A Victory For Thailand In Washington

[webfact]

ANALYSIS

A victory in Washington

By Tulsathit Taptim

Noppakhun Limsamarnkul

US resolution is a vote of confidence in the govt's roadmap, and a setback for Thaksin

BANGKOK: -- The Abhisit government looked quietly content yesterday, and that was just about all it could show. A US House of Representatives resolution that was overwhelmingly in favour of the Thai prime minister's reconciliation roadmap was a diplomatic victory against Thaksin Shinawatra, but an unrestrained demonstration of jubilation could come back to haunt the Thai leaders later.

The government need not look further than Noppadon Pattama to learn a lesson in how overconfidence could turn disastrous in international diplomacy.

Noppadon, a close aide of Thaksin, arrived in Washington a few days ago announcing his big lobbying ambitions and thus turned the Thai media's attention toward the upcoming resolution. If only he had known that the vote would be a staggering 411-4 in support of peaceful means to resolve the Thai conflict and, more significantly, Abhisit Vejjajiva's reconciliation plan.

The resolution unequivocally backs the roadmap, which the red shirts declined to accept before the stand-off with the Thai government turned bloody with murky violent incidents each side has blamed on the other. It was also a snub for Thaksin, who has always said he preferred direct "peace talks" with neutral foreign mediators to Abhisit's plan.

Round one in the diplomatic face-off, therefore, goes to the Thai government. As Noppadon and other Thaksin lobbyists headed off to their next destinations that reportedly include Europe, taking a foreign resolution seriously is not a wise strategy.

Abhisit, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and some other government leaders cautiously welcomed the American politicians' move, but all stopped short of portraying it as a strong endorsement of the roadmap's legitimacy.

"It's always my belief that most foreign governments and organisations see the steps being taken by the government as a possible solution to the crisis," Abhisit said.

"In the case of certain organisations, we still have to keep on trying to make them understand. As for Thaksin and people working for him, they surely will also keep on trying and we will not try to stop them."

Having given Washington much importance, Noppadon and Thaksin must have found themselves tongue-tied. Thaksin, for instance, cannot say that the US "is not our father" as doing so would torpedo his own international campaign against the Thai government. The best he could do now is hope Europe would not be as accommodating towards the Bangkok administration.

The US resolution, whose first draft was believed to have been made before the Thai situation plunged into a bloodbath, was co-sponsored by 29 US congressmen. The four who voted against it were Ron Paul (Texas, Republican), Wally Herger (California, Republican), Timothy Johnson (Illinois, Republican) and Walt Minnick (Idaho, Democrat).

The wordings cherished Thai-US ties and valued the Kingdom's rich diversity, culture and traditions. Concern was expressed that the crisis had been threatening the well-being of all Thais, socially and economically. It was described as a merely symbolic, non-binding resolution, but thanks to Noppadon, the resolution is anything but symbolic as far as Thaksin's showdown with the Thai government goes.

Kiat Sitthiamorn, the PM's special envoy to the US, said the US resolution reflects America's "deep understanding" of the Thai political situation.

"I had the privilege to meet prominent senators and congressmen as well as senior State Department officials to explain the factual situation in Thailand during my recent trip," he said.

"Essentially, the US resolution endorses the Thai government's reconciliation plan and urged every party concerned to resolve the political conflict in a peaceful and democratic way."

Kiat said US authorities were well aware of controversial incidents like the existence of armed elements during the red shirts' protests. He also met representatives of Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, AP and AFP during his visit, which took place before Noppadon landed in Washington to lobby on Thaksin's behalf.

The diplomatic war has just begun. With the unexpected development from Capitol Hill, we are likely to see both rival camps, Noppadon in particular, move more cautiously in the future.

-- The Nation 2010-07-03

[Ulysses G.]

Thaksin's little shindig in Bangkok has made it clear that he does not have the Thai people's best interests at heart. Abhisit put up with a lot from the reds - months of them destroying the economy - and used minimum force under the circumstances. He proved that he is the better man and a trustworthy leader.

Edited July 3, 2010 by Ulysses G.

[geriatrickid]

People are taking far too much from this touchie feelie resolution. Please read the resolution. In particular, look at the request that the Thai government (along with protestors) renounce the use of violence. Yes the resolution supports the 5 point plan, but that support is for the promises Mr. Abhisit is making. A gangster can say that he likes puppies and I would agree, because I like puppies too. That doesn't mean that I support the gangster, just that i agree with his statement.

