hammered]

Good PR for the government. US makes a statement and backs Abhisit's plan. Doesnt mean much in real terms except propaganda but it possibly creates an opportunity for the red side to now come on board with the plan. Wait and see if they can do that or if master will for a third time stymie that

Edited July 2, 2010 by hammered

[Motoon]

So why was Noppadon there exactly? Talk about backfiring:whistling:

[jayjay0]

US House issue resolution supporting Thai roadmap

The US House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly supported Thai government's roadmap, urging Thailand's political crisis be resolved peacefuly and through democratic means.

The lawmakers voted 411-4 in favour of the roadmap. They issued a resolution which called on all parties in Thailand to "work assiduously to settle their differences," basing on a five-point reconciliation plan drafted by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The resolution came in favour of the Thai government and Abhisit despite the fact that runaway ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra dispatched his legal adviser; Noppadon Pattama, to Washington to meet some US senators to repaint the red shirts' image and the Thai political crisis in Americans' perception.

Earlier the Thai government sent a special envoy; Kiat Sittiamorn, to meet the US senators to explain about the government's roadmap and reconciliation plans.

-- The Nation 2010-07-02

It says all parties in Thailand.

That leaves Thaksin out

[Rucharee]

USA, pls go home.

Don't mess with Thailand domestic affair.

"Born in the USA" does not give you the right to "To go and kill the yellow man". Quote Bruce Springsteen

[webfact]

ROADMAP

Thai government welcomes US resolution

By The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thai government on Friday welcomed the US House of Representatives' resolution, backing PM Abhisit Vejjajiva's national reconciliation roadmap and urging the end of crisis through peaceful and democratic means.

The US Congress on Thursday voted 411-4 to call on all parties in Thailand to "work assiduously to settle their differences" under a five-point national reconciliation road map of Prime Minister Abhisit.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Friday welcomed the US resolution and said foreign countries appreciated the atmosphere leading to the national reconciliation.

Suthep conceded that some Thais do not want the roadmap to be achieved but the government will move on with the plan.

The resolution came in favour of the Thai government and Abhisit despite the fact that runaway ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra dispatched his legal adviser; Noppadon Pattama, to Washington to meet some US senators to repaint the red shirts' image and the Thai political crisis in Americans' perception.

Earlier the Thai government sent a special envoy; Kiat Sittiamorn, to meet the US senators to explain about the government's roadmap and reconciliation plans.

-- The Nation 2010-07-02

[webfact]

US RESOLUTION

Full text of US resolution on Thailand

By The Nation

Read full text of the US House of Representatives' symbolic resolution urging Thailand to end crisis by peaceful and democratic means

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the political situation in Thailand be solved peacefully and through democratic means.

Whereas political turmoil in Thailand has led to the most troubled political situation in the country since 1992;

Whereas resulting crisis may have a negative impact on Thailand's people, economy, and society;Whereas Thailand's rich diversity of cultures and traditions and its proud history are admired throughout the world;

Whereas the United States close relationship and longstanding friendship with Thailand dates back to 1833 when the two countries signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce;

Whereas the United States and Thailand became alliance partners with the Manila Pact of 1954 and the United States designated Thailand as a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally in December 2003;

Whereas with the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations of 1966, along with burgeoning trade and investment flows, the United States and Thailand share critical economic ties; and

Whereas with more than 200,000 people tracing their ancestry to Thailand, extensive social and cultural links between the United States and Thailand, and shared values, mutual trust, and common interests, the bilateral relationship remains strong and resilient: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--

(1) all parties involved in the political crisis in Thailand renounce the use of violence and pledge to resolve the country's political problems peacefully and through democratic means; and

(2) all parties concerned are encouraged to work assiduously to settle their differences on the basis of the 5-point national reconciliation plan proposed by the Prime Minister of Thailand on May 3, 2010, which encompasses upholding the monarchy, instituting political reform, and eradicating injustice.

-- The Nation 2010-07-02

[Rucharee]

US House issue resolution supporting Thai roadmap

The US House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly supported Thai government's roadmap, urging Thailand's political crisis be resolved peacefuly and through democratic means.

The lawmakers voted 411-4 in favour of the roadmap. They issued a resolution which called on all parties in Thailand to "work assiduously to settle their differences," basing on a five-point reconciliation plan drafted by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The resolution came in favour of the Thai government and Abhisit despite the fact that runaway ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra dispatched his legal adviser; Noppadon Pattama, to Washington to meet some US senators to repaint the red shirts' image and the Thai political crisis in Americans' perception.

Earlier the Thai government sent a special envoy; Kiat Sittiamorn, to meet the US senators to explain about the government's roadmap and reconciliation plans.

-- The Nation 2010-07-02

It says all parties in Thailand.

That leaves Thaksin out

Exactly.

Thaksin is no longer a Thai.

