STR protests US 'interference in Thai internal affairs'

[maxx58]

This is good. The US should be pounding the table for reform and the steps toward eliminating pervasive corruption in Thailand. The US and other major governments have long been tolerant of a known corrupt and abusive Thailand. On one hand the US voices support of people's movements around the world in Africa and the Middle East but fails to do so in the case of Thailand. For too long the US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand. Give the people of Thailand their due hearing America. Let them propose reform, support them and stop pandering to the elite corrupt privileged class in Thailand.

You've got to be kidding.

The US has a history of supporting tyrants as long as they marched to the American's beat. The Shah, Sadaam, Noreiga, Batista, Trujillo, I could go on and on, were all propped up and supported by the US. Once they outlived their usefulness they were discarded.

Karsai is the latest crook, but his days are numbered.

All the US cares about in Thailand is a stable government. They need military bases for their future war with China. So, whether it's Thaksin or Bozo the Clown, it matters little as long as the US's interest are served.

[unanimosity]

This isnt Libya and Qadaffi. Why should the US be policing the world for corrupt governments?

There is nothing wrong with the Americans policing the world for corrupt governments.

In that case they should not be supporting either this corrupt caretaker government or polls on Feb 2nd without first implementing urgently needed political reforms to ensure fairness and transparency - something this government is incapable of abiding by.

Didn't impartial international onlookers deem the last election to be fair and democratic?

[BuddyPinkham]

I agree, as a US Citizen, we need a new ambassador. I don't see that she does anything other than look for those PHOTO OPS which we see every other day!

[noitom]

This is good. The US should be pounding the table for reform and the steps toward eliminating pervasive corruption in Thailand. The US and other major governments have long been tolerant of a known corrupt and abusive Thailand. On one hand the US voices support of people's movements around the world in Africa and the Middle East but fails to do so in the case of Thailand. For too long the US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand. Give the people of Thailand their due hearing America. Let them propose reform, support them and stop pandering to the elite corrupt privileged class in Thailand.

That's why these buggars are complaining.

Just imagine what political and business life was like before thaksin. All hunkey dorey. Zero accountability, zero interference.

How many stories were there in the press about corruption before thaksin. As much as anyone hates thaksin, his creation has moved the political process through 50 years in 10.

The result might not be perfect but it has certainly got the ammart jumping around. Politics will NEVER be the same in thailand after this last 10 years.

That's the problem. There is no real free press or freedom of speech in Thailand.

[SICHONSTEVE]

This isnt Libya and Qadaffi. Why should the US be policing the world for corrupt governments?

There is nothing wrong with the Americans policing the world for corrupt governments.

In that case they should not be supporting either this corrupt caretaker government or polls on Feb 2nd without first implementing urgently needed political reforms to ensure fairness and transparency - something this government is incapable of abiding by.

Didn't impartial international onlookers deem the last election to be fair and democratic?

What has it got to do with this?

Have they followed up on how this so called government has tried to destroy democracy and remove checks and balances so that they can do what they want and disregard the courts laws if it interferes with their 'nice little earner' corruption scams. To be honest, Thaksin would like it to to be a dictator government like China without an opposition. Is that right in this day and age!!

He is a fugitive that should not be involved in Thai politics whereas, it seems, the only thing that counts is himself 'and sod the stupid people'.

[pianoman]

It so happens that the Yellows do not want an election at this time.

The US has voiced support for Democracy and the Rule of Law.

The US view would be the same if it was the Reds/Greens/Variegateds who did not want an election as stipulated by law.

Exactly. Suthep doesn't want an election.

The USA is playing this very smart.

Get rid of yingluck but insist on democracy.

Wouldn't your last sentence be an oxymoron? "Get rid of yingluck but insist on democracy."

May 2011, general election, Didn't the PTP get 48.41% or (15.7 million ) of the popular vote? and the Dems got 35.15% or (11.15) of the popular vote?

IMO, that would be democracy.

The current protestors can barely raise 200,000 or less at any time, The numbers speak for themselves.

I seriously doubt the reds had any more than 200,000 when they were trying to overthrow the government.

The "Red's" were not trying to overthrow the goverment, they were trying to get the "Coop" appointed goverment to honor their promises to hold a Proper Democratically run Election...

