Thai-Pakistani ties destined to strengthen

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL
Thai-Pakistani ties destined to strengthen
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- PM's visit to Islamabad is good for bilateral relations and should boost trade, defence and regional links

Thai-Pakistani relations received a big boost this week with the visit of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to Islamabad.

Indeed, bilateral ties also brought back the nostalgia of when the two countries were key Asian security partners under the now-defunct Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation (SEATO). Even with this cooperative security framework long gone, judging from the outcome of the two-day visit, the spirit of cooperation still lingers on.

Pakistan has recently emerged from years of domestic turmoil with the recent election of President Nawaz Sharif, who has made foreign policy a top priority. Domestically, he still has a long way to go in terms of bringing the military to accept civilian rule.

But under his foreign-policy strategy, Nawaz has moved quickly to revitalise the country's regional and international standing. Under his leadership, Pakistan is on a fast track to bolster bilateral relations with key countries, and Thailand is included as part of the country's pivot to Asia.

The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding to increase their annual two-way trade to US$1 billion in five years. With the inaugural meeting of the Joint Trade Commission, trade objectives are also likely to be met as more Thai investors currently take advantage of the favourable economic climate there.

Thailand is also a strong supporter of Pakistan in Asean-led schemes. For years, Thailand has strongly backed Pakistan as a full-dialogue partner. Since 1993, Pakistan has acted as Asean's dialogue partner in trade, investment and tourism. In view of recent positive developments in Pakistan, ASEAN is reconsidering upgrading its status in the near future.

In addition, both Yingluck and Sharif, who also serve as defence ministers, quickly agreed to bolster their defence cooperation, including high-level exchanges between all the armed forces; military training; scholarly exchanges; as well as collaboration in the defence industry. The new defence cooperation is an important development because for decades Thailand and Pakistan's top military leaders have regularly been in touch with one another. Most Thai military leaders have visited Pakistan and held talks. Thai military officials also regularly attend Pakistan's National Defence College.

From the Thai perspective, the most significant aspect of defence cooperation has to be in the defence industry. Of late, the Thai armed forces have emphasised the importance of arms research and innovation to improve the standards of the Thai arms industry as well as its ability to refurbish and repair. Thailand wants to tap Pakistan's know-how and technical expertise in helping its nascent arms industry, especially in areas of tank and artillery technology. As a close security partner of the US, Pakistan has benefited from American arms assistance. Pakistan can therefore help Thailand refurbish its US-made heavy arms arsenals at extremely low cost.

Finally, Thailand can also utilise Pakistan as a gateway to West Asia - including Afghanistan and the Middle East. Given the economic slowdown in parts of the developed world, the emerging markets in that region are pivotal to the vitality of the Thai economy.

-- The Nation 2013-08-25

[Pimay1]

as more Thai investors currently take advantage of the favourable economic climate there.

Caveat emptor.

[ratcatcher]

I trust the P.M. was also promoting Buddhism and all its benefits?

[chooka]

I see she is visiting Pakistan now. Has she planned a visit to Thailand in the near future? If she can't fit Thailand into her heavy schedule she should consider employing a Foreign Minister and Trade Minister.

[yooper2001]

How the hell can you expect Pakistan to help on defense when they cannot defend themselves from the Taliban. Their country is in complete turmoil and is dependent on America for support to the amount of billions of dollars

I think this is a BIG mistake for Thailand to get involved with Pakistan.

OH WELL GET OUT THE WELCOME SIGN FOR THE TALIBAN TO GET A FOOTHOLD IN THAILAND

[NongKhaiKid]

I trust the P.M. was also promoting Buddhism and all its benefits?

YL seems to have the hots for courting Moslem countries but I'll bet she will be told not try and to promote Buddhism in Pakistan. There are a lot of gentlemen in long robes carrying AK-47s who would have extreme, very extreme, objections.

[ChrisY1]

I think she's looking into goat farming for export to these countries.....!!

[Robby nz]

Pakistan has nukes, hope the high-level exchanges between all the armed forces doesn't include anything to do with them.

