Thailand And United States: Reducing Mutual Distrust

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REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Thailand and United States: reducing mutual distrust

Kavi Chongkittavorn

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The joint statement issued after the fifth Thai-US Strategic Dialogue in Washington on 14 June indicated that future relations are moving forward in the right direction. A few days later, the whole bundle of promises hit a snag. Mud-slinging between the government and opposition Democrat Party in recent weeks over the use of U-tapao airbase facilities showed any Thai-US initiative these days is not going to proceed easily without sufficient transparency and consultation with all stakeholders. Washington refused to help bail out Bangkok during the financial crisis back in 1997 and that inflicted a deep wound on the Thai psyche

That helps explained why the strategic dialogue agreed to set up a working group to promote people-to-people exchange, first of its kinds. After more than 180 years of diplomatic relations, the two governments still need advices on ways to increase exchanges between their two peoples. Without any political spin, Thais and Americans get together very well. However, when bilateral issues are framed with patriotism, it is quite easy to wipe up anti-American sentiment over here.

For the first time, Thailand also raised the issue of visa waiver to facilitate the visits of Thai tourists and visitors to the US. A long queue in front of the US consular office on the Wireless Road continues to be an eye's sour of their longstanding relations. Russia is the first and only major power to waive visa for Thai passport holders.

Washington's dialogue was frank and unscripted as US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Affairs, Kurt Campbell, and Foreign Permanent Secretary Sihasak Phuangkhetkeou were very much in sync with one another. This time they managed to discuss the whole gamut of Thai-US relations, especially areas that needed to be strengthened. Their friendship particularly the security cooperation has suffered greatly followed the 2006 coup. The security consultations, a pivotal element of their alliance, were temporarily suspended. After long delay, Washington finally agreed to host the second round of Thai-US Senior Defense Talks—a good move that will improve the morale of the Thai army leaders.

They have previously complaint consistently that the US has failed to support the latest effort to build up defence capacity as a non-Nato ally. Lists of ammunitions and weapon systems that Thailand submitted sometime ago were ignored by Washington quite a long. At one point, Sihasak even asked Kurt what was the purpose of being non-Nato ally if the US simply did not respond to the Thai request at all.

The dialogue this time allowed both sides to shed light on their intention and strategic outlooks, especially the Thai concern over the US pivot on Asia. Kurt spent the first half of one day's discussion talking about the US rebalancing effort and increased pres?ence in Asia. He stressed that it was not focused on the military increase or presence per se but rather on a holistic approach of the US engagement in Asia. That explained why the US values Thailand's alliance and commitment. He added that US State Secretary Hilary Clinton will lead a big delega?tion together leading investors and business leaders travelling to this part of the world to boost further ties.

In return, the Thai side welcomed the US increased engagement and acknowledgement of Asean centrality in the regional schemes of things. Sihasak expressed confidence on the role of China in the region trusting that Beijing will become a responsible global player. He stressed that both the US and China know how to navigate their relations and together they would best avoid colluding or cooperating to harm the countries in Asean. The US trusted Thailand's constructive role as the incoming coordinating country for China-Asean relations (2012-2015) in solving the South China Sea conflict.

To strengthen further security cooperation, the second working group has also been set up to study terms of ref?erence for the use of U-Tapao airbase as part of Thailand's proposed plan to establish a centre for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Thailand first raised the possibility of serving a hub for regional humanitarian assistance in time of natural disaster with the World Food Program under the UN-Asean framework back in 2005. Due to the Thai political turmoil in 2006, subsequently Malaysia's Subang Airport facility was chosen instead.

Since then the idea of setting up a centre for such purpose has been on the government's agenda. In the beginning, the Thai Royal Navy wants the center placed under a bilateral frame?work but the US would like to transform it as a platform for multilateral cooperation. After the tsunami catastrophe in 2005 and subsequent natural disasters in the Philippines and Indonesia, the profile of U-tapao was raised due to its central location in the mainland Southeast Asia in rescue and search missions. The annual Thai-US joint military exercise, Cobra Gold, has been concentrated on humanitarian and disaster relief practices involving multinational forces. The US which has regular access to the U-Tapao base facilities for decades would like to have a formal arrangement and stand operating procedures with the Thai govern?ment in time of humanitarian crisis. The US side pointed out during the strategic dialogue the previous US emergency assistance were considered by other countries as "coincident" activities. Washington wants to change that kind of perception.

