Thai Govt's Foreign Policy Slammed

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SEMINAR

Govt's foreign policy slammed

By The Nation

Seminar panellists yesterday lambasted the government for basing its foreign policy on bringing fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra back home instead of serving national interests.

The government's ineptitude on foreign affairs has been reflected by Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul's moves to do little but map out a way to get Thaksin's passport back, panellist Kiatichai Pongpanich said in a seminar sponsored by Ramkhamhaeng University's Faculty of Political Science.

In his first month in office, Surapong has only paid attention to Thaksin's homecoming, but has shown no clear direction about the country's diplomacy, he said.

Another panellist Surachai Sirikrai said he did not detect any new initiatives on foreign relations as per the government's policy statement.

"Pheu Thai Party has so many capable individuals, but they picked Surapong as foreign minister," he said, speculating that the choice was based on loyalty to Thaksin rather than experience.

Surachai said the country had lost its pre-eminent position within Asean due to domestic conflict.

He also voiced concern about the Thai-Cambodian overlapping maritime zone, saying that the government should allow a full public debate on the benefits of jointly developing the zone.

He also urged Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to create a team of competent advisers who could help her deal with the unresolved dispute over the 4.6 square kilometres near Preah Vihear Temple.

Panellist Dhanasarit Satawedin said he wanted to know if this government would bow to a bully like Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

He said Thailand only had trouble with one country, Cambodia, and that three previous leaders, namely Thaksin, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Somchai Wongsawat had yielded to Hun Sen. Abhisit Vejjajiva was the only leader who refused to sacrifice national interest for the sake of "good ties".

-- The Nation 2011-09-22

[siampolee]

Panellist Dhanasarit Satawedin said he wanted to know if this government would bow to a bully like Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

He said Thailand only had trouble with one country, Cambodia, and that three previous leaders, namely Thaksin, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Somchai Wongsawat had yielded to Hun Sen. Abhisit Vejjajiva was the only leader who refused to sacrifice national interest for the sake of "good ties".

The three named ex leaders were and still are part of the same self serving self enriching elite clique who are intent on feathering their own nests at the expense of the Thai people and Thailand.

The position of Foreign Minister is a key position in the government yet we see an irresponsible. inept,inexperienced person in this position who is more interested in grovelling to his sponsor and aiding his sponsors return to Thailand.

Sadly the interests of Thailand have been relegated into the boot of the cabinet car in favour of returning a passport and a self serving politician to Thailand.

Edited September 22, 2011 by siampolee

[LomSak27]

Panellist Dhanasarit Satawedin said he wanted to know if this government would bow to a bully like Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Good to see that the people who created this diplomatic row, are still fanning the flames, and the Nation prints it up and flogs it.

You have to like the continuity of this created diplomatic incident

[Hyponeros]

Right, Thai politicians should put their own career before the interest of the country and keep destroying relationship with the neighbors. I mean it is much easier to get a good deal with someone who hates you than with someone with whom you have a good relationship, isn't it?

So keep attacking Cambodia and then you will be sure to be able to negotiate a good agreement regarding the overlapping maritime zone!

[SICHONSTEVE]

"Seminar panellists yesterday lambasted the government for basing its foreign policy on bringing fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra back home instead of serving national interests".

Really!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I find this highly surprising as Yingluck stated many times that this was NOT a high priority of HER government :jap:.

[brianb1944]

"Seminar panellists yesterday lambasted the government for basing its foreign policy on bringing fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra back home instead of serving national interests".

Really!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I find this highly surprising as Yingluck stated many times that this was NOT a high priority of HER government :jap:.

Incorrigible Steve

[scotbeve]

Panellist Dhanasarit Satawedin said he wanted to know if this government would bow to a bully like Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Good to see that the people who created this diplomatic row, are still fanning the flames, and the Nation prints it up and flogs it.

You have to like the continuity of this created diplomatic incident

LomSak27,

The red bashers are getting rather rabid aren't they??

[rubl]

Panellist Dhanasarit Satawedin said he wanted to know if this government would bow to a bully like Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Good to see that the people who created this diplomatic row, are still fanning the flames, and the Nation prints it up and flogs it.

You have to like the continuity of this created diplomatic incident

LomSak27,

The red bashers are getting rather rabid aren't they??

The panelist was bashing the government, not red-shirts. Minor detail for those who still believe that anyone being critical about this government must be anti-red. 'Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai acts'; one man, one party, no compromise; if you don't like it leave the country. Since most of theNation staff is Thai, I guess they should either shut up or flee the country to safer havens, like the casinos in Cambodia

Edited September 22, 2011 by rubl

[plumeria]

Glad to see and hear Thais speaking out with intelligent comments about the future of their country.

Until the Silent Majority stands up and says ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, the gangsters and mobsters and mafioso will continue to rape and pillage their country without end.

[phiphidon]

He said Thailand only had trouble with one country, Cambodia, and that three previous leaders, namely Thaksin, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Somchai Wongsawat had yielded to Hun Sen. Abhisit Vejjajiva was the only leader who refused to sacrifice national interest for the sake of "good ties".

An interesting counterpart to the above, Dr. Sok Touch, leader at the time of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia had this to say about Hun Sen and Abhisits relationship and why Abhisits interest was purely political not national

Dr. Sok Touch, an expert in political science who used to follow up closely on the Khmer-Thaiproblem, explained that, based on his study, the meeting between Hun Xen and Abhisit cannot be expected to provide any major good results.

Sok Touch added that Abhisit is not a major key in the resolution of the Khmer-Thai problem: "Regarding this policy, I believe that the head-of-state-level negotiation will face difficulties. When one of them stands out as the negotiator, then his partner will be pushed down and this create enmity among the two countries, so we can see difficulties there. The Thai government needs a new player, i.e. one that will leads Thailand for 4 to 5 years, a full mandate. Abhisit is losing his popularity, therefore the meeting will only show to the world that the two countries want to find a resolution, but both of them (Hun Xen and Abhisit) only want to reap political benefits, in particular Thailand."

Source: Forecast on the result of the Khmer-Thai leaders meeting on border dispute [1+1=0?]

Wednesday September 22 2010

http://ki-media.blog...khmer-thai.html

Edited September 22, 2011 by phiphidon

[scotbeve]

Panellist Dhanasarit Satawedin said he wanted to know if this government would bow to a bully like Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Good to see that the people who created this diplomatic row, are still fanning the flames, and the Nation prints it up and flogs it.

You have to like the continuity of this created diplomatic incident

LomSak27,

The red bashers are getting rather rabid aren't they??

The panelist was bashing the government, not red-shirts. Minor detail for those who still believe that anyone being critical about this government must be anti-red. 'Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai acts'; one man, one party, no compromise; if you don't like it leave the country. Since most of theNation staff is Thai, I guess they should either shut up or flee the country to safer havens, like the casinos in Cambodia

Dear rubl,

Since coming here for the first time some 30 odd years ago, and living here for about 30 years. My jaw dropping to the floor has ceased. But it's good to comment on issues every now and then.... There's been thousands of reports in a biased fashion from the (one and only) Nation news group. Mind you, there's plenty of the likes of CNN's, BBC's, which are instructed what to put out and what to "grey" out....

[rubl]

LomSak27,

The red bashers are getting rather rabid aren't they??

The panelist was bashing the government, not red-shirts. Minor detail for those who still believe that anyone being critical about this government must be anti-red. 'Thaksin thinks, Pheu Thai acts'; one man, one party, no compromise; if you don't like it leave the country. Since most of theNation staff is Thai, I guess they should either shut up or flee the country to safer havens, like the casinos in Cambodia

Dear rubl,

Since coming here for the first time some 30 odd years ago, and living here for about 30 years. My jaw dropping to the floor has ceased. But it's good to comment on issues every now and then.... There's been thousands of reports in a biased fashion from the (one and only) Nation news group. Mind you, there's plenty of the likes of CNN's, BBC's, which are instructed what to put out and what to "grey" out....

So, what's your point? Newspapers worldwide bash governments, some more, some less. Freedom of speech, press freedom, etc., etc. theNation may still have a few people who remember a few years ago when then PM Thaksin tried to sue them into submission or out of existence. Still therefor saying 'red bashers get rabid' is tinted with rosy glasses.

Once more: bashing the government is not the same as bashing red-shirts.

[scorecard]

Glad to see and hear Thais speaking out with intelligent comments about the future of their country.

Until the Silent Majority stands up and says ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, the gangsters and mobsters and mafioso will continue to rape and pillage their country without end.

Agree, spot on.

[MAJIC]

Dear rubl,

Since coming here for the first time some 30 odd years ago, and living here for about 30 years. My jaw dropping to the floor has ceased. But it's good to comment on issues every now and then.... There's been thousands of reports in a biased fashion from the (one and only) Nation news group. Mind you, there's plenty of the likes of CNN's, BBC's, which are instructed what to put out and what to "grey" out....

Pray tell us who and what are the powers that instruct CNN & the BBC "what to put out and what to Grey out"???????????????

