To Barack Obama: Mr President, some facts you should know about the Thai political crisis

[webfact]

A LETTER TO THE US PRESIDENT
Mr President: Some facts you should know about the Thai political crisis

To Barack Obama President of the United States of America January 17

Dear Mr President,

I am writing in response to Congressman Michael Turner's letter to you yesterday, urging you to publicly voice opposition to the anti-government movement and support the election on February 2. With all due respect, Congressman Turner's letter is misguided and shows a lack of understanding of the Thai political crisis. I would like to first explain what led to this crisis and clarify why the anti-government movement's aim is to achieve democracy.

As a US-trained lawyer, and citizen of the US and Thailand, I am pro-democracy. Indeed, I have often volunteered for voters' assistance groups to inform Americans on voting registration, necessary documents for voting and finding the right precinct to ensure that their votes get counted.

The anti-government protesters are also pro-democracy. The movement is not to rid Thailand of democracy, but to rid Thailand of the most tyrannical and dictatorial leader in history. Throughout history, many dictators have been democratically elected. Saddam Hussein received 100 per cent of the votes. Hugo Chavez, whom you publicly called authoritarian, was also elected by the majority.

The Thaksin authoritarian government, elected through vote-rigging, proved to be the most corrupt and the gravest human rights violator. In order to fully appreciate the current political crisis, one must examine the telecommunications tycoon's legacy. Just to name a few examples of Thaksin's egregious conduct:

n In February 2003, Thaksin launched a "war on drugs" campaign resulting in 2,800 extrajudicial killings in the span of three months. In 2007, official investigations concluded that more than half of those killed had no connection with drugs. The UN Human Rights Council raised serious concerns yet the perpetrators were never prosecuted.

n In 2004, Thaksin's security forces shot, suffocated or crushed to death 85 southern protesters in what is known as the Tak Bai massacre. Human Rights Watch has condemned this atrocity and has urged an independent criminal investigation but again, to no avail.

n According to Amnesty International, 18 human rights defenders have been assassinated or have disappeared.

n Due to Thaksin's censorship and intimidation of the press, human rights violations remain unreported.

n In an attempt to circumvent conflict of interest laws, Thaksin illegally transferred billions of baht in assets to his maids and drivers, without their knowledge.

n Thaksin aided his wife to purchase government land at a reduced rate of 1/3 in violation of the law prohibiting political leaders from engaging in business dealings with the government. Thaksin was sentenced to two years but fled the country and never served his sentence.

n Thaksin approved a US$127 million low-interest government loan to Myanmar's military-run government to purchase satellite services from his family's telecommunications business.

n While prime minister, Thaksin sold his stake in telecoms giant Shin Corp to Temasek, evading taxes worth $16.3 million.

n Thaksin's policy of corruption for his personal gain prompted the Supreme Court to unanimously order the seizure of $1.4 billion of his frozen $2.3-billion fortune.

These are just examples of the myriad ways in which Thaksin abused his power and robbed this country for his personal gain. Although in self-imposed exile, Thaksin continues to run Thailand and implement policy corruption via his sister. In a disguised attempt to foster reconciliation, the current Thaksin regime passed an amnesty bill designed to pardon protesters from all sides for engaging in political expression. At 4:25am on a Friday night, the Thaksin-controlled Parliament revised and passed the third version of the bill that would pardon all politicians ever charged or convicted of corruption since the coup. The revised bill also provided for the return of assets seized. To state the obvious, this law was passed solely to pave the way for Thaksin's return as a free man with all his wealth restored.

In a ploy to control both Parliament and the Senate, Thaksin's current government attempted to amend the Senate structure and bar appointed senators. To ensure balance of power, the Senate comprises professionals from all sectors, such as law and science. Eliminating this system would result in Thaksin's party controlling all legislative power without any checks and balances. The amnesty bill can then easily pass. The Constitutional Court struck down this measure. Nevertheless, Thaksin's government openly declared that it would defy the court's decision.

It is this blatant, systematic policy of corruption and abuse of power solely for the benefit of Thaksin that fuelled Thai citizens to stand up and say enough is enough. The protesters want democracy. But first, Thaksin's dictatorship must be eradicated.

After a decade under Thaksin's regime, one thing has become clear. Our democratic system has failed us. It has allowed an authoritarian regime to usurp power and rob the wealth of the people. When a system allows for voter fraud and places corrupt politicians above the law, citizens must question this broken system. A true democracy requires transparency, accountability and proper balance of power.

We want democracy. And it is through this civil disobedience that we will achieve it.

Sincerely,
Vanina Sucharitkul
cc: Congressman Michael Turner

Vanina Sucharitkul is a Bangkok-based corporate lawyer specialising in international commercial arbitration and advising clients on a diverse range of commercial litigation and cross-border disputes across Southeast Asia involving commercial contracts, investigations and anti-corruption, joint ventures, construction and infrastructure projects, environmental contamination, and employment issues. Experience acting as counsel and advocate in arbitrations across multiple jurisdictions under the auspices of institutions including the ICC, SIAC, AAA and TAI. Admitted to the California Bar and currently a member of the International Court of Arbitration of the ICC.

