Nasa Plan May Face Parliament Scrutiny: U-Tapao

[webfact]

THAI-US TIES

Nasa plan may face Parliament scrutiny

The Nation

Surapong

Weather project unlikely to take off because of legal concerns, govt says

BANGKOK: -- A weather research project proposed by the US National Aeronautics and Space Admin-istration (Nasa) may not get a chance to take off from U-tapao this year - as Foreign Minister Surapong Towichuk-chaikul said yesterday Cabinet was likely to decide today to put the proposal to Parliament.

"To ensure it is clear, I think the government should put it through the Parliament in accordance with Article 190 of the Constitution," Surapong told reporters.

Putting the proposal to Parliament would delay the project. Nasa had hoped to use three weather surveillance aircraft in August and September this year. But Parliament doesn't have its next session till August 1. The government is authorised to put the proposal on the agenda for the next session but it would take time to process it.

If the government did not put the Nasa project to Parliament, the opposition or Senate might ask the Constitution or Administrative Court to rule whether allowing it to go ahead was unconstitutional, Surapong said. If the proposal was involved in a legal dispute, it would be delayed, he said.

The Council of State and the Foreign Ministry's Treaties and Legal Affairs departments suggested earlier that the Nasa project did not need approval from the Parliament since it involved no change in territory or sovereignty over territory.

The Nasa research project became a hot political issue after the opposition Democrat Party accused the government of offering U-tapao to the US in exchange for a visa for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. It demanded the government debate the issue in Parliament for transparency.

Many lawmakers said the project might have some implication on national security as the US might have a hidden agenda or military desire to contain China in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Nasa project was mixed up with a Pentagon idea to use U-tapao as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training and readiness centre. The idea is still far from fleshed out as Thai and US officials only agreed in Washington recently to set up a working group to jointly develop the plan to explore possibilities to set up such a centre.

The Washington Post reported on Sunday the Obama administration revamped its Asian strategy in response to a rising China and that the military was weighing a return to some familiar bases from its last conflict in Southeast Asia, the Vietnam War.

The lack of information has bred suspicion in the Thai media and among opposition lawmakers, who have held up a separate project that would allow Nasa to operate climate-change surveillance flights from U-tapao this fall, it said.

Surapong yesterday discussed the Nasa project with US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenney to inform her about the government's decision and the Thai constitutional process.

Ambassador Kenney insisted that the climate project was purely scientific and that Nasa is a civilian agency with no connection to the military. The result of the research would be released to the public and all people could access it, she said. However, the US respected the Thai government's decision and the cooperation between the two countries in many fields would continue, she said.

Surapong said he was not sure if the project could begin next year as time for this year was running out.

Indeed, the project was raised back in September 2010 during the Democrat government under Abhisit Vejjajiva, when Nasa signed a joint statement of intent with the Science, Technology and Environment Ministry's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda).

Surapong said he received a proposal for these research flights on May 25 and waited for opinions from all concerned agencies before putting it to Cabinet for consideration this month.

-- The Nation 2012-06-26

[Moruya]

Is that the very same Surapong who said the cabinet would make the decision and that it didn't need to be reviewed by Parliament?

[chotthee]

Is that the very same Surapong who said the cabinet would make the decision and that it didn't need to be reviewed by Parliament?

If Surapong made the decision without Parliament, he would be forever know as the one that sell his nation for money and/or kinds (like US vias for big boss Thaksin).

Surapong (and Thaksin) must be stop at all cost. Even with a coup is justifiable, to shop him form giving Thailand, the land of our great Father away to farang kee nok.

[LomSak27]

I guess that US investigation and documents relating to the purchase by GE (General Electric) or an airport scanner company which noted financial irregularities and potential bribery is long forgotten by the Democrats and their Farang Kee NOk spewing supporters. Sad such short term memories

Chotthee posted

Surapong (and Thaksin) must be stop at all cost. Even with a coup is justifiable, to shop him form giving Thailand, the land of our great Father away to farang kee nok

.

Last time Thaksin sold anything was a satellite to the government of Singapore, unless I'm mistaken.

[Moruya]

I guess that US investigation and documents relating to the purchase by GE (General Electric) or an airport scanner company which noted financial irregularities and potential bribery is long forgotten by the Democrats and their Farang Kee NOk spewing supporters. Sad such short term memories

Chotthee posted

Surapong (and Thaksin) must be stop at all cost. Even with a coup is justifiable, to shop him form giving Thailand, the land of our great Father away to farang kee nok

.

Last time Thaksin sold anything was a satellite to the government of Singapore, unless I'm mistaken.

Yes - Thailand's only satelite at the time if you discount any claims on the moon.