The resolution is not an endorsement of Mr. Abhisit. Wrapped up in the diplomatic language about reconciliation there is mention of timely free and fair elections and a free media. Anyone taking the resolution as anything more than support of basic freedoms is misguided.

H. Res. 1321

In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

July 1, 2010.

Whereas Thailand became the first treaty ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region with the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, signed at Sia-Yut'hia (Bangkok) March 20, 1833, between the United States and Siam, during the administration of President Andrew Jackson and the reign of King Rama III;

Whereas the United States and Thailand furthered their alliance with the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty, (commonly known as the 'Manila Pact of 1954') signed at Manila September 8, 1954, and the United States designated Thailand as a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally in December 2003;

Whereas, through the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations, signed at Bangkok May 26, 1966, along with a diverse and growing trading relationship, the United States and Thailand have developed critical economic ties;

Whereas Thailand is a key partner of the United States in Southeast Asia and has supported closer relations between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN);

Whereas Thailand has the longest-serving monarch in the world, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is loved and respected for his dedication to the people of Thailand;

Whereas Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has issued a 5-point roadmap designed to promote the peaceful resolution of the current political crisis in Thailand;

Whereas approximately 500,000 people of Thai descent live in the United States and foster strong cultural ties between the 2 countries; and

Whereas Thailand remains a steadfast friend with shared values of freedom, democracy, and liberty: Now, therefore, be it Resolved,

That the House of Representatives--

(1) affirms the support of the people and the Government of the United States for a strong and vital alliance with Thailand;

(2) calls for the restoration of peace and stability throughout Thailand;

(3) urges all parties involved in the political crisis in Thailand to renounce the use of violence and to resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue;

(4) supports the goals of the 5-point roadmap of the Government of Thailand for national reconciliation, which seeks to--

(A) uphold, protect, and respect the institution of the constitutional monarchy;

(B ) resolve fundamental problems of social justice systematically and with participation by all sectors of society;

(c ) ensure that the media can operate freely and constructively;

(D) establish facts about the recent violence through investigation by an independent committee; and

(E) establish mutually acceptable political rules through the solicitation of views from all sides; and

(5) promotes the timely implementation of an agreed plan for national reconciliation in Thailand so that free and fair elections can be held.

Attest:

Clerk.

Edited July 3, 2010 by geriatrickid

[plachon]

And it seems all that money spent on the snake in the grass lawyer Amsterdam has been pissed up agains the wall.

Nice result for Abhisit, although they can't afford to rest on their laurels and need to work hard to gain the trust and confidence of a wider proportion of the Thai people, partly by applying the law fairly and indiscriminately to all who break it. Also, continuing to uncover and show Thaksin's money trail and web of corruption in the past.

[Samuian]

clear signal and yes, no surprise here!

Mr.T, Noppadon and his ilk must realize that "out there" isn't Thailand!

[Capealava]

People are taking far too much from this touchie feelie resolution. Please read the resolution. In particular, look at the request that the Thai government (along with protestors) renounce the use of violence. Yes the resolution supports the 5 point plan, but that support is for the promises Mr. Abhisit is making. A gangster can say that he likes puppies and I would agree, because I like puppies too. That doesn't mean that I support the gangster, just that i agree with his statement.

The resolution is not an endorsement of Mr. Abhisit. Wrapped up in the diplomatic language about reconciliation there is mention of timely free and fair elections and a free media. Anyone taking the resolution as anything more than support of basic freedoms is misguided.

H. Res. 1321

In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

July 1, 2010.

Whereas Thailand became the first treaty ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region with the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, signed at Sia-Yut'hia (Bangkok) March 20, 1833, between the United States and Siam, during the administration of President Andrew Jackson and the reign of King Rama III;

Whereas the United States and Thailand furthered their alliance with the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty, (commonly known as the 'Manila Pact of 1954') signed at Manila September 8, 1954, and the United States designated Thailand as a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally in December 2003;

Whereas, through the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations, signed at Bangkok May 26, 1966, along with a diverse and growing trading relationship, the United States and Thailand have developed critical economic ties;

Whereas Thailand is a key partner of the United States in Southeast Asia and has supported closer relations between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN);

Whereas Thailand has the longest-serving monarch in the world, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is loved and respected for his dedication to the people of Thailand;

Whereas Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has issued a 5-point roadmap designed to promote the peaceful resolution of the current political crisis in Thailand;

Whereas approximately 500,000 people of Thai descent live in the United States and foster strong cultural ties between the 2 countries; and

Whereas Thailand remains a steadfast friend with shared values of freedom, democracy, and liberty: Now, therefore, be it Resolved,

