No To America's Use Of U-Tapao: Thai Opinion

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OVERDRIVE

No to America's use of U-Tapao

Thanong Khanthong

US chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin Dempsey (L) shaking hands with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during their meeting at Government House in Bangkok on 05 June 2012.

BANGKOK: --Thailand's strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it vital for the United States to secure a hold on the air base and naval base at U-Tapao on the Gulf of Thailand.

As the policy to contain China intensifies, the US desperately needs to strengthen its military ties with Thailand as well as other allies in the region. It appears that the Yingluck government has already consented to this US demand to use the U-Tapao base in return for political support.

We are about to enter into uncharted territory. It could end in a regional conflict of unprecedented magnitude.

In this region, Singapore serves as a military outpost if not a nerve centre for the US forces. The Philippines has undertaken the role of "naughty boy" to annoy China. Vietnam, in spite of the bitter history of the Vietnam War, has fully embraced the US in this strategic alliance against China. Indonesia, conscious of its regional power, is trying to play two cards at once. Australia has markedly increased its military ties with the US. In north Asia, due to the presence of US military bases in their home countries, Japan and South Korea are automatically tied to a position where they have to confront China without any room for flexible diplomacy.

Leon Panetta, the US secretary of defence, has made it clear that the US is shifting the majority of its naval capability to the Asia-Pacific region. US officials use the word "engagement" to reflect this shift in the US military and security policies in Asia and the Pacific, which is emerging as the world's most dynamic region, with its burgeoning economies and huge natural resources.

But the underlying objective is still to contain China, which is rising to challenge the fiscally bankrupt US as the main global power.

Regarding Thailand's security ties with the US, there are two major developments. First, Nasa would like to use U-Tapao as an air base from which to conduct surveys of the climate conditions in Southeast Asia. This proposal was only revealed earlier this week. It is said to be Nasa's most complex and ambitious airborne science campaign of the year, and is known as the Southeast Asia Composition, Cloud, Climate Coupling Regional Study, or SEAC4RS. With support from the National Science Foundation and the Naval Research Laboratory, the campaign will draw together coordinated observations and data from Nasa satellites, several research aircraft and an array of sites on the ground and at sea. This campaign might begin as early as August this year.

Another US military link with Thailand is a proposal to set up a Humanitarian Relief Operation Centre at U-Tapao. General MartinDempsey, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, paid a visit to Thailand earlier this week following his participation in the regional security forum, the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore. He met with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and other top security policy-makers and officials of Thailand.

General Dempsey asserted that the US would like to cooperate with Thailand on the use of U-Tapao as a Humanitarian Disaster Relief Centre. He denied that the US would like to use U-Tapao as a full-scale military base. But he did not rule out the possibility that, over time, it could be developed in that direction. And General Dempsey also made it clear that the Nasa project and the Humanitarian Disaster Relief Centre are two separate proposals.

Dr Panithan Watanayangkorn, a Thai security affairs expert, warned that the Nasa project to study weather conditions could include spy satellites that support unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. US military forces have increasingly been using drones in South Asia and the Middle East. U-Tapao could thus be used as a ground station to connect with US satellites that help guide drone attacks.

China, according to political sources, has been privately expressing concern over the US's attempt to use U-Tapao base. If Thailand accedes to American wishes, our relations with China will go sour. In the event of a US-China military conflict, Thailand would certainly become China's enemy. Pursuing a policy against China is counter-productive to Thailand's interests.

It boils down to a simple conclusion: Say no to the US's use of U-Tapao.

-- The Nation 2012-06-08

[Soutpeel]

Think the writer of this piece is being a little naive here...just say no

If the US wants to use UTP for what ever reason, they will get it, if it serves the US's interests...resistance is futile...as they will just do the same as they have done in other places...

"just say no".........."just say invade"..............."mission accomplished"...............

[Siripon]

I wonder if the price for this loss of sovereignty by Thailand is the granting of a USA visa to Thaksin?

[rucus7]

As an alumni, Thaksin Shinawatra - controversial former Prime Minister of Thailand (1975, M.S. in Criminal Justice)From Eastern Kentucky University, Certainly has a right to visit his old school.

Eastern Kentucky University something like the "Stanford" of the Appalachians.

[Ulysses G.]

