What Happens Elsewhere Can Have An Effect In Thailand

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

What happens elsewhere can have an effect here

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Tensions in the Middle East have a direct impact on the Thai economy; we can no longer be complacent about problems that seem far removed

The effects of the current tension in the Middle East may be closer to home than Thais like to think. We tend to be complacent that we are immune from conflicts that happen in the other parts of the globe. But we should closely monitor the simmering conflict in the troubled region, as it will have both direct and indirect effects on Thailand. Already, Thai consumers have felt the impact of the fluctuation in global oil prices, partly because of fears of an Iranian supply cut. Concern that tensions over Iran's nuclear programme could lead to world crude supply disruption have pushed prices higher in recent weeks.

The Thai government often says that Thailand is friendly with all nations. But there remains the possibility that Thailand could be a soft target for attacks from whichever side. The American Embassy along with some other foreign missions, recently warned travellers of possible attacks in Thailand. Bangkok has been on alert since mid-January after the Thai police arrested a Lebanese man with alleged links to Hezbollah. It is suspected that he was planning a terrorist attack on Israeli or other foreign nationals in Thailand. The recent botched explosions in the Sukhumvit area of Bangkok have only increased the concerns of embassies here. The motives behind the suspects in these incidents have to be thoroughly investigated. Thai police are currently investigating whether there are more Iranians involved in connection with an alleged plot to attack Israeli diplomats in Bangkok.

The Middle East conflict has led to exchanges of words between the diplomatic missions here. Israel has blamed Iran for the Bangkok blasts, as well as earlier attacks on Israeli embassy staff in India and Georgia. But Tehran has rejected accusations it is behind a terror campaign against the Jewish state.

Whatever the motives, the events have dealt another blow to the tourism industry. For instance, wholesale sellers at Pratunam market say that the number of buyers, many of them coming from the Middle East, has fallen in the aftermath of the explosions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accuses Iran of strengthening its nuclear programme, backed by the latest report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Speculation has been mounting that Israel intends to launch a unilateral military strike against Iran's atomic facilities in order to stop it from developing nuclear weapons.

Iran, however, says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes like energy production and cancer treatment. The media there regularly announces what it says are technological and scientific breakthroughs, described as major national achievements. The US and Israel have not ruled out military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, which they say are aimed at developing weapons technology.

The world is now hoping that all sides will come to the negotiating table and let the diplomatic channels find a solution to this crisis. In the meantime, Thailand will have to carefully deal with the simmering conflict, without appearing to show bias or favour to any side. The Thai government will have to carefully assess the situation to ensure that it plays its diplomatic cards right.

The government should also send a clear message to the world that Thailand will not tolerate anyone using Thailand as a base for terrorist attacks. If there is the slightest piece of evidence that any party, or government, is behind such actions, then the government must not hesitate to act decisively against that ill-intentioned party.

Apart from the security alert, the Thai public should also be prepared for economic impacts. First of all, oil prices could further rise. The government should also inform the public that they may have to be prepared to live with market turbulence. The price of oil will affect the overall inflation rate and economic growth. The government's free spending populist policy may not be wise amidst the ongoing global economic and political uncertainties right now.

International political and economic conditions are intertwined. What happens in different parts of the world will often have an effect in Thailand. We would do well to remember this fact.

-- The Nation 2012-02-29

[laurentbkk]

So , it means everytime there are problems in Thailand , its because of somebody else ? A very easy and simple explanation .... "not my fault,its somebody else's fault"

[Reasonableman]

Is that what this article about? Or is it more about not being insular.

So , it means everytime there are problems in Thailand , its because of somebody else ? A very easy and simple explanation .... "not my fault,its somebody else's fault"

[exeter]

This is good news if Thailand now realizes, if thats what it is, that Thailand starts to take note that what happens outside of the Kingdom is important as it can affect them. As a rider will the educuation system take note that geography and history are also important in understanding the world outside of Thailand's borders.

[Unkomoncents]

So Thailand should be pro-active. That's nice. But ignorance is not a social problem in Thailand; it's a way of life.

[LuckyLew]

Thais still think the world is falt

Only several ceturies behind, kind of like the Catholic church

[noitom]

"Thailand has to play its diplomatic cards correctly," "Thailand has to be careful not to show bias toward either side," "Thailand will not tolerate....." - What arrogant, pompous remarks from a near failed state such as Thailand. A country whose army and/or police couldn't even prevent a takeover and shutdown of its airport. Who does Thailand think it is kidding about its capability to govern and manage?