[Lite Beer]

U-TAPAO

Cabinet to hold parliamentary debate on Nasa's request

BANGKOK: -- The Cabinet agreed Tuesday to hold a parliamentary debate on the Nasa's request to use U-Tapao but the debate will be held without any voting taking place, a government spokesman said.

Deputy Government Spokesman Chalitrat Chantharubeksa said the debate will be held in line with Article 179.

Article 179 allows the government to hold a joint sitting of MPs and senators to seek consultation from parliament on any issue without voting.

The issue will be put on agenda once the next parliamentary session is open, the spokesman said.

The next parliamentary session will begin in August but Nasa wants to begin the research at the beginning of the month.

On Monday, US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenny told Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul that the Thai government would have to say yes by the end of this month in time for Nasa to make preparations for the start of the project in August.

Government leaders, including Science Minister Plodprasop Suraswadee and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, have insisted the issue is purely about scientific research and has no bearing on security affairs.

But critics, including Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, have voiced their concerns on possible security impacts because the research would take place at the air base, seen as a strategic location for the region.

The government and its critics have locked horns over whether the issue should be debated in Parliament due to security implications as per Article 190 of the Constitution.

-- The Nation 2012-06-26

[mozzieslapper]

It was impossible for the US to use the project to spy on Thailand as many scientists from across the world were working on the project.

If it took part, Thailand would obtain data on chemical exposure to the atmosphere over Map Ta Phut industrial estate in Rayong to deal with pollution there

Maybe that is the problem, more truth about the lies propagandered out of Map Ta Phut

[Pseudolus]

If Surapong made the decision without Parliament, he would be forever know as the one that sell his nation for money and/or kinds (like US vias for big boss Thaksin).

Surapong (and Thaksin) must be stop at all cost. Even with a coup is justifiable, to shop him form giving Thailand, the land of our great Father away to farang kee nok.

Nong.

Firstly, most Thais you meet in the street would sell land to Farangs if they had the chance to do so. They know they can double their money doing it that way and really could not give a care in the world about anything else. Surapong would be no different to any other politician; they all put personal wealth ahead of what is best for your country. All of them. Without fail. The parliament is filled full of HiSo fools, there because mummy and daddy paid bribes to get them in, they exist from bribes and extortion, and are no better than the police, except that the amounts they rake in are significantly higher.

Secondly, about a Coup? Justifiable? I don't like or hate any Thai politician, but the more times you allow the Army to crush democracy, the longer it will take for Thailand to cease to be a 3rd world low down country and start to progress to a higher calling; as it should do. The Thai population are happy though to allow the rich to get richer, the poor to get poorer, and in the mean time, the country to stagnate.

Oh, and to keep on topic, NSA is so behind this. Their favourite tactic for decades is weather research to launch loads of stuff. Just check out the map they are targeting. The tip of Thailand, and China and Russia. Boom.

Edited June 26, 2012 by Pseudolus

[mozzieslapper]

The Nasa research project became a hot political issue after the opposition Democrat Party accused the government of offering U-tapao to the US in exchange for a visa for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra

As Thailand spirals down the drain and its neighbors plow ahead

[chotthee]

I guess that US investigation and documents relating to the purchase by GE (General Electric) or an airport scanner company which noted financial irregularities and potential bribery is long forgotten by the Democrats and their Farang Kee NOk spewing supporters. Sad such short term memories

Chotthee posted

Surapong (and Thaksin) must be stop at all cost. Even with a coup is justifiable, to shop him form giving Thailand, the land of our great Father away to farang kee nok

.

Last time Thaksin sold anything was a satellite to the government of Singapore, unless I'm mistaken.

After that he sold the Thai temple off in exchange for Cambodian Oil & Gas (in the gulf). The 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple, located in the Dângrêk Mountains in Kantharalak district (amphoe) in the Sisaket province of Northeastern Thailand.

Now he want to sell off U-Tapao in Sattahip, just to exchange from a US non-immigrant visa (Green Card).

Said PAD.

Edited June 26, 2012 by chotthee

[webfact]

Cabinet refrains from voting on Nasa's request today and pushes issue for parliamentary screening. Project to be delayed for this year /The Nation

[LomSak27]

Cabinet refrains from voting on Nasa's request today and pushes issue for parliamentary screening. Project to be delayed for this year /The Nation

When in doubt PUNT

I hope NASA learns a few things from this. As in find a different country!!,

[chotthee]

The Nasa research project became a hot political issue after the opposition Democrat Party accused the government of offering U-tapao to the US in exchange for a visa for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra

As Thailand spirals down the drain and its neighbors plow ahead

This is true. I heard the same.

[webfact]

Thai cabinet decision leaves NASA plan up in the air

BANGKOK, June 26 (Reuters) - The Thai government on Tuesday delayed a decision to let U.S. space agency NASA use a military air base for climate study after the main opposition party claimed, among other things, that it was tantamount to a surrender of sovereignty.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration had asked to use the U-Tapao air base, in southeast Thailand, built by the United States for its forces to use during the Vietnam War.