In addition, the US is urging Thailand to cooperate in helping third countries such as Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia both bilateral and multilateral framework as in the Lower Mekong Initiative. Such expansive engagement would bolster the US footings in the continental Southeast Asia.

At the moment, it is still a bone of contention. The Democrat Party had urged the government to come clean on the use of U-tapao. In fact, the opposition should know better than anyone since the discussion started in under the Abhisit government. Since the Thai side is preparing the terms of reference concerning access and use of air base facility, it can literally lay down conditions as they wish. After all, U-tapao has been transformed into an international airport for chartered planes for the past several years.

As visable, efforts to reinvigorate Thai-US cooperation, especially the strategic ties, are extremely difficult as they are easily held hostage by domestic squabbling and political spins. If this trend continues, the US is planning to look elsewhere. In private dis?cussions, Cambodia has been often mentioned as an alternate country as its leaders are more willing to accom?modate with the new US security needs.

-- The Nation 2012-06-25

[theblether]

It's not just the US, the whole world looks on at the political turmoil in Thailand and shakes it's head. The politicians have no idea how much damage they are doing to the country, and Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Burma are ready to sweep up.

The politicians are causing Thailand to losing more and more every day. Shame

Edited June 25, 2012 by theblether

[LomSak27]

Well I think NASA should dump it. They've got in the middle of Thai political games, just get out and let the sides play games. .

[jaltsc]

Watch Out! As mentioned in one of the previous articles, Burma is seeking help and advice from western nations on how to regain its former status as the "jewel of southeast Asia". With this foothold in Burma, the USA and other western nations will soon have a viable alternative to Thailand and will be making demands on the Thais, rather than the other way around. Eventually, the politicians will have a smaller pie to share, and if history holds true, instead of bonding together to create a better economic environment, they will fight each other for the smaller piece of what remains.

[Pseudolus]

It's not just the US, the whole world looks on at the political turmoil in Thailand and shakes it's head. The politicians have no idea how much damage they are doing to the country, and Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Burma are ready to sweep up.

The politicians are causing Thailand to losing more and more every day. Shame

Maybe so but they do not care about that because the Politicians are themselves getting richer, more and more, every day. Quids in!

[Woodcaulk]

For the first time, Thailand also raised the issue of visa waiver to facilitate the visits of Thai tourists and visitors to the US

Well really, aren't they only talking about "one particular visa waiver relating to one particular visitor" ?

[Bagwan]

For the first time, Thailand also raised the issue of visa waiver to facilitate the visits of Thai tourists and visitors to the US.

Perhaps it's because all the Thais that can use joined up writing would make their visit permanent. I thought that, like Europe, the US had growing problems with the number of immigrants. I doubt that they would want to add to their difficulties.

[zydeco]

In Christopher Robbins' Air America, he writes of one American pilot's experience in evacuating refugees during the fall of Saigon and the Thai attitude:

"So our only option was to head for Thailand. This, in spite of knowing beforehand the Thais didn't want any Saigon planes there. The Thais couldn't care less about refugees; their main concern was and is not offending the Reds. They have now very conveniently forgotten 25 years of US assistance."

Some things never change.

[daninthai]

Thais have a lot to learn about reciprocal behaviour. How about ownership of land? Inheritance rights? IP rights? Thailand couldn't care less what America wants, and for that reason NASA will need to find another site to use. That won't stop Thailand demanding something of their own from any nation they have dealings with.

[h90]

It's not just the US, the whole world looks on at the political turmoil in Thailand and shakes it's head. The politicians have no idea how much damage they are doing to the country, and Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Burma are ready to sweep up.

The politicians are causing Thailand to losing more and more every day. Shame

Well, Thailand isn't that outstanding.....Iran, Egypt: big political turmoil. Libya and Syria: War. Israel running complete mad. Europe is doing a financial suicide. Very aggressive US politics. Really the rest of the world don't notice what is going on in Thailand....the other things are just that much bigger.

That all doesn't go into the foreign main stream news.