[Sing_Sling]

Thais still think the world is falt

Only several ceturies behind, kind of like the Catholic church

The earth isn't falt? <sic>

I'm just a bit surprised that this seems to be news to journos and the general population . . . outside factors affecting Thailand? Quelle Horreur, say it isn't so . . . and the comment:

So , it means everytime there are problems in Thailand , its because of somebody else ? A very easy and simple explanation .... "not my fault,its somebody else's fault"

. . . fits in very nicely with the usual Thai 'blame-everyone-else' mentality.

Two wins in one article

[Reasonableman]

"Thailand has to play its diplomatic cards correctly," "Thailand has to be careful not to show bias toward either side," "Thailand will not tolerate....." - What arrogant, pompous remarks from a near failed state such as Thailand. A country whose army and/or police couldn't even prevent a takeover and shutdown of its airport. Who does Thailand think it is kidding about its capability to govern and manage?

Maybe a little encouragement in the right direction wouldn't hurt from time to time... each "side" ripping into the other side could go on for eternity, and seems increasingly pointless. An endless game of political football, but is it really better than sex?

[jalansanitwong]

People are concerned about Thailand's keeness to boost tourist numbers by allowing in Arabs and Iranians on easy to obtain visas, maybe even visa on arrival coming soon.

Edited February 29, 2012 by Rimmer
Offensive text edited

[airconsult]

I'm filing this editorial in my "No **** Sherlock!" file.

Saved for next time I hear a Thai politician explain how a solution to a problem found in another country just won't work here...... because they're not Thai.

[dyertribe]

Guys,

why are you getting annoyed at "Thailand" over this. The article was an "Editorial" which is one persons view. Truth be known he may not really hold those views and simple be "Dropping stones in the well to watch the ripples".

The replies so far seem to indicate that people believe this is an official "Thai" position.

[Ricardo]

Thailand is reported to have long had friendly-relations with the US, helping arrest Al-Qaeda suspects, and with the 'secret' CIA-ops, so in that sense Thailand has already chosen to side with the West against terrorists.

There was always the possibility that there might eventually be some come-back arising from this.

There is also the ongoing-risk, that the situation in the South may become a 'cause' for some overseas group looking for an excuse, just one more reason for Thai governments (of whatever colour) to try to negotiate more-seriously with the insurgents.

At the same time there are many people living/visiting here (Iranians being just one example) who don't agree with their government's policies, indeed some here may even be refugees from the regime.

Another example closer-to-home would be the Burmese refugees, who've been here long-term, most of whom are victims not perpetrators of a formerly-extreme government. Thailand wins respect, in the eyes of many other countries, for letting them remain here.

Thailand can continue to be friendly to anyone who doesn't plan "minor symbolic acts" on her soil, or against other nations, from here. But it would perhaps be wise to remain alert to the darker possibilities, in a world where simply being friends-to-all, might be taken to be a touch naive.

Edited February 29, 2012 by Ricardo

[animatic]

Dawn breaks over Marblehead, or heads.

Finally someone realizes the 'Island of Thailand' in the world

only exists in their own mind and not as a reality.

Isolationism only works so far, and for so long.

[trainman34014]

Try asking the average Thai how he or she thinks that World affairs have any impact on Thailand. When the majority are ignorant about anything at all going on outside their own village, let alone the world, how are they supposed to answer?

[Reasonableman]

Try asking the average Thai how he or she thinks that World affairs have any impact on Thailand. When the majority are ignorant about anything at all going on outside their own village, let alone the world, how are they supposed to answer?

Dunno?

[warfie]

What happens elsewhere can have an effect here

What? you mean like Thailand is part of a larger global community?

Simply a statement of the bleeding frigging obvious... NEXT!

[chainarong]

You are a part of the world, just a small part , but never the less , important, I say that because Thailand is important , it's Australia's fifth biggest trading partner, it has huge exports to US and HK and plays a very important role in the asian area, why shouldn't events in other places have an impact on Thailand , wake up.

[daninthai]

Thailand continues to suffer from the effects of remaining independent from European colonisation. In recent times (few hundred years) the culture has pushed against the outside world, been very reluctant to introduce foreign ideas and influence, and the people have remained largely uneducated and oblivious as a result. Most Thais can't even find Thailand on a map!

[belg]

thailand could have been a nice hub of solar energy, something they have plenty off, all year long... hey but if you prefer to put all your eggs in the middle eastern basket...

[BigJohnnyBKK]

thailand could have been a nice hub of solar energy, something they have plenty off, all year long... hey but if you prefer to put all your eggs in the middle eastern basket...

What does "hub of solar energy" mean? Production of the equipment has nothing to do with how much sunshine a country gets.

And Thailand's much too poor a country to actually use photovoltaic-produced electricity, except for some high-value activities far off the grid - a generator's much cheaper.