That the House of Representatives--

(1) affirms the support of the people and the Government of the United States for a strong and vital alliance with Thailand;

(2) calls for the restoration of peace and stability throughout Thailand;

(3) urges all parties involved in the political crisis in Thailand to renounce the use of violence and to resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue;

(4) supports the goals of the 5-point roadmap of the Government of Thailand for national reconciliation, which seeks to--

(A) uphold, protect, and respect the institution of the constitutional monarchy;

(B ) resolve fundamental problems of social justice systematically and with participation by all sectors of society;

(c ) ensure that the media can operate freely and constructively;

(D) establish facts about the recent violence through investigation by an independent committee; and

(E) establish mutually acceptable political rules through the solicitation of views from all sides; and

(5) promotes the timely implementation of an agreed plan for national reconciliation in Thailand so that free and fair elections can be held.

This is a a great reply. The USA resolution is so weak it almost looks like a form letter. It is not an endorsement of Abhisit or the prior and recent behavior of the government. In so many words it is simply saying 'do the right thing". But the Government is desperate for any endorsement at all latches on to this extremely weak paper to endorse everything they do, from censorship to corruption, to their desire to stay in power without elections.

[Pib]

U.S. Congress non-binding resolutions are a dime a dozen...usually at least a hundred issued every year. Basically a congressional resolution is a statement of position, has no legal authority, no force of law, etc.

They are issued for all types of things, from major issues to warm & fuzzy issues like a few shown at this web site...go ahead, take a look: http://www.dummocrats.com/archives/001595.php

Individual congressmen love to sponsor/submit them (whether they get approved or not) as the congressmen can them state during their re-election campaign that they got resolution XYZ passed...and to many unenlightened voters this would be very impressive. Too bad Congress abuses/overuses the resolution as it greatly degrades their serious, important resolutions.

[rabo]

People are taking far too much from this touchie feelie resolution. Please read the resolution. In particular, look at the request that the Thai government (along with protestors) renounce the use of violence. Yes the resolution supports the 5 point plan, but that support is for the promises Mr. Abhisit is making. A gangster can say that he likes puppies and I would agree, because I like puppies too. That doesn't mean that I support the gangster, just that i agree with his statement.

The resolution is not an endorsement of Mr. Abhisit. Wrapped up in the diplomatic language about reconciliation there is mention of timely free and fair elections and a free media. Anyone taking the resolution as anything more than support of basic freedoms is misguided.

H. Res. 1321

In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

July 1, 2010.

Whereas Thailand became the first treaty ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region with the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, signed at Sia-Yut'hia (Bangkok) March 20, 1833, between the United States and Siam, during the administration of President Andrew Jackson and the reign of King Rama III;

Whereas the United States and Thailand furthered their alliance with the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty, (commonly known as the 'Manila Pact of 1954') signed at Manila September 8, 1954, and the United States designated Thailand as a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally in December 2003;

Whereas, through the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations, signed at Bangkok May 26, 1966, along with a diverse and growing trading relationship, the United States and Thailand have developed critical economic ties;

Whereas Thailand is a key partner of the United States in Southeast Asia and has supported closer relations between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN);

Whereas Thailand has the longest-serving monarch in the world, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is loved and respected for his dedication to the people of Thailand;

Whereas Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has issued a 5-point roadmap designed to promote the peaceful resolution of the current political crisis in Thailand;

Whereas approximately 500,000 people of Thai descent live in the United States and foster strong cultural ties between the 2 countries; and

Whereas Thailand remains a steadfast friend with shared values of freedom, democracy, and liberty: Now, therefore, be it Resolved,

That the House of Representatives--

(1) affirms the support of the people and the Government of the United States for a strong and vital alliance with Thailand;

(2) calls for the restoration of peace and stability throughout Thailand;

(3) urges all parties involved in the political crisis in Thailand to renounce the use of violence and to resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue;

(4) supports the goals of the 5-point roadmap of the Government of Thailand for national reconciliation, which seeks to--

(A.) uphold, protect, and respect the institution of the constitutional monarchy;

(B.) resolve fundamental problems of social justice systematically and with participation by all sectors of society;

(C.) ensure that the media can operate freely and constructively;

(D.) establish facts about the recent violence through investigation by an independent committee; and

(E.) establish mutually acceptable political rules through the solicitation of views from all sides; and

(5) promotes the timely implementation of an agreed plan for national reconciliation in Thailand so that free and fair elections can be held.

Attest:

Clerk.