[indyuk]

This is good. The US should be pounding the table for reform and the steps toward eliminating pervasive corruption in Thailand. The US and other major governments have long been tolerant of a known corrupt and abusive Thailand. On one hand the US voices support of people's movements around the world in Africa and the Middle East but fails to do so in the case of Thailand. For too long the US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand. Give the people of Thailand their due hearing America. Let them propose reform, support them and stop pandering to the elite corrupt privileged class in Thailand.

The standard protocol of foreign governments that were democratically elected is friendly and supportive toward all other democratic governments. No government respects activist groups that use anarchy in their attempt to bring their legitimate government down.

Governments do try and make things better for populations that are oppressed by their own government. In such cases if the people form a movement that seeks to replace their government can get some support from foreign governments who are sympathetic to their cause. However all governments are extremely cautious if the government in place was elected democratically.

The Suthep protesters are rallying because their preferred minority party cannot win elections democratically. Accordingly they resorted first to malfeasance and then to anarchy. They do not represent the people. If they did they would win elections.

For the second time in ten years the Democrats have drawn a curtain to hide their anger so that their nominees can rally in the name of selected criminal elements such as those led by Suthep just now.

The cost to Thailand of Suthep's Democrats trying to insert themselves into government by criminal means is devastating. Each time in the last ten years most of the progress achieved by the people of Thailand is trashed by the Democrats and their nominees with their serial attempts to direct the wealth of the nation back into the hands of their Elite family sponsors.

As you and the entire Democrat Party must know the current government was elected lawfully by the people. If you want a Democrat government you have to show the ALL of the people that they are will fairly represented by your party of preference.

To suggest that the real problem is that the Democratic model which has enriched so many of the world's nations in the last century is not appropriate for the governance of Thailand the argument of fools.

[BlueSkyCowboy]

This is good. The US should be pounding the table for reform and the steps toward eliminating pervasive corruption in Thailand. The US and other major governments have long been tolerant of a known corrupt and abusive Thailand. On one hand the US voices support of people's movements around the world in Africa and the Middle East but fails to do so in the case of Thailand. For too long the US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand. Give the people of Thailand their due hearing America. Let them propose reform, support them and stop pandering to the elite corrupt privileged class in Thailand.

The current "American government" is morally not

[BlueSkyCowboy]

This isnt Libya and Qadaffi. Why should the US be policing the world for corrupt governments?

We in America have a verry corrupt government and a fraud in the White House. So who are we to critizise others?

[kamahele]

It seems in Asia, if another country states an opinion and doesn't without taking any action they are "interfering" in internal matters.

[Lancelot]

The statements I saw were fairly vanilla basically saying the US supported democracy.

I do understand that many foreign governments are offended about US involvement in their internal affairs.

Actually the US is an easy target. If I were an offended government, I would reply with something along the line of highlighting Detroit, bankrupt with whole square miles of vacant homes that illiterate teens burn down for fun.

"Hello America! After you have solved your own internal problems; feel free to comment on ours :)"

* Yeah, I'm from the USA

[Emdog]

Trying to attack the USA as somehow an evil force trying to keep the (elected) government in power until elections either replace or confirm the people want to continue elected government shows how much Suthep and others are grasping at any straw. The implication that somehow an unelected group of power elite will somehow institute real reform is ludicrous beyond belief. people get the government they deserve.

[HerbalEd]

This is good. The US should be pounding the table for reform and the steps toward eliminating pervasive corruption in Thailand. The US and other major governments have long been tolerant of a known corrupt and abusive Thailand. On one hand the US voices support of people's movements around the world in Africa and the Middle East but fails to do so in the case of Thailand. For too long the US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand. Give the people of Thailand their due hearing America. Let them propose reform, support them and stop pandering to the elite corrupt privileged class in Thailand.

As usual, the US is damed if they do and damed if they don't ... but I've never heard of demonstrations against US aid, loan, assistance during national disasters like the tsunami, etc.

[salavan]

This isnt Libya and Qadaffi. Why should the US be policing the world for corrupt governments?

because they have a financial interest in those country's

[Jingthing]

The American Joe The Plumbers on the street are all abuzz over this rude protest by the Thai-wanese students! They have threatened to boycott fish sauce!

