PM Yingluck plans Russia, US visits

[webfact]

UNSC
Yingluck plans Russia, US visits
Supalak Ganjanakhundee
Nuntida Puangthong
The Nation


Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra

Prime minister to make kingdom's case for seat on un security council; Moscow visit set for december, no confirmation of a date yet from Washington

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER Yingluck Shinawatra is planning to visit the United States and Russia, two of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), some time this year to secure their backing for Thailand's bid to serve in the UNSC in 2017-18.

Moscow has written to the Thai Foreign Minister confirming that it was ready to host Yingluck on December 9-10, a source working with an ad hoc panel on foreign strategy said, though no schedule has been sent in by Washington so far.

Though moves to schedule her official trips to the US and Russia began last year, the domestic political situation held things back, the source said.

Since taking office on August 5, 2011, Yingluck has visited three other UNSC permanent members - China on April 17-20 last year and again on September 1-3 this year, France on July 20-21 last year and the United Kingdom from November 12-15 last year.

If elected for the 2017-18 term, this will be the second time for Thailand to serve as one of the 10 non-permanent members on the Security Council. The first time it served was in 1985-86. The UNSC has 15 members, including five veto-wielding permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States - essentially the powers that helped win World War II, after which the United Nations was established.

The US government has reportedly said it was ready to host Yingluck as a state guest after Barack Obama. However, no date has been confirmed.

On Monday, Thailand will host a reception in New York to formally inform the international community that it will seek a non-permanent seat on the UNSC. Thailand's delegation to the UN General Assembly and its permanent representative to the UN have been busy calling on counterparts from many countries to brief them of its intention and ask for support.

"Every country, big or small, has one vote, so we have to meet as many as possible, notably those we know only a little," Sihasak Phuangketkeow, permanent secretary at the Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday.

The theme for Thailand to serve on the UNSC this time is to bridge the gap between developed and developing members for peace and development.

'Moderating diplomacy'

"Our moderating diplomacy can construct a compromise of all stances for the mutual benefit of all. I think we have the ability to build a consensus around many disputes," he said.

Thailand has contributed to the UN's affairs consistently and continuously. Its peacekeeping force has joined the UN's blue beret contingents in many conflict-ridden places around the globe. Security in the modern world is not only state security and conflict is not only conflict among nations. New emerging conflicts are sometimes between state and civic groups.

"The UNSC has to consider conflict and security in new dimensions as well as the link between security and development," said Sihasak.

"Post-conflict resolution and the restoration of lasting peace are based on development work."

The Foreign Ministry has charted a campaign strategy along geographical lines. Pacific island states, Africa and Latin America are not a priority.

"Strategically, we don't approach UN members merely to ask them to vote for us but offer what we can do for them in terms of security and development concerns as well as UN development agendas," he said.

Countries will be approached in different ways - bilaterally and multilaterally. Many forums such as the Africa Institute and Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation, for which Thailand is the coordinator, would be utilised.

Asean, of which Thailand is a member, would not only be asked to give direct support but also to help Thailand seek the backing of countries outside the grouping. Thailand is Asean's candidate, so all members are expected to aid its bid.

Prime Minister Yingluck and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul would work to secure support from their counterparts.

The Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency would play an important role in this campaign, contributing in cash and kind to UN members.

Besides the wide campaign, the Foreign Ministry has continued trade-off support among UN members since the proposal to be a candidate for UNSC non-permanent membership was approved by the Cabinet in 2009.

The ministry has secured some 60 vote commitments from UN members so far. At least two-thirds, or 129 votes, are needed to guarantee its position in the security body.

Usually, there are several vacancies among the 10 non-permanent seats of the UNSC, which are allocated to five regions. Thailand will apply under the Asian quota, which has only one seat in 2017-18, and Kazakhstan is now a major rival for Thailand.

The election for the 2017-18 term will be held during the 71st UN General Assembly in October 2016. "This government, following governments and officials at the ministry, would work hard until that day," said Sihasak.

The campaign might need some funds in addition to the regular budget for some special projects.

"But, basically most of the tasks for the campaign get by with routine work," he said.

The benefits from a position in the UNSC might not be quantifiable but it could raise the profile of the country by playing a greater role in the international community.

It's about national dignity, he added.


-- The Nation 2013-09-27

[Chittychangchang]

Yep! She's still looking fine in that gold number.

CCC

[notmyself]

Don't push it girl.

[Thait Spot]

There's a lot of face to be lost

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[NongKhaiKid]

There's a lot of face to be lost

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Most definitely. In the US just how far up the chain will she be received ?

[Mosha]

There's a lot of face to be lost

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Most definitely. In the US just how far up the chain will she be received ?

Senior shop assistant?

[webfact]

One post removed.

/Admin

[Tatsujin]

There's a lot of face to be lost

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Most definitely. In the US just how far up the chain will she be received ?

The baggage handler at the airport. The US isn't interested in meeting with her OR having Thailand as part of the UN.

[NongKhaiKid]

There's a lot of face to be lost

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Most definitely. In the US just how far up the chain will she be received ?

The baggage handler at the airport. The US isn't interested in meeting with her OR having Thailand as part of the UN.

Indeed and if she doesn't meet Obama, Biden or Kerry it will be impossible to spin the trip as a success although the average Thai isn't likely to be interested.

I would suspect both government and the media will discreetly avoid saying too much about that particular trip.

[Yunla]

That photo is a gem.

Caption > "I can't believe I'm getting paid for this."

[NongKhaiKid]

I think we can imagine how the US trip could badly backfire but what of the visit to Russia, what will she say to Vladimir IF she gets to meet him ?