[chooka]

I think she's looking into goat farming for export to these countries.....!!

Excellent choice as it appears that rice farming has collapsed. Got to give it to the lady then as she is looking for alternate farming to recoup the losses in rice.

Get a few foreign investors on board, convince them there is a fortune to be made in goat herding and we will all be rich. Well at least I will grow rich on your money.

Edited August 25, 2013 by chooka

[impulse]

Do they have a market to trade in goat belly futures?

[theblether]

Time for the old joke about why Pakistan got banned from the World Cup, every time they got a corner they built a shop.

Seriously though, the Pakistani business community could teach Thailand a lot about international trade, work ethic and identifying opportunities.

People also overlook that Pakistani soldiers have died in their droves fighting the Taliban. The Taliban are a more serious threat to the Pakistani nation than they are to us.

It's better to look beyond the stereotype, you'll be amazed at what you find.

[clockman]

No she is looking for more corrupt countries than Thailand!

[boomerangutang]

Rich Saudis go to Pakistan to buy mid-teen wives. They pay just enough dowry to get the girl to shack up. They de-flower her, and then split town (solo) when it's no fun anymore, usually in a week or two. Maybe the Pakis have learned from that, and can take that skill to Thailand.

[skyaslimit]

Rich Saudis go to Pakistan to buy mid-teen wives. They pay just enough dowry to get the girl to shack up. They de-flower her, and then split town (solo) when it's no fun anymore, usually in a week or two. Maybe the Pakis have learned from that, and can take that skill to Thailand.

Well this is very rude comment.

sent by skyaslimit using thaivisa forum mobile app.

[noitom]

No she is looking for more corrupt countries than Thailand!

Hard to find but they're out there.

[Halion]

This woman and perhaps her entire goverment are criminaly stupid and supported by a media machine that will print almost anything . In my 30 years of envolvement in this country the current government is by far the most idiotic , however you can not fault her on being consistent.

[Nooky2]

I heard she was invited to christen a new shopping mall there.

[simple1]

Time for the old joke about why Pakistan got banned from the World Cup, every time they got a corner they built a shop.

Seriously though, the Pakistani business community could teach Thailand a lot about international trade, work ethic and identifying opportunities.

People also overlook that Pakistani soldiers have died in their droves fighting the Taliban. The Taliban are a more serious threat to the Pakistani nation than they are to us.

It's better to look beyond the stereotype, you'll be amazed at what you find.

Plus to date the Afghan and Pakistani Taliban have not been identified as being involved with international terrorism

Edited August 25, 2013 by simple1

[skonisa]

How the hell can you expect Pakistan to help on defense when they cannot defend themselves from the Taliban. Their country is in complete turmoil and is dependent on America for support to the amount of billions of dollars

I think this is a BIG mistake for Thailand to get involved with Pakistan.

OH WELL GET OUT THE WELCOME SIGN FOR THE TALIBAN TO GET A FOOTHOLD IN THAILAND

So mr idian u want visit to india for help for defence who doing evety thing in pakistan.helping anti pakistan movement.who helping afghanistan militians?indin embasy in afghanistan helping anti pakistan groups.bomb attack near pakistan border.what happing in peshawer.

[Jay Kay]

Rich Saudis go to Pakistan to buy mid-teen wives. They pay just enough dowry to get the girl to shack up. They de-flower her, and then split town (solo) when it's no fun anymore, usually in a week or two. Maybe the Pakis have learned from that, and can take that skill to Thailand.

Rich Saudis' all money is not in Pakistani Banks. Can you tell where it is and where all their oil is being exported to? So, is it not very easy to reach a conclusion that where Saudi "deflowering" happens the most??

Edited August 25, 2013 by Jay Kay

[GentlemanJim]

Rich Saudis go to Pakistan to buy mid-teen wives. They pay just enough dowry to get the girl to shack up. They de-flower her, and then split town (solo) when it's no fun anymore, usually in a week or two. Maybe the Pakis have learned from that, and can take that skill to Thailand.