[Thai at Heart]

It so happens that the Yellows do not want an election at this time.

The US has voiced support for Democracy and the Rule of Law.

The US view would be the same if it was the Reds/Greens/Variegateds who did not want an election as stipulated by law.

Exactly. Suthep doesn't want an election.

The USA is playing this very smart.

Get rid of yingluck but insist on democracy.

Wouldn't your last sentence be an oxymoron? "Get rid of yingluck but insist on democracy."

May 2011, general election, Didn't the PTP get 48.41% or (15.7 million ) of the popular vote? and the Dems got 35.15% or (11.15) of the popular vote?

IMO, that would be democracy.

The current protestors can barely raise 200,000 or less at any time, The numbers speak for themselves.

Not really.

The USA could be looking at this as political growing pains.. As long as there is an election, the USA can deal with the winners. They can't deal really with the army.

So, if you want to get rid of yingluck, at least have an election and not.some appointed committee.

[dao16]

Obviously, these people don't understand how diplomacy works (nor do some people on this board). This lady has an ambassadorial post. Her job is to represent Washington's policies in this particular country. Replacing her will get another person who's job will be to represent Washington's policies in this particular country. Yes, ambassadors have the ability to give feedback and local insight, but it isn't like she can just change policy on her own. Apply for a job with the foreign service and it is actually IN the job description, saying that you must have the ability to work on and promote US policies, even if you personally disagree with them (not saying that she does, but either way, it doesn't matter since she has to promote the policy created in Washington).

argh.....

[Valentine]

The "Red's" were not trying to overthrow the goverment, they were trying to get the "Coop" appointed goverment to honor their promises to hold a Proper Democratically run Election...

You either have a selective memory, you were not here or simply misrepresenting. Live on TV during negotiations between red shirt leaders & the government which offered to hold elections. All was agreeable until one of the red shirts took a phone call & then the deal was off. I believe this to be a defining moment in Thai history as whoever was responsible for ordering the deal to be cancelled should be hung out to dry as we all know what happened afterwards with many lives being lost. No need to go into the blame game of who was wrong or right in the riots, deaths & burnings as that would not have happened had the deal been adhered to.

Edited December 20, 2013 by Valentine

[thailiketoo]

This is good. The US should be pounding the table for reform and the steps toward eliminating pervasive corruption in Thailand. The US and other major governments have long been tolerant of a known corrupt and abusive Thailand. On one hand the US voices support of people's movements around the world in Africa and the Middle East but fails to do so in the case of Thailand. For too long the US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand. Give the people of Thailand their due hearing America. Let them propose reform, support them and stop pandering to the elite corrupt privileged class in Thailand.

You wrote, "US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand."

New York Times 3 days ago.

"In today’s fractured Thailand, a majority wants more democracy, but a minority, including many rich and powerful people, is petrified by the thought of it.

Because a number of the protest leaders are members of Thailand’s wealthiest families, some have described the demonstrations here as the antithesis of the Occupy Wall Street movement. This is the 1 percent rebelling against the 99 percent, they say."

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690354-ny-times-brands-current-protests-in-thailand-undemocratic-movement/

I think you got the protestors mixed up. The poor farmers wear red shirts and the guys protesting now have the cash and property.

Edited December 20, 2013 by thailiketoo

[rijb]

This isnt Libya and Qadaffi. Why should the US be policing the world for corrupt governments?

We in America have a verry corrupt government and a fraud in the White House. So who are we to critizise others?

It's good that you're trying to make friends over here. They would really be impressed if you burnt the flag.

[Mackie]

This is good. The US should be pounding the table for reform and the steps toward eliminating pervasive corruption in Thailand. The US and other major governments have long been tolerant of a known corrupt and abusive Thailand. On one hand the US voices support of people's movements around the world in Africa and the Middle East but fails to do so in the case of Thailand. For too long the US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand. Give the people of Thailand their due hearing America. Let them propose reform, support them and stop pandering to the elite corrupt privileged class in Thailand.

New York Times 3 days ago.

"In today’s fractured Thailand, a majority wants more democracy, but a minority, including many rich and powerful people, is petrified by the thought of it.

Because a number of the protest leaders are members of Thailand’s wealthiest families, some have described the demonstrations here as the antithesis of the Occupy Wall Street movement. This is the 1 percent rebelling against the 99 percent, they say."

