EDITORIAL
Surapong's appeal for UN chief to mediate makes no sense
The Nation

Foreign minister's outreach reeks of political opportunism instead of national interest

Caretaker Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul has asked the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to mediate in the escalating political conflict in Thailand.

Surapong, who is also deputy prime minister and chief adviser to the Centre for Maintaining Peace and Order (CMPO), said he had telephoned the UN chief to seek his advice on how to resolve Thailand's political impasse.

He thinks the UN chief is the most suitable person to come up with a solution to the ongoing crisis in Thailand.

Surapong tried hard to show the Thai public that he had their interests at heart and by reaching out to the UN at this point in time - before (in his own words) Thailand becomes another Syria, Ukraine, Egypt or Rwanda - the country could be rescued from such atrocities.

Even before setting foot in the Foreign Ministry, rescuing Thaksin Shinawatra has always been the top priority for Surapong. We cannot forget the humiliating episode when he lied to the public about how Japan wanted to invite Thaksin to see the devastation caused by the tsunami so that the Japanese people could learn from his wisdom. Tokyo immediately clarified that the initiative to get Thaksin to Japan was Surapong's, not theirs.

Since the beginning of this Yingluck administration, able people at the Thai Foreign Ministry have been forced to work on two fronts: one is to save Thaksin and the other to serve the interest of the country.

But the interests of the two can't always coincide. With the latest move of reaching out to the UN chief, it is clear where Surapong's interest lies. Obviously it is not with the country.

A UN intervention at this particular juncture would set a bad precedent for the country's diplomacy and international relations. This is not to say that the UN and the international community are not concerned about Thailand. Many deeply care about Thailand and they all want Thais to resolve this problem themselves.

Surapong likes to give briefings to the diplomatic corps but he never has much to say. His real aim is to gain sympathy for the Yingluck government.

Yes, the UN does get involved in other countries but those are cases involving mass killings and ethnic cleansing as witnessed in Bosnia, Rwanda or in Cambodia three decades ago.

Even worse, Surapong is acting on his own without consulting the country's diplomats when he issued the invite to Ban. His logic was simple: get the UN into the picture and if the anti-government forces don't go along with it, they would look like the big bad wolf.

Ban has issued a statement saying he is prepared to help Thailand any way he can, but that does not mean he is going to come here on his own and mediate between the two sides.

Behind-the-scenes talks are taking place and Surapong needs to give this quiet initiative a chance to work. Already, the People's Democratic Reform Committee is retreating to Suan Lumpini and removing the protest sites around Bangkok, starting tomorrow.

Needless to say, Surapong is trying hard to divert attention from the real issue with his invitation to Ban. If the UN secretary-general wants to come and play referee, that should be fine. But he needs to understand that he is being used for shallow, short-sighted political gains. If PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban was behaving like Khmer Rouge's Pol Pot or Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony, then an intervention would be understandable. Thankfully, we are nowhere near that point. Let's hope we don't go that far.

-- The Nation 2014-03-02

Sadly, if the red shirts get their way and actually manage to form their 600,000 strong 'Democratic Defence Army' or whatever the Hell they're calling themselves, we're going to have our very own Khmer Rouge. Then we really will need the UN.

This could also implode on the green one and the square faced one

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

This article exposes the clear transparency of Surapong. It is ironic, though, just at the point when the PDRC was retreating to Lumpini Park, that the UDD decided to encase the NACC in cement. One suspects that is something that Ki-moon would not be led to see. Nor would be be led to see the growing secessionist movement in the North. Nor would he be led to any of the red shirt rallies that attack the independent agencies or the Civil Court. That somehow derails the Pheu Thai narrative.

And here we go... The yellows, just like expected, will try everything they can NOT to get the UN involved.

How they can call themselves democrats is one BIG mystery!

Maybe the UN isn´t the ´final´ answer, but why the hell not get them here to help? It surely won´t cause any (more) damage, in my opinion.

And to compare this situation with Cambodia or Uganda in regards to why the UN shouldn´t come here is just LAUGHABLE !!

More appropiate - The (yellow) Nation

Ah, bless, The Nation appealing to the Nationalist tendencies - scratch the surface and there is that PAD yellow streak underneath. "We don't need no stinking foreign mediators".

Quote

He called for an immediate end to escalating political violence and urged authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson in New York, Ban condemned the aggression, which included armed attacks this weekend against anti-government protests and led to the deaths of three children.