Not sure what you think a resolution is, but it literally means to resolve to do or to support something, and this is a staggering near unanimous resolution of 411 US lawmakers who,

calling the Kingdom of Thailand a strong and vital ally, a major ally and a key partner in Southeast Asia, a country with whom they have critical economic ties, a steadfast friend with shared values of freedom, democracy, all the way back to Andrew Jackson and King Rama III! (Lord of lords, the number 51 does come to mind)

.... resolve to provide strong support for Thailand, strong support for the monarchy, strong support for the government, and strong support for each every one of the 5 points of Abhisit's plan for reconciliation, and strong support for elections to be held in a "timely" manner, as expressed by the current prime minister, Mr. Abhisit..

(wave US flag above images of Thailand and the King, fade to Abhisit addressing the country)

This resolution leaves no legitimacy whatsoever for Thaksin and his thugs program of violence and disruption of the country. Thaksin's entire modus operandi is out the door. It also calls on Abhisit to be a man of his word and carry through with what he has said he will do.As long as he does, he will get strong US support. If Thaksin tries to further destabilize the country or derail the reconciliation with his money and violence, the resolution clearly states that the US will support Thailand and its institutions. The resolution is also the first step in the legitimization of any actions the US might take to prevent the derailment of a peaceful resolution, such as support to help stop Thaksin's activities if required.

Such a resolution does not happen by accident, but through careful diplomatic work. I strongly suspect that this is the work of the US State Department itself and Ambassador John and his staff here in Bangkok.

Edited July 3, 2010 by rabo

[Capealava]

People are taking far too much from this touchie feelie resolution. Please read the resolution. In particular, look at the request that the Thai government (along with protestors) renounce the use of violence. Yes the resolution supports the 5 point plan, but that support is for the promises Mr. Abhisit is making. A gangster can say that he likes puppies and I would agree, because I like puppies too. That doesn't mean that I support the gangster, just that i agree with his statement.

The resolution is not an endorsement of Mr. Abhisit. Wrapped up in the diplomatic language about reconciliation there is mention of timely free and fair elections and a free media. Anyone taking the resolution as anything more than support of basic freedoms is misguided.

H. Res. 1321

In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

July 1, 2010.

Whereas Thailand became the first treaty ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region with the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, signed at Sia-Yut'hia (Bangkok) March 20, 1833, between the United States and Siam, during the administration of President Andrew Jackson and the reign of King Rama III;

Whereas the United States and Thailand furthered their alliance with the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty, (commonly known as the 'Manila Pact of 1954') signed at Manila September 8, 1954, and the United States designated Thailand as a major non-North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally in December 2003;

Whereas, through the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations, signed at Bangkok May 26, 1966, along with a diverse and growing trading relationship, the United States and Thailand have developed critical economic ties;

Whereas Thailand is a key partner of the United States in Southeast Asia and has supported closer relations between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN);

Whereas Thailand has the longest-serving monarch in the world, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is loved and respected for his dedication to the people of Thailand;

Whereas Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has issued a 5-point roadmap designed to promote the peaceful resolution of the current political crisis in Thailand;

Whereas approximately 500,000 people of Thai descent live in the United States and foster strong cultural ties between the 2 countries; and

Whereas Thailand remains a steadfast friend with shared values of freedom, democracy, and liberty: Now, therefore, be it Resolved,

That the House of Representatives--

(1) affirms the support of the people and the Government of the United States for a strong and vital alliance with Thailand;

(2) calls for the restoration of peace and stability throughout Thailand;

(3) urges all parties involved in the political crisis in Thailand to renounce the use of violence and to resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue;

(4) supports the goals of the 5-point roadmap of the Government of Thailand for national reconciliation, which seeks to--

(A) uphold, protect, and respect the institution of the constitutional monarchy;

(B ) resolve fundamental problems of social justice systematically and with participation by all sectors of society;

(c ) ensure that the media can operate freely and constructively;

(D) establish facts about the recent violence through investigation by an independent committee; and

(E) establish mutually acceptable political rules through the solicitation of views from all sides; and

(5) promotes the timely implementation of an agreed plan for national reconciliation in Thailand so that free and fair elections can be held.

Attest:

Clerk.

