US 'regrets' loss of life in Thai protests

WASHINGTON, December 3, 2013 (AFP) - The United States voiced regret Monday that several people have been killed in clashes rocking Thailand and urged the opposition and beleaguered Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to hold talks to end the political crisis.

"We are concerned about the continuing political tension in Thailand and we are following the situation closely," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

"Peaceful protest and freedom of expression are important aspects of democracy... Violence and seizure of public or private property, however, are not acceptable means of resolving political differences."

US ambassador Kristie Kenney had spoken with Shinawatra and with opposition leaders to "encourage restraint and peaceful dialogue," Psaki told reporters.

"We certainly deeply regret the loss of life in Bangkok due to politically motivated violence. We condemn violence as a means to achieve political objectives and urge all sides to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law," she added.

Shinawatra Monday rejected the demands of demonstrators who have urged her to quit, as police issued an arrest warrant for "insurrection" against the protest leader.

Police used rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon against rock-throwing demonstrators as they strengthened their defense of key government buildings, after weekend unrest in the capital left several dead and more than 100 wounded.

The protests, aimed at unseating the elected government and replacing it with a "people's council", are the latest outbreak of civil strife to rock the kingdom since royalist generals ousted Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck's brother, seven years ago.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-12-03

state department to Thailand and Iraq, we comdemn violence as away to achieve political objectives. <deleted>. dont they know about their own history?

Which Shinawatra did the US ambassador speak with?

This is typical US foreign policy hypocrisy. The US was quick to support protesters in Syria, numerous "regime changes" throughout history, and it is shameful that the US aligns silently with Thailand's elite, military, privileged class, censored kleptocracy. Thailand operates extensively in human and sex trade trafficking, illegal property, poaching of protected wildlife, money laundering, and drug trafficking.

The US' protection of Thailand and silence is shameful. The majority population of Thailand is outside of fair rule of law, due process, and fair representation in society and the economy. The US is happy so long as Thailand remains a base of intelligence operations and the US is happy to keep handing out its taxpayer dollars to various state department and intelligence programs that we rarely if ever hear about. The US knows that the Thai government is being controlled by an exiled former PM and it just stands by in silence. iT is truly despicable US behavior.

state department to Thailand and Iraq, we condemn violence as away to achieve political objectives. <deleted>. dont they know about their own history?

I know...Funny stuff right there.

"I have two words for you. Predator Drones"

Pres. B.Obama.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70MECTuF7sg

Does the US regret the loss of life in Pakistan, of children tending goats, and wedding parties etc.

This is typical US foreign policy hypocrisy. The US was quick to support protesters in Syria, numerous "regime changes" throughout history, and it is shameful that the US aligns silently with Thailand's elite, military, privileged class, censored kleptocracy. Thailand operates extensively in human and sex trade trafficking, illegal property, poaching of protected wildlife, money laundering, and drug trafficking.

The US' protection of Thailand and silence is shameful. The majority population of Thailand is outside of fair rule of law, due process, and fair representation in society and the economy. The US is happy so long as Thailand remains a base of intelligence operations and the US is happy to keep handing out its taxpayer dollars to various state department and intelligence programs that we rarely if ever hear about. The US knows that the Thai government is being controlled by an exiled former PM and it just stands by in silence. iT is truly despicable US behavior.

Thailand has an elected government. It may be corrupt as people suggest as all of their governments may have been, but the majority of voters wanted this government. Now a minority would like to overthrow the government and install a dictatorship (by the people). The US is not standing by the former PM. The US actually revoked his US visa several years ago if you remember correctly. What would you have the US do? Invade Thailand? That worked out well in Iraq. Yes, the USA is to blame for supporting the right to peaceful protest being against violence and in support of an elected government. Shame on them! It is up to the Thai people to settle this problem through a fair election system instead of by mob rule and by coup.

This is funny and typical from US.

This is typical US foreign policy hypocrisy. The US was quick to support protesters in Syria, numerous "regime changes" throughout history, and it is shameful that the US aligns silently with Thailand's elite, military, privileged class, censored kleptocracy. Thailand operates extensively in human and sex trade trafficking, illegal property, poaching of protected wildlife, money laundering, and drug trafficking.

The US' protection of Thailand and silence is shameful. The majority population of Thailand is outside of fair rule of law, due process, and fair representation in society and the economy. The US is happy so long as Thailand remains a base of intelligence operations and the US is happy to keep handing out its taxpayer dollars to various state department and intelligence programs that we rarely if ever hear about. The US knows that the Thai government is being controlled by an exiled former PM and it just stands by in silence. iT is truly despicable US behavior.

Thailand has an elected government. It may be corrupt as people suggest as all of their governments may have been, but the majority of voters wanted this government. Now a minority would like to overthrow the government and install a dictatorship (by the people). The US is not standing by the former PM. The US actually revoked his US visa several years ago if you remember correctly. What would you have the US do? Invade Thailand? That worked out well in Iraq. Yes, the USA is to blame for supporting the right to peaceful protest being against violence and in support of an elected government. Shame on them! It is up to the Thai people to settle this problem through a fair election system instead of by mob rule and by coup.

How many times to pro PTP supporters claim that a majority of voters wanted this government.

They got 48% of votes cast on a 75% turnout of possible voters.

So 48% of 75% equals 51% of 100%. Sure - must be figures from the Finance or Commerce Ministries. Theirs never quite add up either.

we do not condemn the violence in oblabla's neighborhood of Chicago, or the 'knockout' idiots attacking seniors and women.

Gotta laugh at US state dept bullshit and hypocrisy

Gotta laugh at US state dept bullshit and hypocrisy

yes and my country australia which bushy appointed deputee dawg.