He is a Mountainnegro or something like that; I don't even know how to spell that country name.

[robertson468]

US House issue resolution supporting Thai roadmap

The US House of Representatives on Thursday overwhelmingly supported Thai government's roadmap, urging Thailand's political crisis be resolved peacefuly and through democratic means.

The lawmakers voted 411-4 in favour of the roadmap. They issued a resolution which called on all parties in Thailand to "work assiduously to settle their differences," basing on a five-point reconciliation plan drafted by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

The resolution came in favour of the Thai government and Abhisit despite the fact that runaway ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra dispatched his legal adviser; Noppadon Pattama, to Washington to meet some US senators to repaint the red shirts' image and the Thai political crisis in Americans' perception.

Earlier the Thai government sent a special envoy; Kiat Sittiamorn, to meet the US senators to explain about the government's roadmap and reconciliation plans.

-- The Nation 2010-07-02

It says all parties in Thailand.

That leaves Thaksin out

Exactly.

Thaksin is no longer a Thai.

He is a Mountainnegro or something like that; I don't even know how to spell that country name.

Leaves Thaksin out! this is one of the best jokes I have seen on the Forum for a long, long time:cheesy:. You are joking aren't you?

[monkfish]

That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that-- (1) all parties involved in the political crisis in Thailand renounce the use of violence and pledge to resolve the country's political problems peacefully and through democratic means; and (2) all parties concerned are encouraged to work assiduously to settle their differences on the basis of the 5-point national reconciliation plan proposed by the Prime Minister of Thailand on May 3, 2010, which encompasses upholding the monarchy, instituting political reform, and eradicating injustice.

Is this what they understand as the 5 point peace plan? If so then how could they vote against it?

Its downfall may be hidden in its detail, for example what is political reform?

Exactly how are they going to eradicate injustice? It's rampant and clearly visible today.

Will they stop the unjustified arrests before commencing with the 5 point plan?

but wait I think they already started I saw some commercials of happy Thai people with PM in the middle of them.

Is that part of the reconciliation process??

What are the remaining 2 points in the plan I thought there are 5?

[ballpoint]

These non-binding resolutions are a dime a dozen in the U.S. Congress.

I'm sure Thaksin paid more than a dime to try and influence the outcome of this one. Let's hope he gets no change from the other eleven too. I wonder when the next protest outside the US embassy will begin?

[ballpoint]

So why was Noppadon there exactly? Talk about backfiring:whistling:

He's tried the American equivalent of money in the pastry box to bribe, sorry, "lobby" the congress. I guess his next step is to initiate grenade attacks on Washington bank branches, shoot some of his own people in the head and burn down a major shopping centre.

[Insight]

So why was Noppadon there exactly? Talk about backfiring:whistling:

He's tried the American equivalent of money in the pastry box to bribe, sorry, "lobby" the congress. I guess his next step is to initiate grenade attacks on Washington bank branches, shoot some of his own people in the head and burn down a major shopping centre.

Bravo

[SomTumTiger]

USA, pls go home.

Don't mess with Thailand domestic affair.

"Born in the USA" does not give you the right to "To go and kill the yellow man". Quote Bruce Springsteen

Until Thailand shows they are capable of handling their own affair without killing dozens of people every 12 years or so, perhaps you should not be too quick to discount their help? lol

[blaze]

A bit of background and context for the congressional vote: http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2528&Itemid=387

[hardy1943]

who give a flying f*** what the House does ?

it can't manage it's own country

let alone get involved in the business of another one

The Thai military does which gets millions of dollars every month from the US.

They where cut of before when they removed Thaksin.

That is the only reason why they have a PM now so they can call themselves a democracy.

Edited July 2, 2010 by hardy1943

[craigt3365]

who give a flying f*** what the House does ?

it can't manage it's own country

let alone get involved in the business of another one

Yeah, they have done a pretty bad job making the USA the #1 economy in the world. But I like the fact they at least did a "symbolic" show of support and referenced peaceful means for achieving this....better than them rolling out the red carpet for Thaksin like our neighbors did here!

[march]

who give a flying f*** what the House does ?

it can't manage it's own country

let alone get involved in the business of another one

The Thai military does which gets millions of dollars every month from the US.

They where cut of before when they removed Thaksin.

That is the only reason why they have a PM now so they can call themselves a democracy.

Factually incorrect.

USA military aid to Thailand was restored but a year and half after the coup.

The amount that was suspended was relatively trivial (much less than the cost of 1 fighter jet for the USA) and is but a very small proportion of Thailand's own military budget to the point it could be considered insignificant.

The days of massive USA military aid to Thailand ended 35 years ago with the cessation of hostilities in Vietnam.

[cdnvic]

One hysterical conspiracy rant that contained potentially libellous comments deleted.

[cdnvic]

Topic continues here: