Thai PM Backs Suu Kyi In Landmark Myanmar Talks

[webfact]

Thai PM backs Suu Kyi in landmark Myanmar talks

BANGKOK, December 21, 2011 (AFP) - Thailand's premier Yingluck Shinawatra offered Aung San Suu Kyi her support in a coming by-election during a historic meeting with the democracy icon in Myanmar, a Thai official said Wednesday.

In Suu Kyi's first-ever meeting with the leader of a foreign country, the pair's half-hour talks in Yangon on Tuesday were held in a "good atmosphere", Titima Chaisang, chief Thai government spokeswoman, told AFP.

"Aung San Suu Kyi told Prime Minister Yingluck that she hopes to win in the by-election and Yingluck offered her support and her hope that Aung San Suu Kyi will win," she said.

No polling date has been set for the election, which will see Suu Kyi run for office for the first time. She was under house arrest when her opposition party won a 1990 poll, but the military regime did not allow it to take power.

Detained for most of the past two decades, Suu Kyi was freed from her latest house arrest term a few days after a rare election in November last year, which her opposition party boycotted saying the rules were unfair.

The government this month allowed the party to rejoin mainstream politics and granted Suu Kyi various high-profile meetings, including with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and China's ambassador to Myanmar.

Thailand and Myanmar are key partners and Yingluck expressed support for her neighbour's "path of national reconciliation", adding that its progress was good for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, of which both are members.

"We have seen the good intentions of Myanmar's government to open up and to embark on democratic development," she told reporters back in Bangkok on Wednesday, adding that future developments should be monitored.

The Thai premier's comments echoed others from the international community that have welcomed a number of reformist steps by Myanmar's quasi-civilian government this year.

Yingluck, who spent two days in Myanmar, first travelled to the capital Naypyidaw on Monday for a meeting of Greater Mekong country leaders, where she said the talks "progressed well".

She took office in August after sweeping to an election victory with the support of her older brother, fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed in a 2006 coup.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-12-21

[bigbamboo]

The sisterhood of women is a powerful thing so it's good in the dirty world of politics to see a great female leader offering advice and support to another who is struggling against the odds. Well done, Daw Suu.

[Bakseedaa]

The sisterhood of women is a powerful thing so it's good in the dirty world of politics to see a great female leader offering advice and support to another who is struggling against the odds. Well done, Daw Suu.

Who is the Great Female leader you are talking about.... Yinluck has no right to be in the same room as this other Great Woman... its why the meeting only lasted half an hour.. Aun Suu Kyi has something called DIGNITY...... severely lacking in this new Thai Prime Minister... She would not know DIGNITY if it was staring her in the face..

[BigJohnnyBKK]

Just had a **brilliant** idea for improving the quality of governance in Thailand.

Make being female a pre-requisite for all political offices.

Not a panacea, but certainly an improvement!

[SAffer]

The sisterhood of women is a powerful thing so it's good in the dirty world of politics to see a great female leader offering advice and support to another who is struggling against the odds. Well done, Daw Suu.

Who is the Great Female leader you are talking about.... Yinluck has no right to be in the same room as this other Great Woman... its why the meeting only lasted half an hour.. Aun Suu Kyi has something called DIGNITY...... severely lacking in this new Thai Prime Minister... She would not know DIGNITY if it was staring her in the face..

They are in a different league altogether, dead right.

I think that Aung San Suu Kyi is the BIGGEST threat to Thai economy right now.

Why?

Because if she becomes the next leader of Myanmar, all investment is heading to Burma, not Thailand.

Watch Myanmar prosper if she becomes the leader.

[Basil B]

[Who is the Great Female leader you are talking about.... Yinluck has no right to be in the same room as this other Great Woman... its why the meeting only lasted half an hour.. Aun Suu Kyi has something called DIGNITY...... severely lacking in this new Thai Prime Minister... She would not know DIGNITY if it was staring her in the face..

Well said... :clap2:

Was hopping some of Aun Suu Kyi wisdom would have brushed of on Yinluck.

[khaowong1]

The sisterhood of women is a powerful thing so it's good in the dirty world of politics to see a great female leader offering advice and support to another who is struggling against the odds. Well done, Daw Suu.

Who is the Great Female leader you are talking about.... Yinluck has no right to be in the same room as this other Great Woman... its why the meeting only lasted half an hour.. Aun Suu Kyi has something called DIGNITY...... severely lacking in this new Thai Prime Minister... She would not know DIGNITY if it was staring her in the face..

They are in a different league altogether, dead right.

I think that Aung San Suu Kyi is the BIGGEST threat to Thai economy right now.

Why?

Because if she becomes the next leader of Myanmar, all investment is heading to Burma, not Thailand.

Watch Myanmar prosper if she becomes the leader.

Great thoughts. Wouldn't you just love to see it happen? Thailand would go straight down the crapper.

[jayboy]

Who is the Great Female leader you are talking about.... Yinluck has no right to be in the same room as this other Great Woman... its why the meeting only lasted half an hour.. Aun Suu Kyi has something called DIGNITY...... severely lacking in this new Thai Prime Minister... She would not know DIGNITY if it was staring her in the face..

Comical how the Yingluck/Suu Kyi meeting doesn't compute with the usual suspects.They are either silent or reduced to make some foolish remark as in the quote above.

Fact is that Yingluck has taken a step that Abhisit?Suthep/Kasdit and the rest of that gang wouldn't.Understandable with a little twerp like Kasit or a thug like Suthep, but no excuse for Abhisit who has the same educated and upper middle class background as Suu Kyi, and au fond - though pushed around like a puppet by the unelected elite - shares the same civilised values.

[Basil B]

They are in a different league altogether, dead right.

I think that Aung San Suu Kyi is the BIGGEST threat to Thai economy right now.

Why?

Because if she becomes the next leader of Myanmar, all investment is heading to Burma, not Thailand.

Watch Myanmar prosper if she becomes the leader.

Big "if"

I do hope she is Myanmar's next leader, but she will not be able to eradicate corruption over night...

Edited December 21, 2011 by Basil B

[SAffer]

Great thoughts. Wouldn't you just love to see it happen? Thailand would go straight down the crapper.

Well, I kinda hate to say it... but yes.

Actually, I really would like the tables to turn. My girlfriend is Burmese, and I hate they way she is treated by Thais, as if she is lower class. Yet she did well at Uni, speaks good English (Toastmasters), and is just generally quite smart (for a woman)

Anyhow, I would say the difference between the Yingluck and Suu Kyi, is in fact representative of the difference between Thai and Burmese women.

Let's face it; Yingluck is better looking

[whybother]

Comical how the Yingluck/Suu Kyi meeting doesn't compute with the usual suspects.They are either silent or reduced to make some foolish remark as in the quote above.

Fact is that Yingluck has taken a step that Abhisit?Suthep/Kasdit and the rest of that gang wouldn't.Understandable with a little twerp like Kasit or a thug like Suthep, but no excuse for Abhisit who has the same educated and upper middle class background as Suu Kyi, and au fond - though pushed around like a puppet by the unelected elite - shares the same civilised values.

When was the last time a Thai leader (or any politician) visit Suu-Kyi? You make it sound like Abhisit *could* have visited her.

[SAffer]

Comical how the Yingluck/Suu Kyi meeting doesn't compute with the usual suspects.They are either silent or reduced to make some foolish remark as in the quote above.

Fact is that Yingluck has taken a step that Abhisit?Suthep/Kasdit and the rest of that gang wouldn't.Understandable with a little twerp like Kasit or a thug like Suthep, but no excuse for Abhisit who has the same educated and upper middle class background as Suu Kyi, and au fond - though pushed around like a puppet by the unelected elite - shares the same civilised values.

When was the last time a Thai leader (or any politician) visit Suu-Kyi? You make it sound like Abhisit *could* have visited her.

I think he makes it sound like Abhisit *should* have visited her; such an odd post.

[jayboy]

Comical how the Yingluck/Suu Kyi meeting doesn't compute with the usual suspects.They are either silent or reduced to make some foolish remark as in the quote above.

Fact is that Yingluck has taken a step that Abhisit?Suthep/Kasdit and the rest of that gang wouldn't.Understandable with a little twerp like Kasit or a thug like Suthep, but no excuse for Abhisit who has the same educated and upper middle class background as Suu Kyi, and au fond - though pushed around like a puppet by the unelected elite - shares the same civilised values.

When was the last time a Thai leader (or any politician) visit Suu-Kyi? You make it sound like Abhisit *could* have visited her.

Did he ask? Don't think so - wouldn't have conformed with the wishes HMV aka Thai generals'.Abhisit has many qualities but unfortunately courage is not one of them (embarrassing recollection of his scampering into the barracks like a frightened hamster), which is a pity because that is probably the most important quality for a politician.

Fact is the unelected Thai elites have never supported the aspirations for freedom of the Burmese people (not surprising since they don't really support the aspirations for freedom of the Thai people).

Thaksin was as bad as any of them on the Burma issue.

[webfact]

PM Denies Thaksin's Role in Her Meeting with Suu Kyi

The prime minister denies Thaksin Shinawatra's involvement in her meeting with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi during her visit to Myanmar.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra denied reports that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is her elder brother, helped pave the way for her meeting with Secretary-General of the National League for Democracy Aung San Suu Kyi during her official visit to Myanmar yesterday.

She also denied conflict of interest in her visit after the adviser to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Kraisak Choonhawan questioned whether her visit also involves discussions of personal business matters.

Earlier, Thaksin told Thailand's English-language newspaper Bangkok Post during a phone interview that he was in Myanmar to meet with President General Thein Sein and former President General Than Shwe and facilitate an appointment between his sister and the pro-democracy leader.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Office Spokesperson Thitima Chaisaeng reaffirmed that the former PM has never interferred in the government's or the prime minister's affairs.

She believes what Thaksin said during his interview came out as a brother's concern for a sister because the situation in Myanmar remains uncertain after it becomes increasingly inclined towards democracy.

Thitima said the government does not need Thaksin's help in coordinating PM's visits to other countries.

-- Tan Network 2011-12-21

[lannarebirth]

The sisterhood of women is a powerful thing so it's good in the dirty world of politics to see a great female leader offering advice and support to another who is struggling against the odds. Well done, Daw Suu.

Interestingly, despite the hyperbole, neither of these women has ever been the actual leader of anything.

[webfact]

SHINAWATRA GOVERNMENT

Yingluck denies Thaksin smoothed the way in Burma

The Nation

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday said her government's image had not been tainted by her brother Thaksin Shinawatra's deal making in Burma. "I don't think the government's reputation was tarnished," she said.

Yingluck was commenting on Thaksin's remarks that he had helped the government to broker a deal during his visit, which preceded the prime minister's trip to Burma.

Yingluck said there was no link between Thaksin and her government.

"Thaksin works on his own (initiative) but the power and final decision rest with the government,: she said.

She said there was no conflict of interest involving the government, dismissing suspicions about dispensing favour for Thaksin.

Thaksin was in Burma last week before travelling to Nepal. He told reporters in Nepal that his visit was to smooth the visit of his sister, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. During the visit, he met Burma's President Thein Sein and former president Than Shwe.

He also said he had played a part in the meeting between Yingluck and Burma's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Yingluck went to Burmese capital of Naypyidaw on Monday to attend the 4th General Mekong Sub-Region (GMS) Summit to discuss the development of land transport in the region before visiting Rangoon, where she met Suu Kyi.

-- The Nation 2011-12-21

[whybother]

Did he ask? Don't think so - wouldn't have conformed with the wishes HMV aka Thai generals'.Abhisit has many qualities but unfortunately courage is not one of them (embarrassing recollection of his scampering into the barracks like a frightened hamster), which is a pity because that is probably the most important quality for a politician.

Fact is the unelected Thai elites have never supported the aspirations for freedom of the Burmese people (not surprising since they don't really support the aspirations for freedom of the Thai people).

Thaksin was as bad as any of them on the Burma issue.

"Did he ask?" - You have no idea whether he did or not.

[whybother]

Yingluck said there was no link between Thaksin and her government.

[patjem]

Did he ask? Don't think so - wouldn't have conformed with the wishes HMV aka Thai generals'.Abhisit has many qualities but unfortunately courage is not one of them (embarrassing recollection of his scampering into the barracks like a frightened hamster), which is a pity because that is probably the most important quality for a politician.

Fact is the unelected Thai elites have never supported the aspirations for freedom of the Burmese people (not surprising since they don't really support the aspirations for freedom of the Thai people).

Thaksin was as bad as any of them on the Burma issue.

"Did he ask?" - You have no idea whether he did or not.

Wasn't ASSK still under house arrest still when Abhisit left office?... different playing field since then.

[whybother]

Did he ask? Don't think so - wouldn't have conformed with the wishes HMV aka Thai generals'.Abhisit has many qualities but unfortunately courage is not one of them (embarrassing recollection of his scampering into the barracks like a frightened hamster), which is a pity because that is probably the most important quality for a politician.

Fact is the unelected Thai elites have never supported the aspirations for freedom of the Burmese people (not surprising since they don't really support the aspirations for freedom of the Thai people).

Thaksin was as bad as any of them on the Burma issue.

"Did he ask?" - You have no idea whether he did or not.

Wasn't ASSK still under house arrest still when Abhisit left office?... different playing field since then.

Abhisit visited Burma in October last year. ASSK was released in November.

[sparebox2]

Women are begining to rule the world, beginning with Mrs. Thacther.

Will ASSk be the Yingluck of Myanmar?

[jayboy]

"Did he ask?" - You have no idea whether he did or not.

I have a pretty good idea (see previous comments on courage - or lack of it - on part of the little hamster).

The only comment I have heard on the subject from a member of the amart was many years ago when I attended a dinner (for Cambridge graduates if Yoshiwara is around) hosted by Sukhumbhand.In short he was direct and very supportive of Suu Kyi.Not an easy opinion to voice in public at the time but then Sukhumbhand's courage, whatever else might think about him, has never been in question.

[whybother]

I have a pretty good idea (see previous comments on courage - or lack of it - on part of the little hamster).

Do you think the fact that she was under house arrest might have had something to do with him not visiting when he was there?

The only comment I have heard on the subject from a member of the amart was many years ago when I attended a dinner (for Cambridge graduates if Yoshiwara is around) hosted by Sukhumbhand.In short he was direct and very supportive of Suu Kyi.Not an easy opinion to voice in public at the time but then Sukhumbhand's courage, whatever else might think about him, has never been in question.

So, the only comment you have heard is supportive, but

Fact is the unelected Thai elites have never supported the aspirations for freedom of the Burmese people (not surprising since they don't really support the aspirations for freedom of the Thai people).

[metisdead]

A post has been deleted as the quoted content had been altered.

30) Do not modify someone else's post in your quoted reply, either with font or color changes, added emoticons, or altered wording.

[jayboy]

Do you think the fact that she was under house arrest might have had something to do with him not visiting when he was there?

Yes of course that made it more difficult, perhaps impossible.Hence the need for courage and strong public statement of support.But from Abhisit, a fellow Oxonian, not a squeak.

[sparebox2]

Do you think the fact that she was under house arrest might have had something to do with him not visiting when he was there?

Yes of course that made it more difficult, perhaps impossible.Hence the need for courage and strong public statement of support.But from Abhisit, a fellow Oxonian, not a squeak.

Abhisit could have ask for permission to visit her. He did not.

Many other leaders did, and permission granted.

I think, IMHO, he couldn't care less.

[patjem]

Do you think the fact that she was under house arrest might have had something to do with him not visiting when he was there?

Yes of course that made it more difficult, perhaps impossible.Hence the need for courage and strong public statement of support.But from Abhisit, a fellow Oxonian, not a squeak.

Abhisit could have ask for permission to visit her. He did not.

Many other leaders did, and permission granted.

I think, IMHO, he couldn't care less.

I suggest that was, at the time, political courtesy.... in the same way as ASSK didn't actually give YS any direct praise when they met. Some things are best not said. Abhisit was following a diplomacy by not asking his counterpart neighbor, same as ASSK did not state any of her true opinions.

[lannarebirth]

Who is the Great Female leader you are talking about.... Yinluck has no right to be in the same room as this other Great Woman... its why the meeting only lasted half an hour.. Aun Suu Kyi has something called DIGNITY...... severely lacking in this new Thai Prime Minister... She would not know DIGNITY if it was staring her in the face..

Comical how the Yingluck/Suu Kyi meeting doesn't compute with the usual suspects.They are either silent or reduced to make some foolish remark as in the quote above.

Fact is that Yingluck has taken a step that Abhisit?Suthep/Kasdit and the rest of that gang wouldn't.Understandable with a little twerp like Kasit or a thug like Suthep, but no excuse for Abhisit who has the same educated and upper middle class background as Suu Kyi, and au fond - though pushed around like a puppet by the unelected elite - shares the same civilised values.

The Generals call the tune. Not just for Abhisit, etc but Western emissaries as well. The Generals are currently in a conciliatory state of mind and global diplomats have been pouring in for their photo op's. I assume it's because of the upcoming ASEAN 2015 opportunities that will be forthcoming to the generals who own or control each and every thing in Burma already and so that China doesn't take their fealty too much for granted.

The leader becomes irrelevant at this point, so why not give the world what it wants if you win no matter what happens. It's just good business.

[atyclb]

Yingluck said there was no link between Thaksin and her government.

Many of us including myself should be rather pleased. I was sad when Benny Hill passed away and never thought any other person/team(comedy) team could ever follow an act like that.

Low and behold.

Edited December 21, 2011 by atyclb

[sparebox2]

Please allow me to remind you what ASSK said about Thailand back in 2006. She was right all along.

“A new government coming to power under a constitution drawn up by the military will never be stable,” he cited her as saying. “We do not need to see very far. We just see Thailand,” she said. “Thaksin was an elected person. The military seized the power from an elected person. The constitution was drawn up by the military,” she said.

“After that, what happened with the first (government)? It was not stable,” she said of the short-lived administration that followed the coup. “This was a result of the constitution being written by the military.”