Not sure what you think a resolution is, but it literally means to resolve to do or to support something, and this is a staggering near unanimous resolution of 411 US lawmakers who,

calling the Kingdom of Thailand a strong and vital ally, a major ally and a key partner in Southeast Asia, a country with whom they have critical economic ties, a steadfast friend with shared values of freedom, democracy, all the way back to Andrew Jackson and King Rama III! (Lord of lords, the number 51 does come to mind)

.... resolve to provide strong support for Thailand, strong support for the monarchy, strong support for the government, and strong support for each every one of the 5 points of Abhisit's plan for reconciliation, and strong support for elections to be held in a "timely" manner, as expressed by the current prime minister, Mr. Abhisit..

(wave US flag above images of Thailand and the King, fade to Abhisit addressing the country)

This resolution leaves no legitimacy whatsoever for Thaksin and his thugs program of violence and disruption of the country. Thaksin's entire modus operandi is out the door. It also calls on Abhisit to be a man of his word and carry through with what he has said he will do.As long as he does, he will get strong US support. If Thaksin tries to further destabilize the country or derail the reconciliation with his money and violence, the resolution clearly states that the US will support Thailand and its institutions. The resolution is also the first step in the legitimization of any actions the US might take to prevent the derailment of a peaceful resolution, such as support to help stop Thaksin's activities if required.

Such a resolution does not happen by accident, but through careful diplomatic work. I strongly suspect that this is the work of the US State Department itself and Ambassador John and his staff here in Bangkok.

Then is would have been worded in a more decisive way. Is it a form letter resolution. The letter does not mention Thaksin at all. You are reading to much into it. You are acting the like the government looking for support even as weak as this. The USA will give full and more complete support to the "elected leader' of Thailand. Obviously you do not understand the workings of the US State Dept.

[PhilHarries]

I've no doubt that the Red Apologies, sorry Apologists who are playing down the worth of this resolution would be singing a different tune had it gone the other way.

A classic example of personal self censorship. You only believe what you like to believe no matter what the truth is.

[Capealava]

I've no doubt that the Red Apologies, sorry Apologists who are playing down the worth of this resolution would be singing a different tune had it gone the other way.

A classic example of personal self censorship. You only believe what you like to believe no matter what the truth is.

Can you see the USA government supporting the Red Shirts-while a government backed by a army is in place. Give me a break. And even if the USA supported the red shirts ideals it would be diplomatically unwise to even mention it. Do you remember Kasits triad at the USA Ambassador in Bangkok when a US diplomat visited the Red Shirts. It may be similar to the USA lack support of public support for Tibet ideals because China would go ballistic.

As I said before all the resolution is saying is "Do the right thing" It hardly endorses anyone.

[Insight]

The resolution unequivocally backs the roadmap, which the red shirts declined to accept before the stand-off with the Thai government turned bloody with murky violent incidents each side has blamed on the other. It was also a snub for Thaksin, who has always said he preferred direct "peace talks" with neutral foreign mediators to Abhisit's plan.

What a load of crap. The elementary writers at 'the nation', yes, not capitalized on purpose, are the poorest of the poor and ThaiVisa should not allow sewage on their forum from that toilet. If it wasn't for Taksin we would still be sending smoke signals to each other and snail mail and sitting in traffic for 10 hours instead of 5 to go 5m in Bkk.

Message to Taksin: Thank you for the satellite.

Message to Aphisit: road map?

It would be interesting to see side-by-side figures on how much Thaksin spent on the poor vs how much he spent on his political campaigns and lobbyists.

I bet you one figure would completely eclipse the other.

[hearditallbefore]

Yes, Insight, I completely agree. As do all politicians. It was said that Obama spent 650 million$ on his, that's well over 21 billion baht. I wonder how much Sondi and his crew paid to have the coup? All of that money and the money we have lost for that stupid sh&& runs into the billions of baht as well.

[Jingthing]

Those red anarchists burning Bangkok images made an INTERNATIONAL impression. Reds, what did you expect?

Edited July 3, 2010 by Jingthing

[Insight]

Yes, Insight, I completely agree. As do all politicians. It was said that Obama spent 650 million$ on his, that's well over 21 billion baht. I wonder how much Sondi and his crew paid to have the coup? All of that money and the money we have lost for that stupid sh&& runs into the billions of baht as well.

Obama's money came from donors. Given Thaksin's tax avoidance skills were do you think the money to support his party came from? IMHO - not him.

[freedom4life]

Thaksin's little shindig in Bangkok has made it clear that he does not have the Thai people's best interests at heart. Abhisit put up with a lot from the reds - months of them destroying the economy - and used minimum force under the circumstances. He proved that he is the better man and a trustworthy leader.   

"Unwanted member" that is an understatement.

[SomTumTiger]

"Unwanted member" that is an understatement.