"NASA will have to call off the programme this year, which is a shame for weather monitoring technology in Thailand," Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said.

The NASA project may have fallen foul of internal Thai politics: the opposition Democrats are also claiming the government had agreed to the deal in return for the United States' granting a visa to exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, [more...]

Full story: http://af.reuters.co...E8HQ2KZ20120626

-- REUTERS 2012-06-26

[phiphidon]

If Surapong made the decision without Parliament, he would be forever know as the one that sell his nation for money and/or kinds (like US vias for big boss Thaksin).

Surapong (and Thaksin) must be stop at all cost. Even with a coup is justifiable, to shop him form giving Thailand, the land of our great Father away to farang kee nok.

Nong.

Firstly, most Thais you meet in the street would sell land to Farangs if they had the chance to do so. They know they can double their money doing it that way and really could not give a care in the world about anything else. Surapong would be no different to any other politician; they all put personal wealth ahead of what is best for your country. All of them. Without fail. The parliament is filled full of HiSo fools, there because mummy and daddy paid bribes to get them in, they exist from bribes and extortion, and are no better than the police, except that the amounts they rake in are significantly higher.

Secondly, about a Coup? Justifiable? I don't like or hate any Thai politician, but the more times you allow the Army to crush democracy, the longer it will take for Thailand to cease to be a 3rd world low down country and start to progress to a higher calling; as it should do. The Thai population are happy though to allow the rich to get richer, the poor to get poorer, and in the mean time, the country to stagnate.

Oh, and to keep on topic, NSA is so behind this. Their favourite tactic for decades is weather research to launch loads of stuff. Just check out the map they are targeting. The tip of Thailand, and China and Russia. Boom.

Surely the USA has a base in South Korea they could use if they really wanted to send out "spy" planes? They have, Osan air base, just googled it. On a lighter note I see the following notice on their web page:

OFF-LIMIT AREAS AT OSAN: As of 26 June 2012 the following establishments are off limits to USFK personnel: Click, Club Stereo, Black Hole, Happy Days, Feel Sports Massage, Backbeat Club, Prince Sports Massage, Corner Sports Bar, Rose Massage Parlor, Roadhouse, U & I.

I wonder why?

[LomSak27]

Do you know that Thakasin has a lawsuit awaiting him in the US if he enters as a non goverment official - You remember William Monson, a co investor who Thaksin accused of theft and then siezed all assets of years ago - and told at that time, no court in Thailand would convict him a Thai in a suit against a farang so bugger off ..... yes Americans have long memories and lawyers

Lawyers will serve him if he enters the US as a private citizen.

Then the obvious; the US in no way wants to get involved in a Thai internal political battles. The idea that he has been offerd a VISA is nothing but a story given out to people who don't know any better.

Like you.

[Moruya]

Do you know that Thakasin has a lawsuit awaiting him in the US if he enters as a non goverment official - You remember William Monson, a co investor who Thaksin accused of theft and then siezed all assets of years ago - and told at that time, no court in Thailand would convict him a Thai in a suit against a farang so bugger off ..... yes Americans have long memories and lawyers

Lawyers will serve him if he enters the US as a private citizen.

Then the obvious; the US in no way wants to get involved in a Thai internal political battles. The idea that he has been offerd a VISA is nothing but a story given out to people who don't know any better.

Like you.

So why are the PTP playing so coy?

[Soutpeel]

Thai cabinet decision leaves NASA plan up in the air

BANGKOK, June 26 (Reuters) - The Thai government on Tuesday delayed a decision to let U.S. space agency NASA use a military air base for climate study after the main opposition party claimed, among other things, that it was tantamount to a surrender of sovereignty.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration had asked to use the U-Tapao air base, in southeast Thailand, built by the United States for its forces to use during the Vietnam War.

"NASA will have to call off the programme this year, which is a shame for weather monitoring technology in Thailand," Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said.

The NASA project may have fallen foul of internal Thai politics: the opposition Democrats are also claiming the government had agreed to the deal in return for the United States' granting a visa to exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, [more...]

Full story: http://af.reuters.co...E8HQ2KZ20120626

-- REUTERS 2012-06-26

Ah the predicable outcome..considering the deadline set by NASA for this is today

[Pseudolus]

Surely the USA has a base in South Korea they could use if they really wanted to send out "spy" planes? They have, Osan air base, just googled it. On a lighter note I see the following notice on their web page:

OFF-LIMIT AREAS AT OSAN: As of 26 June 2012 the following establishments are off limits to USFK personnel: Click, Club Stereo, Black Hole, Happy Days, Feel Sports Massage, Backbeat Club, Prince Sports Massage, Corner Sports Bar, Rose Massage Parlor, Roadhouse, U & I.

