US ambassador Kristie Kenney declines to give comments on Thai politics

[geriatrickid]

How odd not to give a comment, as her very existence is based upon the

relationship between Thailand and the United States. This relationship

could be radically affected by a change of governments here. Guess she

wants to sit on the fence and see who wins...... For me, no comment

is in effect a type of comment.

Really? If she commented, she would eb accused by the usual USA bashers of TVF of meddling. The US government position has been stated repeatedly. It is similar to that of every other civilised functioning democracy's position. There is a time to speak and there is also a time not to speak. The ambassador and the US State Department acted responsibly by staying quiet.

[surangw]

no matter what she would have to say, one side or the other would make shit of it.

[Smokemachine]

She have no comment but her comrade seems to have something to say.

Anyone disagree?

http://news.yahoo.com/elections-dont-always-lead-democracy-says-kerry-050132916.html

Edited February 27, 2014 by Smokemachine

[Bkkbound]

The lack of any meaningful support for the 'democratically' elected Gov from most of the international community is clearly a sign that they have not bought into the Taksin spin doctors international efforts and if anything has raised more doubts about the legitimacy of the regime... apart from being a some what ridiculous notion that his sister with no meaningful qualifications for the role became his nominated prime minister. A country being influenced by a fugitive on the run is one which most Govs will give a wide berth too

Edited February 27, 2014 by Bkkbound

[retsdon]

Thailand - strategically unimportant. Every Thai living should go down on their knees and say thank you for that.

[retsdon]

d if anything has raised more doubts about the legitimacy of the regime.

The government of Thailand is not a 'regime'. For better or worse it's a democratically elected administration. Don't like it?- vote it out.

[takkatan in the land]

I understand the US ambassador, it would not be so easy to be politicaly correct and speaking about thai politics at the same time

[Jingthing]

d if anything has raised more doubts about the legitimacy of the regime.

The government of Thailand is not a 'regime'. For better or worse it's a democratically elected administration. Don't like it?- vote it out.

I agree with you the current government is not a regime.

I also think the most recent elections lack a certain level of credibility, partly because the main opposition opted out, and yes there were reasons in addition to not being able to win related of course to the unusual situation with THAKSIN.

The current acting PM is part of a string of Thaksin led governments, yes?

What's the word for that?

Not regime.

But not anything resembling normal democracy either.

This is why I think westerners should totally BACK OFF, except to encourage eschewing violence.

Edited February 27, 2014 by Jingthing

[noitom]

The US is in a tough spot here. The US was pretty aligned with and supportive of Thaksin all along. However, the US should at least be voicing out something along the lines of hoping that the bipartisan parties will get behind the nomination and election process, and let the Thai people decide. One man one vote, equal rights for all. The US should stand on its own principles when asked.

[rucus7]

Although Thailand remains somewhat Strategic for The U.S. Both economic and political dynamics of Southeast Asia have changed radically in the past few years. Thailand now holds less significance than any time in the resent past. Thailand seems to be relegating itself into a small time player in the global market via political kleptocracy. Had the current Ambassador been reassigned to to South Korea. I would perceive it as a promotion. However, keeping her here for her full term confirms faith in her ability.

[heybruce]

If any other ambassador had been noncommittal it wouldn't have made the news. Since it was the US ambassador criticisms and conspiracy theories abound. As an American I can't help but be flattered.

[TheClog]

The American government has already stated that the situation has to be resolved by democratic means.

In other words " no coup"

[Somtamnication]

"If you want any real answers on what we think, please ask my Press Secretary, Mr. Edward Snowden", for any truth in how we feel and what we do".