You're not unwanted Freedom - only ignored

[neverdie]

Thaksin apologist Cape on the ol' ignore list. Ahhh peace and quiet.

Must be a dirty big list you are running there STT. Am I on it?

Do you get a special feeling of power by pushing the button or just telling us about it?

[CMX]

First, as I have read it so far, this is not a resolution from the Congress. It represents a resolution from the House only. This is not to deny the extraordinary numbers, with but 4 opposed.

No resolution has ever passed the House of Representatives with so much support that did not carry enormous room for interpretation, except when the country was divided by Civil War or in war times. Sometimes, such a resolution is simply filled with platitudes, mounting so high as to be meaningless well-wishing. Such is the case here, in normal terms or those of diplomacy.

To suggest that the resolution takes sides is entirely wrong. The resolution approves the 5 points (imagine their result if red shirts define the outcome, or participate successfully in determining them; imagine the red shirts' distrust of an establishment determination of what they mean and what resources will be devoted to their accomplishment).

The resolution (without doing anything more than point to the Prime Minister's suggested dates), calls for democratic elections. Those here who suppose that the fairest election imaginable (that is, never carried out anywhere yet) will not return red shirts to office are delusional. One can demonize Thaksin all one wishes (I don't care whether one feels justified or not), and the feelings of the majority of the poorer segment of the population will be expressed. The problem facing government is changing the minds not of Thaksin supporters, but those now convinced of his public rhetoric.

I notice here too that many members have assigned fault and guilt. With regard to the fires, I think that there may be reason for speculation, so long as one limits one's speculations to the guilty and not a movement. On the other hand, the shooting deaths, in the majority, if one is given to speculation, might be guessed at by the victims.

[Jingthing]

Nope, recent polls show the majority has definitively turned AGAINST Thaksin.

[hansum]

Nope, recent polls show the majority has definitively turned AGAINST Thaksin.

And you actually believe polls in Thailand?

I believe polls also say the same about Abhisit.

[Groongthep]

U.S. Congress non-binding resolutions are a dime a dozen...usually at least a hundred issued every year. Basically a congressional resolution is a statement of position, has no legal authority, no force of law, etc.

Absolutely correct. The title of this thread being .."A Victory For Thailand In Washington" is pretty misleading. Neither the American public or it's government could care less about Thailand no matter who's in charge.

[rixalex]

And even if the USA supported the red shirts ideals it would be diplomatically unwise to even mention it.

Ideals? I think you mean ideal. They only have one: bring back convicted criminal Thaksin, whitewash him of charges and make him PM. Don't imagine that's an ideal that the US shares.

[monkfish]

Somehow the US has to to stay neutral you never knows who will be the next government and Thailand and that's exactly what the letter is neutral.

Thailand is a very important strategic country for the US and its Military, being in the perfect position should they ever need to go to war again in Asia.

[kissdani]

Nope, recent polls show the majority has definitively turned AGAINST Thaksin.

What polls? Do you have a link?

[noel2499rk]

Thailand can stand shoulder to shoulder with that other great friend of America and bastion of freedom and democracy Saudi Arabia.

America will support any government no matter how repulsive as long they provide some economic benefits to the U.S, spending billions on arms in the case of Saudi Arabia and providing cheap labor in the case of Thailand and China.

[march]

The resolution is not an endorsement of Mr. Abhisit.

You say that, but the document says this:

Resolved,

That the House of Representatives--

(4) supports the goals of the 5-point roadmap of the Government of Thailand for national reconciliation

Seems more than a bit incongruent with your statement.

[jayboy]

I've no doubt that the Red Apologies, sorry Apologists who are playing down the worth of this resolution would be singing a different tune had it gone the other way.

A classic example of personal self censorship. You only believe what you like to believe no matter what the truth is.

Mote and beam old boy.Have you actually read and understood what the resolution says or are you just going on the basis of the Thai Government's rather suspect triumphalism? Do you really believe that the House of Representatives intend the resolution to imply unqualified support for one side or the other?

[march]

Do you remember Kasits triad at the USA Ambassador in Bangkok when a US diplomat visited the Red Shirts.

Yes, and his comments seemed to have some effect. How many US diplomats met with Noppadope on his USA sojourn.

[march]

The title of this thread being .."A Victory For Thailand In Washington" is pretty misleading. Neither the American public or it's government could care less about Thailand no matter who's in charge.

I would wager a half million (and more) would disagree with that

Whereas approximately 500,000 people of Thai descent live in the United States and foster strong cultural ties between the 2 countries