Solar heating would work very well here, but I find most Thais don't see much need for hot water, even for washing clothes and dishes. . .

[BigJohnnyBKK]

because Thailand is important , it's Australia's fifth biggest trading partner

Bulldust - even New Zealand's higher than Australia in exports

Japan, China, South Korea, India and the US are the top five that way, and on the importing side Australia's number 7, behind Singapore, Germany and the UK as well as Japan China and the US.

I am however surprised it's as high as 7.

[Sing_Sling]

thailand could have been a nice hub of solar energy, something they have plenty off, all year long... hey but if you prefer to put all your eggs in the middle eastern basket...

What does "hub of solar energy" mean? Production of the equipment has nothing to do with how much sunshine a country gets.

And Thailand's much too poor a country to actually use photovoltaic-produced electricity, except for some high-value activities far off the grid - a generator's much cheaper.

Solar heating would work very well here, but I find most Thais don't see much need for hot water, even for washing clothes and dishes. . .

I'm showing my ignorance here . . . be gentle! Aren't solar panels also used to produce electricity?

Edited February 29, 2012 by Sing_Sling

[Shantaram]

Guys,

why are you getting annoyed at "Thailand" over this. The article was an "Editorial" which is one persons view. Truth be known he may not really hold those views and simple be "Dropping stones in the well to watch the ripples".

The replies so far seem to indicate that people believe this is an official "Thai" position.

Off Topic!

[Gweiloman]

I think America (and Americans) would do well to heed this article.

[rgs2001uk]

Another example closer-to-home would be the Burmese refugees, who've been here long-term, most of whom are victims not perpetrators of a formerly-extreme government. Thailand wins respect, in the eyes of many other countries, for letting them remain here.

Yes wins respect in the treatment of, The Rohingya, lets talk about the boat people.

Please enlighten those not in the know about that recent slur on Thai hospitality.

While we are on the subject, what about the Loatians forcibily repatriated.

Respect my ass.

[rakman]

What happens elsewhere can have an effect here

What? you mean like Thailand is part of a larger global community?

Simply a statement of the bleeding frigging obvious... NEXT!

And what happens in Thailand can affect elsewhere..

Look at the international electronics and autoparts shortage because of the floods..

[rakman]

thailand could have been a nice hub of solar energy, something they have plenty off, all year long... hey but if you prefer to put all your eggs in the middle eastern basket...

What does "hub of solar energy" mean? Production of the equipment has nothing to do with how much sunshine a country gets.

And Thailand's much too poor a country to actually use photovoltaic-produced electricity, except for some high-value activities far off the grid - a generator's much cheaper.

Solar heating would work very well here, but I find most Thais don't see much need for hot water, even for washing clothes and dishes. . .

I'm showing my ignorance here . . . be gentle! Aren't solar panels also used to produce electricity?

Solar panels do produce electricity and are getting better and cheaper each year.

But consider the Sun outputs about 1000 w/sqm with no clouds. That's the good news.

Here's the bad:

Low cost solar panels convert about 18% of the input output: 180 w/sqm

Temperature loss: 1% per deg C above 25C Panels can hit 55C output: 126 w/sqm

Off Axis collection: 71% of keeping panel pointed at the Sun: output: 89.5 w/sqm

Shade - can lose 50% of output of total if no microconverter in array: output: 44.8 w/sqm

Age loss: 1 % per year 30 year life. output: 31.3 w/sqm

So, if you're building a plant to provide 10kw reliably, you'll need to start with about 111 sqm of panel (roughtly 10x11 meters of space), which for this calculation I'm assuming microcoverters, no shade, and new equipment. I'm also assuming a decent battery array, and surplus daytime and battery output at night.

At the life of the panels goes on, you'll have to start adding / replacing to keep your 10kw going, assuming no disasters befall the panels.

Out side of typhoons, there isn't much large hail (even the 30 March 2010 Chiang Mai hail) that would damage panels.

Figure currently $1.3 / watt plus more for microconverters, and batteries, photovoltaic is really good for very remote or people who want to be off the grid and can afford the difference.

[Ricardo]

Another example closer-to-home would be the Burmese refugees, who've been here long-term, most of whom are victims not perpetrators of a formerly-extreme government. Thailand wins respect, in the eyes of many other countries, for letting them remain here.

Yes wins respect in the treatment of, The Rohingya, lets talk about the boat people.

Please enlighten those not in the know about that recent slur on Thai hospitality.

While we are on the subject, what about the Loatians forcibily repatriated.

Respect my ass.

Fine, ignore the up-to 300,000 Burmese refugees who have been here, if you wish.

And I agree with you that the long-term treatment of the Rohingya, here and elsewhere, has been wrong.

Edited March 1, 2012 by Ricardo