If the US wants to use UTP for what ever reason, they will get it, if it serves the US's interests...resistance is futile...as they will just do the same as they have done in other places...

"just say no".........."just say invade"..............."mission accomplished"...............

The US is going to invade Thailand. Yeah, sure.

Edited June 7, 2012 by Ulysses G.

[Javabear]

The author of this article left out a lot of key details in his anti-American rant. For 1 NASA is a civilian agency and part of its task is to study world wide weather. Secondly the UAV's (drones) he was referring to are mostly controlled via satellite from an air force base in Nevada. There is no advantage to moving that capability here. Third, the US Department of Defense does tons of humanitarian work world wide especially disaster relief. If my memory serves, most of that disaster relief in the last 20 years or so has been in Southeast Asia so it would only make sense to ask Thailand (the US's oldest ally in the region) about setting up some space in a little used corner of the country.

[Thai at Heart]

There is already a logistics centre for the US military inside Utapao. Meet the guys regularly in Banchang.

[Payboy]

It boils down to a simple conclusion: Say no to the US's use of U-Tapao.

Thousands of ladies on the eastern seaboard would strongly disagree.

[KeyserSoze01]

Here we go again.

[EvilDrSomkid]

As I said in the previous threads on these matter, China will try to block this through their stooges in Thailand. The article's author seems to be one.

The PRC is bullying everyone in the region. The Vietnamese have a much longer history with the Chinese than with the Americans.

From what I have read, the Vietnamese HATE the Chinese.

[ronz28]

I don't see China as wanting to be a threat to the US. They are suppliers, competitors and have behaved in a friendly manner. No need for this war talk. US just wants to move out of its bases in Japan since the whole country is radiated. US wants to have bases in Asia to maintain the balance of power but it doesn't take resources from anyone. You mistake the US for the British empire of years ago. (They really should give all the gold, etc. they took from weaker countries back to those countries... and how is it that Billions of acres of land in foreign countries is still held by the British?).

[geriatrickid]

Anyone else find this arrangement curious?

Mr. Thaksin was always more aligned with the Chinese than he was with the USA. As such, I do have to laugh at those that postulate that the hand of Thaksin was implicated. If anythng his hand would have been slapped.

The Thai military on the other hand has always been more comfortable with the Americans than they have been with the Chinese. Perhaps the Chinese support of Cambodia in the recent border disputes has encouraged the Thai decision. Or maybe the Thais understand that the Americans do leave infrastructure when they visit (e.g. the schools the US service personnel build) or pump vast sums of money into the economy when the US military personnel visit. It's quite different from the Chinese military that just contribute bilge water and some garbage when they visit.

[jonclark]

What a rubbish editorial which is based almost entirely on the highly unlikely and improbable idea that in the future there will be a US - China conflict. I think its safe to say that neither nation is stupid enough to engage in that idea as any conflict would be result in loses for both the winner and loser that would be far greater than the benefits of victory.

[Soutpeel]

The author of this article left out a lot of key details in his anti-American rant. For 1 NASA is a civilian agency and part of its task is to study world wide weather. Secondly the UAV's (drones) he was referring to are mostly controlled via satellite from an air force base in Nevada. There is no advantage to moving that capability here. Third, the US Department of Defense does tons of humanitarian work world wide especially disaster relief. If my memory serves, most of that disaster relief in the last 20 years or so has been in Southeast Asia so it would only make sense to ask Thailand (the US's oldest ally in the region) about setting up some space in a little used corner of the country.

Curious to understand why you say this is an Anti-American rant...however mis-guided the opinions maybe, really cant how this is anti-american ?...."Kerryk" ?....is this you in disguse ?

I also think you are being rather naive RE the NASA, Humanitaran aid...Think everyone know the real reason...just being dressed up a bit thats all

[Soutpeel]

There is already a logistics centre for the US military inside Utapao. Meet the guys regularly in Banchang.

and unlike Pattaya with its numerous ex SAS, Seals and secret agents running around...I understand there are some real CIA boys there as well...

[Soutpeel]

You mistake the US for the British empire of years ago. (They really should give all the gold, etc. they took from weaker countries back to those countries... and how is it that Billions of acres of land in foreign countries is still held by the British?).

I am offended by the anti-British rant presented here !!!!

but to offer a retort to your statements...only have mention....Iraq, Afrganistan and Oil in the same sentance... ....so lets not start talking about pots ,kettles and blakc shall we..