[Nisa]

Thais have a lot to learn about reciprocal behaviour. How about ownership of land? Inheritance rights? IP rights? Thailand couldn't care less what America wants, and for that reason NASA will need to find another site to use. That won't stop Thailand demanding something of their own from any nation they have dealings with.

Reciprocal behavior??? Like 30-day entry with no visa? NASA will get what it wants but Thailand will get something out of it ... nothing new here. It is called politics. This story is barely even being reported in the US.

Edited June 25, 2012 by Nisa

[Richmeister]

Between the two Im not sure which country I despise the most.

[Pops]

It's not just the US, the whole world looks on at the political turmoil in Thailand and shakes it's head. The politicians have no idea how much damage they are doing to the country, and Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Burma are ready to sweep up.

The politicians are causing Thailand to losing more and more every day. Shame

Thailand is still way ahead of all other countries you mention.

In countries like Cambodia for instance where whole groups of people are being evicted from their land by land grabbing army people and politicians, nobody complains because they get shot on the spot.

Same in Burma.

Thailand has a lot to improve but is doing much better, even politically, then everybody on this forum is willing to admit.

Look at the U.S. and the yearly political bickering that goes on down there every year.

That's just politics !

[theblether]

It's not just the US, the whole world looks on at the political turmoil in Thailand and shakes it's head. The politicians have no idea how much damage they are doing to the country, and Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Burma are ready to sweep up.

The politicians are causing Thailand to losing more and more every day. Shame

Well, Thailand isn't that outstanding.....Iran, Egypt: big political turmoil. Libya and Syria: War. Israel running complete mad. Europe is doing a financial suicide. Very aggressive US politics. Really the rest of the world don't notice what is going on in Thailand....the other things are just that much bigger.

That all doesn't go into the foreign main stream news.

You're showing a breathtaking ignorance of how international diplomacy works. While the press go chasing the next big story, the diplomats plod along supplying report after report after report on individual countries.

You can be sure that in every Western and Asian country of note today there is a lackey sitting at a desk processing update report number 60000 on the current status of Thailand, and you can be sure that the Embassies are firing dozens of emails to the Foreign Office in the UK for example. Thailand is on the radar of the diplomatic service every single day in the year.

[Lifer]

In Christopher Robbins' Air America, he writes of one American pilot's experience in evacuating refugees during the fall of Saigon and the Thai attitude:

"So our only option was to head for Thailand. This, in spite of knowing beforehand the Thais didn't want any Saigon planes there. The Thais couldn't care less about refugees; their main concern was and is not offending the Reds. They have now very conveniently forgotten 25 years of US assistance."

Some things never change.

Agree. Thailand is like a giant ostrich with its head in the sand. Don't ask for skilled outside help, balme the problems on everybody and everything except Thailand, are dysfuntional in decision making and strategic planning, etc. etc.

Edited June 25, 2012 by Lifer

[theblether]

It's not just the US, the whole world looks on at the political turmoil in Thailand and shakes it's head. The politicians have no idea how much damage they are doing to the country, and Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Burma are ready to sweep up.

The politicians are causing Thailand to losing more and more every day. Shame

Thailand is still way ahead of all other countries you mention.

In countries like Cambodia for instance where whole groups of people are being evicted from their land by land grabbing army people and politicians, nobody complains because they get shot on the spot.

Same in Burma.

Thailand has a lot to improve but is doing much better, even politically, then everybody on this forum is willing to admit.

Look at the U.S. and the yearly political bickering that goes on down there every year.

That's just politics !

I wouldn't bother replying but you quoted me directly.

You do realize that what you claim for Cambodia has happened continuously here in Thailand too don't you? Did you not notice the 2500 extra judicial killings authorized by TS?? Are you not aware of the land grabs in places like Phuket? ? Are you not aware of the plight of the Sea Gypsies??

That's only a start............I can't be bothered listing any more, I want to enjoy my day.

[h90]

It's not just the US, the whole world looks on at the political turmoil in Thailand and shakes it's head. The politicians have no idea how much damage they are doing to the country, and Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Burma are ready to sweep up.

The politicians are causing Thailand to losing more and more every day. Shame

Well, Thailand isn't that outstanding.....Iran, Egypt: big political turmoil. Libya and Syria: War. Israel running complete mad. Europe is doing a financial suicide. Very aggressive US politics. Really the rest of the world don't notice what is going on in Thailand....the other things are just that much bigger.