"The Secretary General strongly believes strongly that there is no place for violence by any side in resolving political differences and disputes," his spokesperson said, "Ban is ready to assist in any way possible."

The top UN official has called on all sides to respect human rights and the rule of law, prevent any new attacks and "engage in meaningful dialogue" towards ending the crisis and advancing reform

-- The Nation 2014-02-24

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706552-un-calls-for-an-end-to-violence-offers-to-mediate-thailand/

Seems eminently reasonable to me. What's The Nation got to fear?

Melyn, on 02 Mar 2014 - 12:44, said:Melyn, on 02 Mar 2014 - 12:44, said:

This could also implode on the green one and the square faced one

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

You'd probably be taken a bit more seriously, well, at least by me, if you used proper names instead of childish insults when referring to the people you're commenting on.

(though I must admit on one occasion I have referred to suthep as the fat controller, not without reason, I feel)

Sadly, if the red shirts get their way and actually manage to form their 600,000 strong 'Democratic Defence Army' or whatever the Hell they're calling themselves, we're going to have our very own Khmer Rouge. Then we really will need the UN.

More like 600. I live in Chiang Mai - supposedly full of reds and yes they are red by not Yingluck or Thaksin REDS. They wont join this so called farcical army

Why would any self-respecting nation invite anyone to mediate in their own internal affairs? The UN is a joke of the institution anyway. Have they solved any serious problem in the world? Nope. They're corrupted from the top to the bottom. They take bribes, and they take sides. Perhaps that was the reason for the invitation.

Just another Sideshow distraction. What has the UN actually accomplished in the last 20 years?

The solution to the Thai crisis is relatively simple. Sacrifice 20 or so people, for the good of the other 70 Million.

They have plenty of money and could live out their lives in luxury and opulence almost anywhere in the

world, but the fact that they will risk it all, in their quest for absolute power, just demonstrates how unfit they

are to be running the country in the first place.

Why would any self-respecting nation invite anyone to mediate in their own internal affairs? The UN is a joke of the institution anyway. Have they solved any serious problem in the world? Nope. They're corrupted from the top to the bottom. They take bribes, and they take sides. Perhaps that was the reason for the invitation.

Bit harsh on the UN there, don't you think?

Melyn, on 02 Mar 2014 - 12:44, said:Melyn, on 02 Mar 2014 - 12:44, said:

This could also implode on the green one and the square faced one

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

You'd probably be taken a bit more seriously, well, at least by me, if you used proper names instead of childish insults when referring to the people you're commenting on.

(though I must admit on one occasion I have referred to suthep as the fat controller, not without reason, I feel)

I'm not here to be taken seriously.

Is Suthep a dietician?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

And here we go... The yellows, just like expected, will try everything they can NOT to get the UN involved.

How they can call themselves democrats is one BIG mystery!

Maybe the UN isn´t the ´final´ answer, but why the hell not get them here to help? It surely won´t cause any (more) damage, in my opinion.

And to compare this situation with Cambodia or Uganda in regards to why the UN shouldn´t come here is just LAUGHABLE !!

More appropiate - The (yellow) Nation

If Ban Ki moon refuses they could always invite that other Korean mediator, Kim-Jong-un.

Actually he would be in a better position to advise the separatist movement of the North.

Why would any self-respecting nation invite anyone to mediate in their own internal affairs? The UN is a joke of the institution anyway. Have they solved any serious problem in the world? Nope. They're corrupted from the top to the bottom. They take bribes, and they take sides. Perhaps that was the reason for the invitation.

Bit harsh on the UN there, don't you think?

Not if you talk to people who have worked there like I have - more corruption & nepotism than with PT government.

Why would any self-respecting nation invite anyone to mediate in their own internal affairs? The UN is a joke of the institution anyway. Have they solved any serious problem in the world? Nope. They're corrupted from the top to the bottom. They take bribes, and they take sides. Perhaps that was the reason for the invitation.

Bit harsh on the UN there, don't you think?

Not if you talk to people who have worked there like I have - more corruption & nepotism than with PT government.

Now that I don't believe.

One dislikes being the prophet of doom , but how can the U.N. Mr Moon remove the hate that resides in the community, we are not actually talking about two armed military sides, we are talking about a divided nation generating hate , regardless of what they come up with ,Thailand is in deep trouble within it's population base, this will drag on for eons , because each side thinks the other has done them a great injustice, the only injustice done , was letting Thaskin go to the Beijing Olympics.

An off topic nonsense post has been removed.