[folium]

I don't see China as wanting to be a threat to the US. They are suppliers, competitors and have behaved in a friendly manner. No need for this war talk. US just wants to move out of its bases in Japan since the whole country is radiated. US wants to have bases in Asia to maintain the balance of power but it doesn't take resources from anyone. You mistake the US for the British empire of years ago. (They really should give all the gold, etc. they took from weaker countries back to those countries... and how is it that Billions of acres of land in foreign countries is still held by the British?).

???

"China no threat to USA"

"Whole of Japan is radiated"

"US does not take resources from anyone"

"Billions of acres in foreign countries still held by British"

Not quite sure which statement wins the prize for the most inane!!!

Edited June 8, 2012 by folium

[Soutpeel]

The Thai military on the other hand has always been more comfortable with the Americans

The Thai Military were also very comfortable with the Japanese at one point in time...

So whats ya point..

[Joeb]

Paranoia patrol passing through. Nope, no paranoia here, Moving on.

[Soutpeel]

The PRC is bullying everyone in the region. The Vietnamese have a much longer history with the Chinese than with the Americans.

From what I have read, the Vietnamese HATE the Chinese.

.....yes and the Vietnamese are partial to the US as I understand it ?....lets not talk about bully boy tactics shall we....what was the quote "your either with us or against us".....in reference to one the US's oldest allies....the French...

[noitom]

This editorial makes sweeping statements and conclusions with little support of reality or facts and certainly is remiss in its lack of history. For example, in citing Asian nations and their position, Taiwan was completely omitted and they certainly are a very sore point with the Chinese. Yet the Philippines was cited as the "naughty boy" to annoy China. What is the basis for such an obtuse editorial remark and omission?

The editorial characterizes the US as "desperate" to strengthen its military ties with Thailand. What's the basis for concluding that the US is "desperate and not just politically thrashing about before the election?" One could easily conclude that Thailand is f---ed without the military support of the US and is "desperate" whether they articulate it or not. Unless of course, they envision being occupied by China and evolving to a Chinese quasi slave state later. With 56% of China being male, you can be sure that China regards Thailand as a resource, the same way it views Burma's oil, rubber, rice, and women. The Asian nations represent needed Chinese resources and help China chip away at that male/female demographic gap in the future.

Once in a conversation with a colleague in Singapore about why Singapore had conscription, he responded that Singapore had to defend and protect against invasion by China and being subjected to communism. That got sort of a shrug and wondered why in the world they would perceive that they could do anything to prevent China from just walking in whenever they wanted.

In reality, one could conclude that the US is concerned about Thailand's ability to stay loyal to its partnership as it proved it couldn't with the Japanese in WWII and declared war on the USA. Hence the US's urgency in making U-Tapao an unflagging commitment now. The US is committed to supporting its Asian partners as it has for decades and so far has borne the cost of doing so with the exception of the Japanese navy and the South Korean army as well as the Australian navy and army. It was the US navy that came down to the Coral Sea to battle the Japanese and keep them away from Australia's sheep when Churchill turned his back on them and his resources to Germany. It was the US that came to the assistance of South Korea and lost many lives defending it against North Korea and China. So let's not forget these facts in sizing up the situation. As far as Indonesia is concerned, they were happy to swing over to the Japanese to get rid of the Dutch. Then things went south for them after and they became a very beleaguered Japanese occupation.

The editorial's last comment about if Thailand accedes to the US and sours their relationship with China they will become a Chinese enemy is preposterous. The US was in U-Tapao for years and still have a presence there and China is not threating Thailand. The editorial continues with "In the event of a US/China military conflict, China would certainly become China's enemy. So what is the editorial trying to say? The editorial makes a weak argument for reaching the right decision for the wrong reason. A US/China military conflict in north Asia (ie. N. Korea) has nothing to do with Thailand. A US/China conflict over Taiwan has nothing to do with Thailand, except China probably resents that millions of Chinese nationalists fled to Thailand, and became a psuedo type of Taiwan.