Edited September 22, 2011 by MAJIC

[rubl]

Dear rubl,

Since coming here for the first time some 30 odd years ago, and living here for about 30 years. My jaw dropping to the floor has ceased. But it's good to comment on issues every now and then.... There's been thousands of reports in a biased fashion from the (one and only) Nation news group. Mind you, there's plenty of the likes of CNN's, BBC's, which are instructed what to put out and what to "grey" out....

Pray tell us who and what are the powers that instruct CNN & the BBC "what to put out and what to Grey out"???????????????

Probably the government which dislikes red bashers who are rabid

Edited September 22, 2011 by rubl

[MAJIC]

Dear rubl,

Since coming here for the first time some 30 odd years ago, and living here for about 30 years. My jaw dropping to the floor has ceased. But it's good to comment on issues every now and then.... There's been thousands of reports in a biased fashion from the (one and only) Nation news group. Mind you, there's plenty of the likes of CNN's, BBC's, which are instructed what to put out and what to "grey" out....

Pray tell us who and what are the powers that instruct CNN & the BBC "what to put out and what to Grey out"???????????????

Probably the government which dislikes red bashers who are rabid

Or could it also be the same source that has promised to make all Thais Rich in six months?

hey up, only another four months to go,and every Thai will be too rich to have to work eh!

Incidently I nominate that "Vote Catching Promise",as the most ludicrous of all time,in World Politics! Magabe only promised: a house and a car for every Citizen,so that was easily topped.

Edited September 22, 2011 by MAJIC

[moe666]

This government has no foreign policy

[cdnvic]

One person removed from the site for posting comments about the Royal Family in political context.

[Lite Beer]

To clarify why the Monarchy rule is so strictly imposed read this.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/499956-thai-web-editor-denies-online-royal-insult-charges/

[geriatrickid]

What will some of you do once Thai-Cambodian relations are normalized and the border areas go back to a state of co-existence. If Mr. Thaksin can help turn swords into ploughshares, then good for him. The fact of the matter is that since the Abhisit government was removed by an election, the new government has reduced the likelihood of conflict. Mr. Thaksin has helped bring peace to the region.

I wouldn't be surprised if he is nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

[whybother]

What will some of you do once Thai-Cambodian relations are normalized and the border areas go back to a state of co-existence. If Mr. Thaksin can help turn swords into ploughshares, then good for him. The fact of the matter is that since the Abhisit government was removed by an election, the new government has reduced the likelihood of conflict. Mr. Thaksin has helped bring peace to the region.

I wouldn't be surprised if he is nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Right, and Abhisit's problems had nothing to do with Thaksin's cosy relationship with Hun Sen, did it?

[Siripon]

What will some of you do once Thai-Cambodian relations are normalized and the border areas go back to a state of co-existence. If Mr. Thaksin can help turn swords into ploughshares, then good for him. The fact of the matter is that since the Abhisit government was removed by an election, the new government has reduced the likelihood of conflict. Mr. Thaksin has helped bring peace to the region.

I wouldn't be surprised if he is nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Right, and Abhisit's problems had nothing to do with Thaksin's cosy relationship with Hun Sen, did it?

Exactly,the border has gone quiet since the election because Hun Sen has decided to stop causing trouble.

[Ricardo]

What will some of you do once Thai-Cambodian relations are normalized and the border areas go back to a state of co-existence. If Mr. Thaksin can help turn swords into ploughshares, then good for him. The fact of the matter is that since the Abhisit government was removed by an election, the new government has reduced the likelihood of conflict. Mr. Thaksin has helped bring peace to the region.

I wouldn't be surprised if he is nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Good one, GK, strong contender for Post-of-the-Week !

But what about his equal talent, for turning ploughshares into swords, in the first place ? Tak Bai, War on Drugs, 'peaceful protests' etcetera ?

[scorecard]

Dear geriatrickid, there is also a case to say the conflict at the border was generated deliberately, to make the Dems look bad.

Hun Sen would have no hesitation to generate this type of scenario and he couldn't care less if a couple of dozen of his troops were killed. And thaksin the same.

IMHO I believe it's very possible this conflict was a deliberate paymaster / hun sen strategy.

It's also possible the new PAD (not my favorites) fell into a trap with all of this.

You also seem to have forgotten the disgraceful actions of noppadon (the FM at that time) who signed things (in regard to the temple area) that he had no right to sign and which were clearly not in the best interests of Thailand, but, many would believe, were in the personal interests of you know who.

Funny how the wheel turns and we now have another FM who is also not focused on Thailand.

Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize? Nice joke, I had a real long giggle.

Edited September 23, 2011 by scorecard