[mca]

This threads gonna have legs!

[TVGerry]

Well written and 100% true. Good to educate some of the westerners who talk a lot about 'democracy' but don't seem to know the crimes which include the murders done under the Shinawatras.

And yes, the democratic system here has failed miserably.

Edited January 20, 2014 by TVGerry

[Tatsujin]

Great letter, but unlikely to be given much notice.

[moonao]

Michael Turner will have a chuckle after reading that nonsense.

Poor old Vanina Sucharitkul hasn't a clue in the slightest what democacy means.

[terryp]

Barking Insane does not give a dam about what people think about Thai elections etc ...HE WANTS THAILAND IN THE TPP ...so he needs chaos like this to get his CFR buddy Thaksin into an absolute Dictatorship thats why the Washington Post cartoon rag & AFP etc are so Anti Suthep

Edited January 20, 2014 by terryp

[Tchooptip]

I'm curious about the answers of some of the simplistic anti-Suthep pro Thaksin TV members

[andygunther]

Very well written and informative

[AleG]

Michael Turner will have a chuckle after reading that nonsense.

Poor old Vanina Sucharitkul hasn't a clue in the slightest what democacy means.

How so?

Is this false?

A true democracy requires transparency, accountability and proper balance of power.

Does Thaksin/PTP adhere to those principles?

[aussieinthailand]

Wow OP, as a US trained lawyer as you claim then you would understand that weather you, Suthep, the Dem's or whistle blowers like it or not,

that this government was elected and those trying to overthrow the government are not respecting the vote of the people, ie the democratic process,

Also you as a US trained lawyer you would also know that the correct way to remove a government leader is to impeach them, clearly show corruption or breaches of laws, but this has not been shown has it.

But the US are well known for their style of removing government they no longer have use for yes?

[MGP]

Some people protects the word “Democracy” as it if were something more sacred than their god, beyond good and evil. The truth is that under some democracies there are hiding the largest niches of corruption, abuse of power, labour rights abuse, destruction of the environment and natural resources, etc of this planet. But as far as they serve for their benefit, they protect them, even with war and blood.

It is the same as when the Crusades protected the name of the church in the Middle Ages. The Knights of Christ that beheaded the non-believers and prosecuted the heretics were convinced that they were fighting for a superior cause that would make the world a better place to live, named the Catholic Church.

Today it can still be called a ‘Crusade”; the only difference is that they have changed the name of God for the name of false democracies, in order to dominate and exploit this world.

Edited January 20, 2014 by MGP

[aussieinthailand]

I'd like to see the OP show just as much effort in reporting the history of Suthep and Mark and some of their associates,

I wonder if he can????????????

[pipkins]

Wont be given anymore thought by me either.

This is saying much more about the writer if he thinks USA don't know about Thailand. They set the system here in place to keep the communists out.

Writer needs to read much much more... except, in Thailand, the education system will not teach anything about this as Thais like to think they fought off communism themselves. what a dreamer.

Whilst USA indeed bolstered up this top down system as a way for the elites to control the population (read keep out the commies) they are well bored with them now and modern thinkers such as obama are not going to want to stick to to Vietnam war era foreign policy.

Times change and Thailand needs to move on and get rid of this perpetual coup they have now. Obama listen to Suthep.... You have to be joking... except I know you're not.

Suthep need some real PR gurus as this lot just embarrass him and themselves everytime they trot this lot out.

Wiki leaks all over the internet.

[AleG]

I'd like to see the OP show just as much effort in reporting the history of Suthep and Mark and some of their associates,

I wonder if he can????????????

I wonder if you can stick to the subject instead of deflecting things into the tiresome " but Abhisit/Suthep..."?

[Prbkk]

surely it couldn't be the same person? They aren't THAT stupid are they?

https://twitter.com/princessvanina

[ggold]

Wow OP, as a US trained lawyer as you claim then you would understand that weather you, Suthep, the Dem's or whistle blowers like it or not,

that this government was elected and those trying to overthrow the government are not respecting the vote of the people, ie the democratic process,

Also you as a US trained lawyer you would also know that the correct way to remove a government leader is to impeach them, clearly show corruption or breaches of laws, but this has not been shown has it.

But the US are well known for their style of removing government they no longer have use for yes?

Maybe you should try reading the OP again!

[dahinni]

The US Gov. know about all that issues mention, but they don't care.

There isn't a true Democracy in US either with 2 Party system, or State in State system (NSA).

It's all about INFLUENCE and POWER

[LarryBird]

I realize his letter serves more of a purpose than that, but does he really believe the President of the US knows less about this situation than him?

Now, I'm just guessing here, but maybe the US intelligence agencies have a decent grasp on what's happening, and perhaps, just perhaps, a bit more knowledge than the ThaiVisa brigade, as well as Thai Citizens.