I wonder why?

Tooo funny. What's the point of joining the forces and seeing the world if you can't bring the Clap back to your wife, or kill some locals in a night club!

Anyway, they have the Philippines as well if they cared to use it. Better access to the south and western and central side, most notably from local ComInt receptors as opposed to spy planes.

[jerrysteve]

I doubt that it is any suprise that the Nasa's weather plans is a disguise for something more strategic....

'

There is a classic line from a Bob Dylan songs that says, "you don't need to be a weather man to know which way the wind blows."

[Awohalitsiktoli]

Why do they insist on showing the rest of the world what the word "dumb" actually means? NSA? Spying? Conspiracy? If the US wanted to "spy" on Thailand (for what reason I can't imagine as Thailand has nothing of military value that we might be interested in), it can easily do so using existing satellites. Ground-based airplanes are not needed for that type of activity. NASA has approached Thailand in good faith with a project that would benefit Thailand and the govt. has acted like stupid children. At this point, I hope NASA sets up the science project in Cambodia.

[phiphidon]

Do you know that Thakasin has a lawsuit awaiting him in the US if he enters as a non goverment official - You remember William Monson, a co investor who Thaksin accused of theft and then siezed all assets of years ago - and told at that time, no court in Thailand would convict him a Thai in a suit against a farang so bugger off ..... yes Americans have long memories and lawyers

Lawyers will serve him if he enters the US as a private citizen.

Then the obvious; the US in no way wants to get involved in a Thai internal political battles. The idea that he has been offerd a VISA is nothing but a story given out to people who don't know any better.

Like you.

So why are the PTP playing so coy?

Because the dems will accuse them of overiding Article 190 of the constitution which will allow the CC to get involved, in the hope of getting the PTP dissolved.

[Moruya]

Do you know that Thakasin has a lawsuit awaiting him in the US if he enters as a non goverment official - You remember William Monson, a co investor who Thaksin accused of theft and then siezed all assets of years ago - and told at that time, no court in Thailand would convict him a Thai in a suit against a farang so bugger off ..... yes Americans have long memories and lawyers

Lawyers will serve him if he enters the US as a private citizen.

Then the obvious; the US in no way wants to get involved in a Thai internal political battles. The idea that he has been offerd a VISA is nothing but a story given out to people who don't know any better.

Like you.

So why are the PTP playing so coy?

Because the dems will accuse them of overiding Article 190 of the constitution which will allow the CC to get involved, in the hope of getting the PTP dissolved.

That may be the game PPD - but it doesn't quite fit the picture for me.

[Dodobird]

If PTP has apparently made demoncrat the bad guy in the eye of US, they has won half the battle ...

[lannarebirth]

The Nasa research project became a hot political issue after the opposition Democrat Party accused the government of offering U-tapao to the US in exchange for a visa for former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra

As Thailand spirals down the drain and its neighbors plow ahead

One really wonders <deleted> the Foreign Minister has to do with the NASA request to use U Tapao airbase. His insertion of himself into the matter does stink of his asking for a quid pro quo. That dog won't hunt.

Edited June 26, 2012 by lannarebirth

[hellodolly]

Do you know that Thakasin has a lawsuit awaiting him in the US if he enters as a non goverment official - You remember William Monson, a co investor who Thaksin accused of theft and then siezed all assets of years ago - and told at that time, no court in Thailand would convict him a Thai in a suit against a farang so bugger off ..... yes Americans have long memories and lawyers

Lawyers will serve him if he enters the US as a private citizen.

Then the obvious; the US in no way wants to get involved in a Thai internal political battles. The idea that he has been offerd a VISA is nothing but a story given out to people who don't know any better.

Like you.

Well I for sure have no use for Thaksin and his followers but in this case I think Abhist has dropped the ball.

Thailand stands to gain information onit's weather and possably a few jobs. As far as dening them the use of the base as a centeral point for relief areas in the This part of the world they have realy blown it. The sooner you can get to a disaster area the bettter a job you can do in helping heal the wounded.

Abhist is not thinking of the welfare of others and the

PT is using him as an excuse to do nothing. A pair of lo e s leading Thailand down the road of nowhere. Not sure but I think I lost a s and a r somewhere.

Edited June 26, 2012 by hellodolly

[webfact]

Please continue:

Nasa project may be delayed

The Nation

MPs, senators to debate operation as legislature 'consulted' under Article 179

BANGKOK: -- Time appeared to be running out on the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration's weather-research project yesterday as Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra announced that the Cabinet had decided to put it to a parliamentary debate.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa....d-thai-us-ties/

//CLOSED//