That all doesn't go into the foreign main stream news.

You're showing a breathtaking ignorance of how international diplomacy works. While the press go chasing the next big story, the diplomats plod along supplying report after report after report on individual countries.

You can be sure that in every Western and Asian country of note today there is a lackey sitting at a desk processing update report number 60000 on the current status of Thailand, and you can be sure that the Embassies are firing dozens of emails to the Foreign Office in the UK for example. Thailand is on the radar of the diplomatic service every single day in the year.

yes you are right, but it is rather irrelevant. If Thailand looks on this reports good (like Mubarak did) or like an harmless idiots doesn't really mater. it won't get much better or worse trade agreements.

If Thailand does something that scares away tourists would have an impact.

Or something that would harm trade agreements.

[theblether]

It's not just the US, the whole world looks on at the political turmoil in Thailand and shakes it's head. The politicians have no idea how much damage they are doing to the country, and Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Burma are ready to sweep up.

The politicians are causing Thailand to losing more and more every day. Shame

Well, Thailand isn't that outstanding.....Iran, Egypt: big political turmoil. Libya and Syria: War. Israel running complete mad. Europe is doing a financial suicide. Very aggressive US politics. Really the rest of the world don't notice what is going on in Thailand....the other things are just that much bigger.

That all doesn't go into the foreign main stream news.

You're showing a breathtaking ignorance of how international diplomacy works. While the press go chasing the next big story, the diplomats plod along supplying report after report after report on individual countries.

You can be sure that in every Western and Asian country of note today there is a lackey sitting at a desk processing update report number 60000 on the current status of Thailand, and you can be sure that the Embassies are firing dozens of emails to the Foreign Office in the UK for example. Thailand is on the radar of the diplomatic service every single day in the year.

yes you are right, but it is rather irrelevant. If Thailand looks on this reports good (like Mubarak did) or like an harmless idiots doesn't really mater. it won't get much better or worse trade agreements.

If Thailand does something that scares away tourists would have an impact.

Or something that would harm trade agreements.

Diplomacy doesn't look at things on the basis of good and bad, it looks at things on the basis of good, bad, shocking, he's a nutter, but he's our nutter, so that's okay then, and the worst category, <deleted>.

It's a messy business, is diplomacy, very messy.

Edited June 25, 2012 by theblether

[MikeThaison]

For the first time, Thailand also raised the issue of visa waiver to facilitate the visits of Thai tourists and visitors to the US.

*FACEPALM*

[ThomasBird67]

Great. Does this mean the US government will stop wasting my tax dollars giving foreign aid to the corrupt Thai military every year now? Let them take care of themselves the next time the Communists threaten them.

[zydeco]

Great. Does this mean the US government will stop wasting my tax dollars giving foreign aid to the corrupt Thai military every year now? Let them take care of themselves the next time the Communists threaten them.

Great. Does this mean the US government will stop wasting my tax dollars giving foreign aid to the corrupt Thai military every year now? Let them take care of themselves the next time the Communists threaten them.

I do think it is time to get some clarification, here. Thailand may think it can play both sides, but Thailand needs the US a lot more than the US needs Thailand. Applying the economic screws to Thai products or products with Thai parts/assembly could shut the country down in a month. Then, the Japanese and Chinese and everybody else would pull out.

[LomSak27]

the US Embassy needs to fund more cultural exchanges.

Say a free concert; Lady Gaga at Lumpini Park.

[cheeryble]

Great. Does this mean the US government will stop wasting my tax dollars giving foreign aid to the corrupt Thai military every year now? Let them take care of themselves the next time the Communists threaten them.

Not to mention they don't have to the emperor every morning.

[hellodolly]

It's not just the US, the whole world looks on at the political turmoil in Thailand and shakes it's head. The politicians have no idea how much damage they are doing to the country, and Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Burma are ready to sweep up.

The politicians are causing Thailand to losing more and more every day. Shame

If Burma cleans up it's act Thailand will not only be short of workers but it will be short of tourists.Burma has much to offer that the outer world has long been denied.

What is it that Thailand fears to lose by letting the US use its base in Pattaya for metrological research and disaster relief. O wait they turned down disaster relief in the floods of 2011. Just goes to show the lack of common sense the US is trying to deal with.