Edited January 20, 2014 by LarryBird

[geriatrickid]

Unfortunately for Vanina Sucharitkul ,she just doesn't have the same gravitas as Congressman Turner.

·

Vanina Sucharitkul

@princessvanina

Thai-Franco-American lawyer trying to survive as a Parisian girl. Bangkok, Thailand · tumblr.com/princessvanina

Like Khun Sucharitkul, the Congressman was trained as a corporate lawyer however, he was a successful lawyer and was in private practice before he entered politics. And that's where the similarities stop. Ms Sucharitkul probably only knows the working class as the 300 baht a day workers who do her menial work.

Although a moderate, the Congressman has a lengthy history in community activism and distinguished himself as a mayor of a city battered by the economy winning praise along the way. He understands, the concept of giving opportunity and more importantly hope to the poor. The Congressman wrote his letter based upon his experience as an elected mayor, but also as in his capacity as Chairman of the House Armed Services Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, and as the former Chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. As Chairman of the US Delegation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Parliamentary Assembly he got to know his colleagues in NATO and probably has a good sense of those countries views.

I'm sure the "poor" girl will survive.

Edited January 20, 2014 by geriatrickid

[TVGerry]

Michael Turner will have a chuckle after reading that nonsense.

Poor old Vanina Sucharitkul hasn't a clue in the slightest what democacy means.

Why don't you pick apart the letter point by point then, instead of making sarcastic remarks? Your typical post always seem to be 1 or 2 line insults or sarcasm. I have yet to read anything in which you actually argue the why.

[ggold]

I'd like to see the OP show just as much effort in reporting the history of Suthep and Mark and some of their associates,

I wonder if he can????????????

The OP is a letter from a Lady in response to comments made by an American politician. You really didn't read the OP or you need glasses!

[geriatrickid]

surely it couldn't be the same person? They aren't THAT stupid are they?

https://twitter.com/princessvanina

Oh yes. I can't wait for the fun to start.

[poisonus]

Michael Turner will have a chuckle after reading that nonsense.

Poor old Vanina Sucharitkul hasn't a clue in the slightest what democacy means.

On the contrary, I think he knows exactly what democracy is.... It is people who come out with statements like this who do not know what democracy is.

[geriatrickid]

Michael Turner will have a chuckle after reading that nonsense.

Poor old Vanina Sucharitkul hasn't a clue in the slightest what democacy means.

On the contrary, I think he knows exactly what democracy is.... It is people who come out with statements like this who do not know what democracy is.

The self described "princess" is trying to survive as a Franco-Thai American girl in Bangkok. Let's give the poor dearie a break.

[Local Drunk]

I realize his letter serves more of a purpose than that, but does he really believe the President of the US knows less about this situation than him?

Now, I'm just guessing here, but maybe the US intelligence agencies have a decent grasp on what's happening, and perhaps, just perhaps, a bit more knowledge than the ThaiVisa brigade, as well as Thai Citizens.

"I realize his letter serves more a purpose than that, but does he really believe the President of the US knows less about this situation than him?"

Yes, I think the writer does know more about Thai politics and culture than Obama. Furthermore, it's not up to The President of The United States to determine what's best for Thailand. The US doesn't care about Thai interests, it cares about US interests.

[poisonus]

I realize his letter serves more of a purpose than that, but does he really believe the President of the US knows less about this situation than him?

Now, I'm just guessing here, but maybe the US intelligence agencies have a decent grasp on what's happening, and perhaps, just perhaps, a bit more knowledge than the ThaiVisa brigade, as well as Thai Citizens.

I doubt anyone can know the entire background history of every political leader of all 196 countries.

The likes of the US just blow out the same stock statement at every political situation outside America.

[GeorgeO]

Michael Turner will have a chuckle after reading that nonsense.

Poor old Vanina Sucharitkul hasn't a clue in the slightest what democacy means.

No doubt you will be writing to Khun Vanina to correct him on his various errors and to offer him some assistance from your bottomless pot of wisdom...!

[TVGerry]

Gotta love the Shinawatra spin doctors.

Can't attack the message so they attack the messenger. I mean attacking someone's 4 year old inactive and from the look of the spam messages, hacked Twitter account is just brilliant!

[Prbkk]

it's a joke, right?. Someone has hacked the site and is playing tricks on us?

[jaltsc]

"Throughout history, many dictators have been democratically elected. Saddam Hussein received 100 per cent of the votes. Hugo Chavez, whom you publicly called authoritarian, was also elected by the majority."

Of course, Vanina Sucharitkul is writing this letter to educate Americans who have minimal, if any influence concerning Thai politics. Even if America doesn't have a perfect political system, Americans will be able to understand what he is saying. He must realize that it is futile to try and educate the Thai populace on politics since it is entrenched deeply in this corrupt system and has no ideas about anything other than what they are told or bribed to think.

Edited January 20, 2014 by jaltsc