Hopefully, Thailand will say no to U-Tapao and save the US taxpayers a lot of expense in pandering to the Thais and utilizing US taxpayer money once again to line the pockets of Thais. The US has better fish to fry in its own backyard economy, and it needs to utilize Australia, the Philippines, and other resources in Asia Pacific for its accelerated arsenal. Let Thailand swing in the wind on this one and figure out how to play it on their own. The US Generals and Leon Panetta should let this decision be made after the election and not push the Thais with monetary enticements that belong to the American people.

[Sakeopete]

At the end of the day China will swallow the entire SEA region if the USA is not here to stop them. The war of water will come soon and China will win.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect App

[Soutpeel]

The US has better fish to fry in its own backyard economy, and it needs to utilize Australia, the Philippines, and other resources in Asia Pacific for its accelerated arsenal.

and what if somewhere like Aussie said no...you seem to imply the US has a right to "use" Australia, the Phillipines and other "resources"...so is this how you see it these Sovereign countys are just "resources" to US to deploy their "aresnal's"..

[Soutpeel]

At the end of the day China will swallow the entire SEA region if the USA is not here to stop them. The war of water will come soon and China will win.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect App

At the end of the day China will most likely swallow the region anyway, irrspective of whether the US is there or not.....as with all with all empires through out history they eventually fail and the American empire will be no different and the next empire appears to being created in China....history coming full circle...3000 odd year ago...there was a Chinese empire..

[doggie888888]

At the end of the day China will swallow the entire SEA region if the USA is not here to stop them. The war of water will come soon and China will win.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect App

Oh bugger, does this mean we better brush up on Mandarin?

[Soutpeel]

At the end of the day China will swallow the entire SEA region if the USA is not here to stop them. The war of water will come soon and China will win.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect App

Oh bugger, does this mean we better brush up on Mandarin?

and learn how to use chop sticks properly..

[ronz28]

I don't see China as wanting to be a threat to the US. They are suppliers, competitors and have behaved in a friendly manner. No need for this war talk. US just wants to move out of its bases in Japan since the whole country is radiated. US wants to have bases in Asia to maintain the balance of power but it doesn't take resources from anyone. You mistake the US for the British empire of years ago. (They really should give all the gold, etc. they took from weaker countries back to those countries... and how is it that Billions of acres of land in foreign countries is still held by the British?).

???

"China no threat to USA"

"Whole of Japan is radiated"

"US does not take resources from anyone"

"Billions of acres in foreign countries still held by British"

Not quite sure which statement wins the prize for the most inane!!!

Must be yours.

There is no evidence that China is threatening the U.S. In fact US and China are great trade partners.

If you think it is safe to live in Japan then go live there. There are plenty of threads on TV that have discussed this and the news continues to get worse.

There is no evidence that the US took any countries resources. Any oil from the middle east is paid for with our money and we have given our blood and money to stop terrorism around the world.

Queen Elizabeth is the largest landowner in the world with over 6.6 billion acres of land and the British didn't pay for it.

You should do your own research and learn more about the world you live in.

[noitom]

The US has better fish to fry in its own backyard economy, and it needs to utilize Australia, the Philippines, and other resources in Asia Pacific for its accelerated arsenal.

and what if somewhere like Aussie said no...you seem to imply the US has a right to "use" Australia, the Phillipines and other "resources"...so is this how you see it these Sovereign countys are just "resources" to US to deploy their "aresnal's"..

It was meant in the context that the Australians appear to be more reliable than the Thais and more willing to go in the opposite direction of China. Do you agree?

[Credo]

On this issue, Thailand needs to think of itself first. Oh, wait....., they do!

The US is positioning itself in the area. Japan and South Korea have problems with large numbers of military personnel in the country. Smaller posts, spread in different countries, is probably better for all concerned.

There are plenty of local hot spots in SE Asia as well.

In the end, Thailand can get out any agreement. The Philippines took back Subic Bay.

[hellodolly]

I don't see China as wanting to be a threat to the US. They are suppliers, competitors and have behaved in a friendly manner. No need for this war talk. US just wants to move out of its bases in Japan since the whole country is radiated. US wants to have bases in Asia to maintain the balance of power but it doesn't take resources from anyone. You mistake the US for the British empire of years ago. (They really should give all the gold, etc. they took from weaker countries back to those countries... and how is it that Billions of acres of land in foreign countries is still held by the British?).

You are talking about when the British were raping any country they could over power.

Back on topic the author of the article seems to be a recipient of The American attitude of paranoia.