But what they failed or forgot to mention is that the red shirt movement is as democratic as Khmer Rouge was in Cambodia. All those red villages across Thailand have been established with the assistance and help of one of the biggest democrats and human rights lovers Hun Sen. He thought them how to brainwash villagers and spread the propaganda. Furthermore, what they fail to mention is that Thaksin was the biggest human rights abuser in the modern Thai history. 3,000 people killed extrajudicially and more than half of them were innocent. A prove fact. 85 people killed in Tak Bai incident, between 2001-2005 18 human rights activists were assassinated etc...etc...So to imply that Shinawatra clan favours and supports democracy is beyond ridiculous. They actually abuse it for their own hideous agenda.

Edited December 20, 2013 by Mackie

[nputman]

Just another damned if you do and damned if you don't situations.

[fab4]

It so happens that the Yellows do not want an election at this time.

The US has voiced support for Democracy and the Rule of Law.

The US view would be the same if it was the Reds/Greens/Variegateds who did not want an election as stipulated by law.

Exactly. Suthep doesn't want an election.

The USA is playing this very smart.

Get rid of yingluck but insist on democracy.

Wouldn't your last sentence be an oxymoron? "Get rid of yingluck but insist on democracy."

May 2011, general election, Didn't the PTP get 48.41% or (15.7 million ) of the popular vote? and the Dems got 35.15% or (11.15) of the popular vote?

IMO, that would be democracy.

The current protestors can barely raise 200,000 or less at any time, The numbers speak for themselves.

I seriously doubt the reds had any more than 200,000 when they were trying to overthrow the government.

Actually they demonstrated and won an early election - the very anthithesis of this bunch. The government was "overthrown" because they did not receive as many votes as the PTP got. Now thats how democratic elections work.

[thailiketoo]

This is good. The US should be pounding the table for reform and the steps toward eliminating pervasive corruption in Thailand. The US and other major governments have long been tolerant of a known corrupt and abusive Thailand. On one hand the US voices support of people's movements around the world in Africa and the Middle East but fails to do so in the case of Thailand. For too long the US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand. Give the people of Thailand their due hearing America. Let them propose reform, support them and stop pandering to the elite corrupt privileged class in Thailand.

New York Times 3 days ago.

"In today’s fractured Thailand, a majority wants more democracy, but a minority, including many rich and powerful people, is petrified by the thought of it.

Because a number of the protest leaders are members of Thailand’s wealthiest families, some have described the demonstrations here as the antithesis of the Occupy Wall Street movement. This is the 1 percent rebelling against the 99 percent, they say."

But what they failed or forgot to mention is that the red shirt movement is as democratic as Khmer Rouge was in Cambodia. All those red villages across Thailand have been established with the assistance and help of one of the biggest democrats and human rights lovers Hun Sen. He thought them how to brainwash villagers and spread the propaganda. Furthermore, what they fail to mention is that Thaksin was the biggest human rights abuser in the modern Thai history. 3,000 people killed extrajudicially and more than half of them were innocent. A prove fact. 85 people killed in Tak Bai incident, between 2001-2005 18 human rights activists were assassinated etc...etc...So to imply that Shinawatra clan favours and supports democracy is beyond ridiculous. They actually abuse it for their own hideous agenda.

Democracy is election of rulers by the people. What do you think it is? People elected in a democracy may be good or bad but that has nothing to do with the fact they are a democracy.

The demonstrators don't want elections or a democracy. “I am one of the people who will not allow this election to take place,” Suthep Thaugsuban, the main protest leader, told a group of business executives in Bangkok on Thursday."

So you should get your terms straight. Elected government = Democracy. Government by people who have seized power = Dictatorship.

[SICHONSTEVE]

This is good. The US should be pounding the table for reform and the steps toward eliminating pervasive corruption in Thailand. The US and other major governments have long been tolerant of a known corrupt and abusive Thailand. On one hand the US voices support of people's movements around the world in Africa and the Middle East but fails to do so in the case of Thailand. For too long the US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand. Give the people of Thailand their due hearing America. Let them propose reform, support them and stop pandering to the elite corrupt privileged class in Thailand.