Well this is very rude comment.

sent by skyaslimit using thaivisa forum mobile app.

I am intrigued as to why you are saying this is a 'rude' comment? I have a feeling it is because of the word Paki, and if so you are spouting utter PC nonesense. If British people are called 'Brits', Americans can be called 'Yanks' people from Thailand re called Thai's, Australians are Ozzie's, New Zealanders are Kiwi's, then why can people from Pakistan not be called 'Paki's, short as you know for Pakistani's? This kind of crap drives me insane.

I guess Yingluck had no choice but to improve trade relations with Pakistan, otherwise the new Thai Asian distribution hub in Tajikistan would be right up the Khyber wouldn't it.

[Songhua]

That's pretty much all the 'stans covered now.

[Jay Kay]

It is a futuristic and far sighted decision by the Thai govt. to refresh it's bilateral ties with it's former ally from SEATO. Because after the Nato forces withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014, Pakistan will be the gate way to oil and gas rich Central Asia. Thailand as a growing economy can benefit well and also be one of the pioneers to invest not only in Pakistan but Central Asian states.

Pakistan is fighting against terrorism for the last 12 years alone. And it had contained it successfully, and have cornered it to some areas adjacent to Afghanistan. At these difficult times, it needs sincere friends like Thailand.

Edited August 25, 2013 by Jay Kay

[simple1]

It is a futuristic and far sighted decision by the Thai govt. to refresh it's bilateral ties with it's former ally from SEATO. Because after the Nato forces withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014, Pakistan will be the gate way to oil and gas rich Central Asia. Thailand as a growing economy can benefit well and also be one of the pioneers to invest not only in Pakistan but Central Asian states. Pakistan is fighting against terrorism for the last 12 years alone. And it had contained it successfully, and have cornered it to some areas adjacent to Afghanistan. At these difficult times, it needs sincere friends like Thailand.

Pakistan has been playing a two faced game for years in the War on Terror. Yes, Pakistan has been fighting the Pakistani Taliban and other internal Islamic extremist groups. At the same time it has been actively assisting Afghan Taliban and others in their attacks within Afghanistan for many years. Many analysts and observers state Pakistani support for extremists to launch attacks in Afghanistan is to counter Indian influence and investment and to support attacks against India in places such as Kashmir.

[Jay Kay]

It is a futuristic and far sighted decision by the Thai govt. to refresh it's bilateral ties with it's former ally from SEATO. Because after the Nato forces withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014, Pakistan will be the gate way to oil and gas rich Central Asia. Thailand as a growing economy can benefit well and also be one of the pioneers to invest not only in Pakistan but Central Asian states. Pakistan is fighting against terrorism for the last 12 years alone. And it had contained it successfully, and have cornered it to some areas adjacent to Afghanistan. At these difficult times, it needs sincere friends like Thailand.

Pakistan has been playing a two faced game for years in the War on Terror. Yes, Pakistan has been fighting the Pakistani Taliban and other internal Islamic extremist groups. At the same time it has been actively assisting Afghan Taliban and others in their attacks within Afghanistan for many years. Many analysts and observers state Pakistani support for extremists to launch attacks in Afghanistan is to counter Indian influence and investment and to support attacks against India in places such as Kashmir.

Totally a misperception. You cant just blame Pakistan for the failure of 49 nations, mostly super powers. Suppose, if a layman buys your argument for one minute, it means that Pakistan is mightier than the whole ISAF forces? Why can't they stop it? Why the president Obama and Sen. Kerry praise Pakistan's role on daily basis? Afghans have always been like that, a tough resistance force to any invader. Since long before Pakistan was created. Pakistanis have offered 40,000 lives for the sake of world peace. Who else, among ISAF and NATO have sacrificed even quarter of it?

Some say Pakistan had got billions of dollars in aid from the U.S. I say they only got some less than 5 billion dollars plus promises and have spent it's own 70 billion rupees from the national ex-chequer i.e. tax payers money. If you can't help it's okay. But don't try to underestimate or malign their truest endeavours.

