A coup is not an acceptable way to end crisis: US

[webfact]

A coup is not an acceptable way to end crisis: US
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The United States warned on Monday that a military coup or force was not an acceptable way to end the political crisis in Thailand.

Jen Psaki, spokeswoman for the US State Department, said in answering a question from a journalist during a daily briefing. "We certainly do not want to see a coup or violence or recourse to - in this - and in any case, of course," she said.

The US did not take any sides "but we continue to urge all sides to commit to sincere dialogue to resolve political differences peacefully and democratically", she said.

"We support a democratic solution to the ongoing tensions in Thailand. So we're engaged very closely in that on the ground, and we, of course, believe there are more steps that need to be taken in that process," she said.

Although the Sunday poll went off peacefully in most areas, there were also "disturbing incidents of violence" on the eve of the poll, attempts to block voters and election workers from reaching some voting sites and disruptions to the delivery of some election materials, she said.

"We regret that many voters were prevented from exercising their right, and we reiterate our call for all sides to refrain from violence and exercise restraint to avoid further injuries, loss of life and destruction."

There were some concerns on how voting was undertaken, especially the fact that some were unable to cast a ballot, and there are new, additional processes that need to take place.

Yesterday, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) voiced concern about the clash between anti-government and pro-election groups on Saturday near Lak Si District Office that involving the use of firearms. The incident left eight injured.

Since it began monitoring on January 13, the agency has been alarmed to see individuals at protest sites with weapons, including firearms. Explosives and guns have also been employed against protest groups by unknown perpetrators, it said.

"OHCHR is concerned that this situation could lead to further outbreaks of serious violence and armed confrontations," the UN said.

"OHCHR calls on all sides to refrain from carrying weapons or resorting to violence and urges authorities to investigate and hold to account those responsible for the violence."


-- The Nation 2014-02-05

[Thai at Heart]

Does that headline in any way match actually what the spokesperson said?

That is an interpretation and not a quote as far as I can see.

[englishoak]

The Nation is spinning words in again that do not exist....

Jen Psaki, spokeswoman for the US State Department, said in answering a question from a journalist during a daily briefing. "We certainly do not want to see a coup or violence or recourse to - in this - and in any case, of course," she said.

In no place do I see the world military mentioned by the statement, just the word coup..... methinks the message is clear

Edited February 5, 2014 by englishoak

[angsta]

Well that's the 'Democrats' screwed then. They barley had a plan A, how do you expect them to come up with a Plan B??

Oh The Nation, you are trying your very best to suck harder than The Bangkok Post...

[harrry]

"We support a democratic solution to the ongoing tensions in Thailand. So we're engaged very closely in that on the ground, and we, of course, believe there are more steps that need to be taken in that process," she said.

So just what are they doing engaging in another countries affairs?

[jackr]

A coup is not an acceptable way to end crisis: US

It is when the Shins are at the helm. Though methinks US should mind its own.

[KimoMax]

The Amazing Thai "Spin Doctors" on virtually everything.

What you saw or heard is actually not what you actually saw or heard according to PTP, PDRC, the Media and so much more.

Sensationalizing and "Spinning" the US State Dept. Spokesperson's "quoted" words to try to fit the Sensationalistic Headline.

Then concluding the article saying the USA is not taking sides.

And all the other recent porkies on the schemes that anyone with half a brain can see right thru.

Spin, Spin, Spin !

[MaxLee]

BANGKOK: -- The United States warned on Monday that a military coup or force was not an acceptable way to end the political crisis in Thailand.

One ear in, the other ear out, save face,... that is Thailand's answer

[happynthailand]

well if there wasn't going to be a coup soon, there be one shortly

just to show the US that they can go pound sand

[JRSoul]

If the US doesn't want to see a coup, they could always shut their eyes (and mouth). It's not like they haven't done so in the past when it suits them, and it always suits them if there is oil involved.

Yea well maybe the Thai Forces should produce their own defence weaponry or look after themselves then. Cant have it both ways m8 you dance with the devil you pay his price.

The world is awash with arms merchants offering "friendship" to their customers. Perhaps if the US was so interested in Thai affairs they could comment on other facets, like the rampant corruption being exposed, and the legality/morality of puppet PM and cabinet taking orders from fugitives. They could even offer to lend the money to pay the farmers if their concern over-rode their common sense.

BTW I am not your m8.

[FireMedic]

I think Jen Psaki should step back and F her own face.... Again, ask her directly about human rights issues here or God forbid the corruption, then see what Ms. Psaki has to say. Of course the US doesn't want to see a coup, they would be scared of having their own.

[likewise]

Yanks......, can't they mind their business in their own backyard ??? Nosy buggers.

[schbang]

And the yanks with years of experience initiating military coups across the globe, dare to advise Thailand !!?? The hypocrisy is breath-taking.

[Scott]

A number of troll posts and replies have been deleted. This thread is still about Thailand.

[likewise]

seems to be the yanks are being naive.....as usual.

[Pib]

I would like to hear what other nations other than the U.S. are saying about the Thailand situation, but apparently few other countries rate press time.

[geriatrickid]

Yanks......, can't they mind their business in their own backyard ??? Nosy buggers.

Considering the fact that Thailand -USA trade is important, the USA is indeed minding its business. Are you aware that Thailand is running a $14billion trade surplus with the USA? U.S. goods and services trade with Thailand totaled $40 billion in 2011 with Thailand Exports at $27 billion.

U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in Thailand (stock) was $11.3 billion in 2011 vs. a measly $118million Thai FDI in the USA. Thailand needs the USA. The USA does not really need Thailand.