You wrote, "US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand."

New York Times 3 days ago.

"In today’s fractured Thailand, a majority wants more democracy, but a minority, including many rich and powerful people, is petrified by the thought of it.

Because a number of the protest leaders are members of Thailand’s wealthiest families, some have described the demonstrations here as the antithesis of the Occupy Wall Street movement. This is the 1 percent rebelling against the 99 percent, they say."

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690354-ny-times-brands-current-protests-in-thailand-undemocratic-movement/

I think you got the protestors mixed up. The poor farmers wear red shirts and the guys protesting now have the cash and property.

I think you have got one word mixed up - the Democrats want REAL democracy not dictatorship under the guise of democracy (a la Pheu Thai). That is a big difference, you know!!

They don't fear democracy. as none exists in Thai political circles as far as this government is concerned.

[thailiketoo]

This is good. The US should be pounding the table for reform and the steps toward eliminating pervasive corruption in Thailand. The US and other major governments have long been tolerant of a known corrupt and abusive Thailand. On one hand the US voices support of people's movements around the world in Africa and the Middle East but fails to do so in the case of Thailand. For too long the US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand. Give the people of Thailand their due hearing America. Let them propose reform, support them and stop pandering to the elite corrupt privileged class in Thailand.

You wrote, "US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand."

New York Times 3 days ago.

"In today’s fractured Thailand, a majority wants more democracy, but a minority, including many rich and powerful people, is petrified by the thought of it.

Because a number of the protest leaders are members of Thailand’s wealthiest families, some have described the demonstrations here as the antithesis of the Occupy Wall Street movement. This is the 1 percent rebelling against the 99 percent, they say."

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/690354-ny-times-brands-current-protests-in-thailand-undemocratic-movement/

I think you got the protestors mixed up. The poor farmers wear red shirts and the guys protesting now have the cash and property.

I think you have got one word mixed up - the Democrats want REAL democracy not dictatorship under the guise of democracy (a la Pheu Thai). That is a big difference, you know!!

They don't fear democracy. as none exists in Thai political circles as far as this government is concerned.

A democratic government is elected. A form of government in which people choose leaders by voting.

A dictatorship is appointed or they seize power through other means instead of an election.

Sorry but I didn't make the words or definition of the words. Democracy=Vote, election.

You can't have a democracy without elections. If you don't have elections and appoint a government that is called a dictatorship.

Edited December 20, 2013 by thailiketoo

[chrisrazz]

This is good. The US should be pounding the table for reform and the steps toward eliminating pervasive corruption in Thailand. The US and other major governments have long been tolerant of a known corrupt and abusive Thailand. On one hand the US voices support of people's movements around the world in Africa and the Middle East but fails to do so in the case of Thailand. For too long the US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand. Give the people of Thailand their due hearing America. Let them propose reform, support them and stop pandering to the elite corrupt privileged class in Thailand.

The standard protocol of foreign governments that were democratically elected is friendly and supportive toward all other democratic governments. No government respects activist groups that use anarchy in their attempt to bring their legitimate government down.

Governments do try and make things better for populations that are oppressed by their own government. In such cases if the people form a movement that seeks to replace their government can get some support from foreign governments who are sympathetic to their cause. However all governments are extremely cautious if the government in place was elected democratically.

The Suthep protesters are rallying because their preferred minority party cannot win elections democratically. Accordingly they resorted first to malfeasance and then to anarchy. They do not represent the people. If they did they would win elections.

For the second time in ten years the Democrats have drawn a curtain to hide their anger so that their nominees can rally in the name of selected criminal elements such as those led by Suthep just now.

The cost to Thailand of Suthep's Democrats trying to insert themselves into government by criminal means is devastating. Each time in the last ten years most of the progress achieved by the people of Thailand is trashed by the Democrats and their nominees with their serial attempts to direct the wealth of the nation back into the hands of their Elite family sponsors.

As you and the entire Democrat Party must know the current government was elected lawfully by the people. If you want a Democrat government you have to show the ALL of the people that they are will fairly represented by your party of preference.

To suggest that the real problem is that the Democratic model which has enriched so many of the world's nations in the last century is not appropriate for the governance of Thailand the argument of fools.

I'd like to add that the US and other foreign governments know the source of Thai political troubles.