[animatic]

Great. Does this mean the US government will stop wasting my tax dollars giving foreign aid to the corrupt Thai military every year now? Let them take care of themselves the next time the Communists threaten them.

Ah, but this time the communists are coming from within Thailand,

Obtusely being aided by a uber-capitalist-fascist, wanting a visa to USA.

And when the army goes to try and stop them it will be called

many names and decried as counter democratic...

If the state department even notices through the fog amsterdamian obfuscations.

[Unkomoncents]

It's not just the US, the whole world looks on at the political turmoil in Thailand and shakes it's head. The politicians have no idea how much damage they are doing to the country, and Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Burma are ready to sweep up.

The politicians are causing Thailand to losing more and more every day. Shame

Thailand is still way ahead of all other countries you mention.

In countries like Cambodia for instance where whole groups of people are being evicted from their land by land grabbing army people and politicians, nobody complains because they get shot on the spot.

Same in Burma.

Thailand has a lot to improve but is doing much better, even politically, then everybody on this forum is willing to admit.

Look at the U.S. and the yearly political bickering that goes on down there every year.

That's just politics !

Actually, hate to take the wind out of your sails but Thailand is NOT ahead of Malaysia in really any regard. Thailand is behind Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines in a lot of areas, especially education. See the World Economic Forum's global competitiveness report for proof of this. Give Indonesia, Malaysia and some of these other countries another 10 years too; Indonesia especially has seen GDP growth rates that have astounded everyone. Thailand currently has better infrastructure than many ASEAN countries but where those other countries are, in many cases, working hard to develop and make progress, Thailand is mostly content to stay just the way it is. According to the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy, Thailand is the second riskiest country (of the big players) to invest in (leaving out Lao, Cambodia, and Burma, of course). You might want to do a little research.

[Bender]

For the first time, Thailand also raised the issue of visa waiver to facilitate the visits of Thai tourists and visitors to the US.

*FACEPALM*

Within a week all the pattaya'girl gonna move to US... permanently

[JurgenG]

One point that's worth noticing :

"Washington's dialogue was frank and unscripted as US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Affairs, Kurt Campbell, and Foreign Permanent Secretary Sihasak Phuangkhetkeou were very much in sync with one another. This time they managed to discuss the whole gamut of Thai-US relations, especially areas that needed to be strengthened. Their friendship particularly the security cooperation has suffered greatly followed the 2006 coup. The security consultations, a pivotal element of their alliance, were temporarily suspended. After long delay, Washington finally agreed to host the second round of Thai-US Senior Defense Talks—a good move that will improve the morale of the Thai army leaders."

It's only now, with the current administration, that the Americans feel comfortable again to resume talk of cooperation. And I should add despite the efforts of the Democrats to derail the discussion.

And last sentence "a good move that will improve the morale of the Thai army leaders." People who still dream of an other coup to get what they can't get through the democratic vote are obviously in for the long wait.

[JurgenG]

According to the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy, Thailand is the second riskiest country (of the big players) to invest in (leaving out Lao, Cambodia, and Burma, of course). You might want to do a little research.

No need, just read the OP.

Their (USA Thai) friendship particularly the security cooperation has suffered greatly followed the 2006 coup.

It's not only the relation between Thailand and the USA that suffered following the coup, but also the relation with the world big players. Thailand returned to democracy only one year ago and confidence is only slowly rebuilt. Just check the number of posters in this forum who are still calling for a coup.

The current government is doing a good job but it will still take some time before full confidence resumes.

Edited June 25, 2012 by JurgenG

[Moruya]

According to the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy, Thailand is the second riskiest country (of the big players) to invest in (leaving out Lao, Cambodia, and Burma, of course). You might want to do a little research.

No need, just read the OP.

Their (USA Thai) friendship particularly the security cooperation has suffered greatly followed the 2006 coup.

It's not only the relation between Thailand and the USA that suffered following the coup, but also the relation with the world big players. Thailand returned to democracy only one year ago and confidence is only slowly rebuilt. Just check the number of posters in this forum who are still calling for a coup.

The current government is doing a good job but it will still take some time before full confidence resumes.

What are they doing a good job at?