Edited August 25, 2013 by Jay Kay

[simple1]

It is a futuristic and far sighted decision by the Thai govt. to refresh it's bilateral ties with it's former ally from SEATO. Because after the Nato forces withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2014, Pakistan will be the gate way to oil and gas rich Central Asia. Thailand as a growing economy can benefit well and also be one of the pioneers to invest not only in Pakistan but Central Asian states. Pakistan is fighting against terrorism for the last 12 years alone. And it had contained it successfully, and have cornered it to some areas adjacent to Afghanistan. At these difficult times, it needs sincere friends like Thailand.

Pakistan has been playing a two faced game for years in the War on Terror. Yes, Pakistan has been fighting the Pakistani Taliban and other internal Islamic extremist groups. At the same time it has been actively assisting Afghan Taliban and others in their attacks within Afghanistan for many years. Many analysts and observers state Pakistani support for extremists to launch attacks in Afghanistan is to counter Indian influence and investment and to support attacks against India in places such as Kashmir.

Totally a misperception. You cant just blame Pakistan for the failure of 49 nations, mostly super powers. Suppose, if a layman buys your argument for one minute, it means that Pakistan is mightier than the whole ISAF forces? Why can't they stop it? Why the president Obama and Sen. Kerry praise Pakistan's role on daily basis? Afghans have always been like that, a tough resistance force to any invader. Since long before Pakistan was created.

Did not lay blame Pakistan for the "failure" of ISAF, just indicated Pakistani elements play a very complicated game. Diplomatic statements by the US Adimnistration are just that; diplomatic.

[tomross46]

Since the students have returned from Egypt, they night want to go to Pakistan for religious training. There are numerous training schools along the Pakistan, Afghanistan border.

Edited August 25, 2013 by tomross46

[Scott]

One off-topic post has been deleted. There are a number of questionable posts that should be deleted. Please stay on the topic.

[Jay Kay]

You can wake up someone who is sleeping. But, can't wake the one who pretends.

Edited August 25, 2013 by Jay Kay

[geriatrickid]

Time for the old joke about why Pakistan got banned from the World Cup, every time they got a corner they built a shop.

Seriously though, the Pakistani business community could teach Thailand a lot about international trade, work ethic and identifying opportunities.

People also overlook that Pakistani soldiers have died in their droves fighting the Taliban. The Taliban are a more serious threat to the Pakistani nation than they are to us.

It's better to look beyond the stereotype, you'll be amazed at what you find.

Oh Please. The cornershops you allude too are renowned for their ability to trade in counterfeit goods, and to circumvent applicable laws in the sale of tobacco to minors, hygiene etc. The Pakistani government has been extorting the west for decades, playing the west for fools. The taliban exists because it is in Pakistan's best interests to allow them to exist. What a great opportunity to demand "aid" from the west. The Taliban serves Pakistan's interest as it seeks to destabilize Afghanistan under the false assumption that anything that hurts India is good for Pakistan. All of the aforementioned point to one thing and one thing only: Pakistan is a defacto enemy of Thailand, despite sharing some negative qualities. the Pakistanis will betray Thailand just as they have betrayed their Indian sisters and brothers. The Pakistani state reviles the basis of the Thai state, and yet the Thai government runs to embrace what is ostensibly a toxic nation.

The Thai government is making a serious, tactical mistake seeking to "curry" favour with pakistan, China's defacto ally against India. The Thai government should be focusing on building bridges to India and seeking common ground. One would think that with some shared common religious origins and culture, that India would be the natural direction. But no, India is aligned with Myanmar and India is a threat on the world rice market. India will win its slow and steady campaign in Afghanistan and the oil will flow through India, not Pakistan. It is more likely that Pakistan will be nuked into a wasteland by India than Pakistan ever becoming peaceful and functional.

Cosying up to Pakistan is a waste of time and effort. It is a basket case country and sooner rather than later, India will deal with its castoff state.

Edited August 25, 2013 by geriatrickid