[thailiketoo]

This is good. The US should be pounding the table for reform and the steps toward eliminating pervasive corruption in Thailand. The US and other major governments have long been tolerant of a known corrupt and abusive Thailand. On one hand the US voices support of people's movements around the world in Africa and the Middle East but fails to do so in the case of Thailand. For too long the US has been in bed with the corrupt legacy of elites and privileged in Thailand. Give the people of Thailand their due hearing America. Let them propose reform, support them and stop pandering to the elite corrupt privileged class in Thailand.

The standard protocol of foreign governments that were democratically elected is friendly and supportive toward all other democratic governments. No government respects activist groups that use anarchy in their attempt to bring their legitimate government down.

Governments do try and make things better for populations that are oppressed by their own government. In such cases if the people form a movement that seeks to replace their government can get some support from foreign governments who are sympathetic to their cause. However all governments are extremely cautious if the government in place was elected democratically.

The Suthep protesters are rallying because their preferred minority party cannot win elections democratically. Accordingly they resorted first to malfeasance and then to anarchy. They do not represent the people. If they did they would win elections.

For the second time in ten years the Democrats have drawn a curtain to hide their anger so that their nominees can rally in the name of selected criminal elements such as those led by Suthep just now.

The cost to Thailand of Suthep's Democrats trying to insert themselves into government by criminal means is devastating. Each time in the last ten years most of the progress achieved by the people of Thailand is trashed by the Democrats and their nominees with their serial attempts to direct the wealth of the nation back into the hands of their Elite family sponsors.

As you and the entire Democrat Party must know the current government was elected lawfully by the people. If you want a Democrat government you have to show the ALL of the people that they are will fairly represented by your party of preference.

To suggest that the real problem is that the Democratic model which has enriched so many of the world's nations in the last century is not appropriate for the governance of Thailand the argument of fools.

I'd like to add that the US and other foreign governments know the source of Thai political troubles.

With everyone's phone tapped it's no wonder. I was surprised they leaked the information to the NYT.

Edited December 20, 2013 by thailiketoo

[KOZMO]

It was reported before that a few days ago they were making statements about "storming and seizing" the US Embassy. I wish them luck with that.

Lots of luck. There are normally 18 specially trained Marines guarding that embassy and I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they currently have reinforcements after the fiasco in Benghazi, Libya.

AFAIK, all the US has done is the same that Britain did, which was to make a nebulous statement supporting "democracy."

I don't know about reinforcements in Bamgkok, but I do know that under Obummer the embassies of the Middle East countries were told not to have ammunition in the Marines guns and staffing of these guards was reduced!!! Result- Benghazi and the killing of U.S.Ambassador Christopher Stevens. SAD

[zydeco]

Well I wonder when will my Thai fellows realise that we do not have enough oil supply for US to be interested to initiate anything more than barking on us. We have our own sovereignty and this is our own country, so do what you think it's good for our country and not what those foreigners think it's good for them.

There are quite a few Thais who immigrated to America, and they are also letting their voices be heard in Washington.

Don't believe everything you read. Most Americans distrust the government, and also distrust the media -- which is a reasonable approach to getting information.

I believe most Americans just hope that Thais find a lasting solution to the endless cycle of conflict. Thailand is one of the greatest producers of rice in the world, and many American chefs prefer Thai rice. Further, Thailand sells top grade rice to American allies. Thailand is affectionately called the Rice Bowl of Asia.

You are important in a unique way. The ports in Thailand ship goods worldwide, which also is important to the US and its allies. If Suthep was elected PM the Preident of the US would send a message of congratulations to him.

I certainly hope Thais find a unique solution to the balance of power problem. I have only been here four years, so I am a Beginner student about your culture, but I like you and your people. I love quite a few of you.

The world is more interesting with Thais in it.

Thais living in the US have minimal influence. In fact, the Hmong community is far more influential in the US than are Thais. I really don't think the US gives a flip about what is going on in Thailand. It's just too much trouble to get concerned with. There are newer and more reliable partners in Vietnam (and maybe in a few years, even Myanmar) and there are eager old allies in the Philippines and Japan that dwarf Thailand's influence. Thailand has already become a little too cozy with China for the US to want to throw good money after bad in Thailand.