And now to the statement from the USA official. What is wrong US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki's statements;

"We certainly do not want to see a coup or violence," and "We are speaking directly to all elements in Thai society to make clear the importance of using democratic and constitutional means to resolve political differences" ??????????

Apparently some would rather the USA encouraged violence and illegal activity.

The US State Department statements are responsible and the right sentiments to express. They are also consistent with other governments public statements including the EU, Australia, UK, Japan, Russia and China.

The comments taking the USA to task are idiotic and demonstrate the blind hatred the writers have for the USA. It doesn't matter if the USA is showing moral leadership or if it is consistent with other governments. In the sick twisted world of the critics, the USA is wrong. I note the usual comments making references to conspiracies, Israel and other assorted excretions and that speaks volumes.

[Somtamnication]

The yanks must know something we don't.

[geriatrickid]

I would like to hear what other nations other than the U.S. are saying about the Thailand situation, but apparently few other countries rate press time.

We've had this discussion before. All the countries that matter to Thailand, including China are on the same page. To date, they have expressed positions that are harmonious with each other. The key trading partners of Thailand; China, Japan, the EU and the USA have all been making similar public statements.

[geriatrickid]

The yanks must know something we don't.

It was an answer to a question. You couldn't very well expect the answer to be, oh yea, go have a coup, kill some people and call us when it's over.

[rotary]

The yanks must know something we don't.

I would not depend on that statement.

[noitom]

Does that headline in any way match actually what the spokesperson said?

That is an interpretation and not a quote as far as I can see.

They did this yesterday also in a previous article. They stretch the meaning of "warning."

[thesetat2013]

What idiot wrote the headline for this. That is definitely NOT a warning from the USA.

Maybe the writer is trying to build up anymosity and anger towards americans with this

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[theoldgit]

Troll post removed

[GentlemanJim]

A coup is not an acceptable way to end crisis: US

Learn to live with it and keep your nose out. How many millions of people were saying

"An invasion falsely based on weapons of mass destruction is not an acceptable way to effect regime change'.

GK your numbers are all very nice but to be honest pail into insignificance compared with what this Government are up to. JUST on the rice scam alone I bet it will transpire that this Government have 'lost' (also means they don't know where it is) 20-30 Billion USD, so I will take your Trade surplus and FDI and raise you some. Thailand does not need the USA it needs a miracle!

[noitom]

This opinion piece continues to take remarks out of context as in "warning" and the US position, if quoted accurately is hypocritical.

By the way the highly tax payer paid US State Department spokesperson yesterday in The Nation was quoted as saying that the US is speaking with "all elements" in Thai society. What exactly does she mean by "all elements" in Thai society? Is an element a "sector a person?" Is the US State Department conferring with the poor and the majority of ordinary Thais? Does all elements mean laborers, farmers, factory workers, sex workers, bus drivers, motorcycles, taxis, tour workers? Or are "all elements" the typical establishment folks that the US has been aligning with since the French left Vietnam? Who these elements that the US is speaking with?

The article above certainly didn't indicate any US "warning" against a coup. So did this editor again take the "warning" comments out of context? How about the previous Jen Psaki comments about "all elements?" It would be nice to see a clarification by the Nation as to what Jen Psaki meant by the US is speaking with "all elements" in Thai society.

The US has hypocritically stood by for decades and decades investing US taxpayer money in the Thai military and its 18 coups and known corruption with US taxpayer money. Thai establishment elite and military have gotten rich skimming military and economic aid from the US taxpayer while making Thailand secure enough for the Japanese and others to invest in Thailand. It continues to do so while the US suffers 50 million of its own people who are below the poverty line and raging unemployment. This is very objectionable and unconscionable. What does Jen Psaki and The Nation think about this?

[alex8912]

I would like to hear what other nations other than the U.S. are saying about the Thailand situation, but apparently few other countries rate press time.

Most people hear and read what the big dog says and don't really care what small countries like England or New Zealand think. If you read this forum for more than a week you would know this. When the Yanks speak people read and comment the most on TVA. When the Yanks don't react to some international event soon enough then everyone complains. Kind of ironic.

[Mot Leei]

I think Jen Psaki should step back and F her own face.... Again, ask her directly about human rights issues here or God forbid the corruption, then see what Ms. Psaki has to say. Of course the US doesn't want to see a coup, they would be scared of having their own.

You know I'm seeing a lot of this sort of comment from Suthopians ... but can I remind them that Khun Suthep himself wrote to the US first ... now that the response is not what the true believers/hypnotised expected they seem all upset and think the Americans shouldn't be commenting. Complete and utter hypocracy ... had the US responded favourably they'd be saying the US has every right to defend democracy or something like that. You guys made your choice when you wrote to the US ... now suck it up and learn to live with the fact that nobody really agrees with you

[Melyn]

It seems very clear to me that Nopadon misled the State Department about the success of the election by stating that the majority of voters voted.

Telling untruths about the election in order to give it added gravitas is clearly a government lie

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[gemini81]

A coup is not an acceptable way to end crisis: US

Learn to live with it and keep your nose out. How many millions of people were saying

"An invasion falsely based on weapons of mass destruction is not an acceptable way to effect regime change'.

GK your numbers are all very nice but to be honest pail into insignificance compared with what this Government are up to. JUST on the rice scam alone I bet it will transpire that this Government have 'lost' (also means they don't know where it is) 20-30 Billion USD, so I will take your Trade surplus and FDI and raise you some. Thailand does not need the USA it needs a miracle!

On a macro level, truth is the world doesn't need Thailand, but Thailand needs the world much more. Yeah it needs a miracle, even chinese don't want involved!