YL - " I know we are best friends with America, sort of, but we want to be friends with you too. In fact we can be your new best friends if the price is right and forget the US. I will happily welcome you in Pattaya or Phuket where your countrymen more or less run the show anyway. "

" Oh by the way Vlad if i need to do a runner, this time from the law not the media, can I get the same deal as Edward Snowden ? "

[ezzra]

And now we know folks, someone have to fund all those frequent lavish trips abroad,

we know why this government need to borrow 2.2 trillion baht to be paid

by the next 2 generations of Thai people.. what a sweet deal, they will get all the money

with all the perks that come with it, to be paid by the poor sods up to 50 years..

[Skywalker69]

Don't push it girl.

Can it be Thaksin "The UN is not my father" pushing it?

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[Baerboxer]

Laughable - but equally sad.

With all the problems at home, the rarely present PM/DM wants to travel more to lobby for Thailand to get a seat on the UNSC. All window dressing to show how important and powerful the Shin clan are. Sadly millions of poor Thai people who have been deprived of an education will believe what they are told.

"Sorry your house is flooded again - and you haven't had the promised money from the last flood yet. But the PM/DM is doing a wonderful job lobbying for our country to be internationally recognized for its stand against corruption, human trafficking and rights abuses and our stand for democracy. Even the UN takes her seriously. Of course, she needed a budget for all this but its money well spent. Much more important than infrastructure, health, education and water management."

[GrantSmith]

Hmmmmmm... The President... I mean the First Lady... No, I mean the President... Will be none to impressed by this news

[Jingthing]

President Obama would meet with her. Of course. She won't get a special state dinner. No chance.

[klauskunkel]

Ready to bring Thainess to the Security Council...

[COXYATCITY]

she could do with a holiday

[laurentbkk]

Actually as PM she has the right to travel as much as she wants if its for the benefit of the country no ?

[anon467367354]

"Though moves to schedule her official trips to the US and Russia began last year, the domestic political situation held things back, the source said."

How is it that the "domestic political situation" has held her back from this but not from going to the other 40 something or other countries on shopping trips?

I can't honestly say I've seen her yet take an interest in what's going on in Thailand yet.

[Chrisswe]

Also important to restore conference and good reputation after the coup makers Democratic party government! !

[Credo]

Yingluck has done more to advance Thailand in the international scene than any Thai politician. Her trips are far from 'lavish' and she is strengthening the importance of Thailand globally. Thailand remains a pretty important geo-political player.

Of course, she could just stay home and do her nails, but then she would be bashed for not doing enough to further the country.

[Torrens54]

The PM to visit Russia and the USA?

Sounds like a great opportunity for a Leading Stateswoman such as herself to mediate between Obama and Putin. Perhaps she could get them to "kiss and make-up?"

If that works, next stop could be Iran and then even Syria....endless possibilities!!!

Anyway, she's still the best looking PM, anywhere in the world.

Edited September 27, 2013 by Torrens54

[A1Str8]

While in the U.S she is going to make a good impression with her bargirl english once again.

[Halion]

Actually as PM she has the right to travel as much as she wants if its for the benefit of the country no ?

Your first point is quite correct but only if it is to the benifit of the country as her travel budget is paid by the tax payers

Her travel schedule should be determined by the needs of the country not the specific desires of the Shiniwatra clan

She is going to Russia and the USA to loby for Thailand having a seat on the UNSC.!!!!

Perhaps it would be better for here to stay home and help to sort out the decades of terrorism that have been rampant in the southern provences . Not nearly so glamerous.

Quite frankly the woman is acting in a most self serving manner and has been since day one.

Heirarchal societies are only possible on the basis of poverty and ignorance.

[A1Str8]

Yingluck has done more to advance Thailand in the international scene than any Thai politician. Her trips are far from 'lavish' and she is strengthening the importance of Thailand globally. Thailand remains a pretty important geo-political player.

Of course, she could just stay home and do her nails, but then she would be bashed for not doing enough to further the country.

Beg to differ. The reason she is rarely in Thailand is not because she is keen to do a lot for the country. She doesn't even want to be part of this circus, called politics. The reason behind her constant absence is simply the fact that while here, she is prison. She is a puppet of her family. She does not do what is good for the country. She does what she is told. Like everywhere else, the game is rigged. And she is just a presentable woman who executes tasks given by those who call the shots.

Edited September 27, 2013 by A1Str8

[jcb2001]

Yingluck has done more to advance Thailand in the international scene than any Thai politician. Her trips are far from 'lavish' and she is strengthening the importance of Thailand globally. Thailand remains a pretty important geo-political player.

Of course, she could just stay home and do her nails, but then she would be bashed for not doing enough to further the country.

[Thait Spot]

Yingluck has done more to advance Thailand in the international scene than any Thai politician.   Her trips are far from 'lavish' and she is strengthening the importance of Thailand globally.   Thailand remains a pretty important geo-political player.   

 

Of course, she could just stay home and do her nails, but then she would be bashed for not doing enough to further the country.   

Impotence more like.

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[hammered]

The minority that hate her will rant on and use more misogynistic attacks which will backfire. If she is seen as doing to little for the country she can be kicked out at the next election. That is what happened to her predecessor when the Thai people judged him. That is how democracy works. The current hatred towards her is not only ridiculous but backfires badly and undermines the opposition who are in desperate need of new leadership and a move away from the politics of vulgarity and hatred, so that the country will actually have a viable and electable alternative at the earliest opportunity.

[winstonc]

Actually as PM she has the right to travel as much as she wants if its for the benefit of the country no ?

benefit who exactly...come on lauren..you know you can do better than that..