Why would any self-respecting nation invite anyone to mediate in their own internal affairs? The UN is a joke of the institution anyway. Have they solved any serious problem in the world? Nope. They're corrupted from the top to the bottom. They take bribes, and they take sides. Perhaps that was the reason for the invitation.

Bit harsh on the UN there, don't you think?

Not if you talk to people who have worked there like I have - more corruption & nepotism than with PT government.

Now that I don't believe.

I do, wasn't ban kee Moons predecessor's son up on charges over some dodgy oil deals and was using his fathers position in the UN

And here we go... The yellows, just like expected, will try everything they can NOT to get the UN involved.

How they can call themselves democrats is one BIG mystery!

Maybe the UN isn´t the ´final´ answer, but why the hell not get them here to help? It surely won´t cause any (more) damage, in my opinion.

And to compare this situation with Cambodia or Uganda in regards to why the UN shouldn´t come here is just LAUGHABLE !!

More appropiate - The (yellow) Nation

No one says the UN should not get involved, but they should not be used as a tool to feel putty for a rogue government.

You forgot to take your ear drops????

Not if you talk to people who have worked there like I have - more corruption & nepotism than with PT government.

Now that I don't believe.

I do, wasn't ban kee Moons predecessor's son up on charges over some dodgy oil deals and was using his fathers position in the UN

No doubt that there is nepotism and corruption in UN, but more than PT. Not seeing that. The party is all about one man and all others can go to hell. Hard to match that.

UN is just what we need.

Today, I have seen Photograph of PDRC armed men arrest last night. One is the same man who was arrested 2 weeks ago for impersonating a police officer and was back then fully armed. - don't know how to put pics on but I have seen it on twitter.

We have system of court that allows armed criminals arrested by police, to go back, get more guns and threaten more people.

Need more justice for the majority for democracy to prevail.

UN yes please before too later

Surapong must think the UN Secretary General is as naive as he is.

Ban Ki Moon, whatever your opinion of him, is in his job because the family of world nations chose him. Surapong is in his job because he is a member of the Shinawat family.

The current crisis in Thailand is down to the majority of Thais having had enough of the abuse of power and government funds by 'public servants' who only seem interested in helping themselves. Of course most officials of all political persuasions in Thailand are bent to varying degrees but the amnesty and rice scams have brought matters to a head.

Ban is too smart to play PT's game. He is there for genuine political crises not squabbling over who should have the keys to the till.

Sadly, if the red shirts get their way and actually manage to form their 600,000 strong 'Democratic Defence Army' or whatever the Hell they're calling themselves, we're going to have our very own Khmer Rouge. Then we really will need the UN.

The West, including the UN, just let the Khmer Rouge get on with the job of killing people, so I can't see how they'd be any help.

UN is just what we need.

Today, I have seen Photograph of PDRC armed men arrest last night. One is the same man who was arrested 2 weeks ago for impersonating a police officer and was back then fully armed. - don't know how to put pics on but I have seen it on twitter.

We have system of court that allows armed criminals arrested by police, to go back, get more guns and threaten more people.

Need more justice for the majority for democracy to prevail.

UN yes please before too later

I can see why you side with the reds - your avatar indicates dictatorial tendencies and is blatantly sexist BTW.

You should be ashamed of yourself Jenny!!!!

Ah, bless, The Nation appealing to the Nationalist tendencies - scratch the surface and there is that PAD yellow streak underneath. "We don't need no stinking foreign mediators".

Quote

He called for an immediate end to escalating political violence and urged authorities to bring those responsible to justice.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson in New York, Ban condemned the aggression, which included armed attacks this weekend against anti-government protests and led to the deaths of three children.

"The Secretary General strongly believes strongly that there is no place for violence by any side in resolving political differences and disputes," his spokesperson said, "Ban is ready to assist in any way possible."

The top UN official has called on all sides to respect human rights and the rule of law, prevent any new attacks and "engage in meaningful dialogue" towards ending the crisis and advancing reform

-- The Nation 2014-02-24

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/706552-un-calls-for-an-end-to-violence-offers-to-mediate-thailand/

Seems eminently reasonable to me. What's The Nation got to fear?

Nice that you support the caretaker deputy FM / strategic adviser to CMPO and Thakisn's cousin and illegal passport courier's initiative.

Could you perhaps explain the benefits to the caretaker Interior minister and PTP party chief as he says outsiders are not wanted.

Guess they're both waiting for Yingluck to decide and rule which direction they go in.

Surapong's appeal for UN chief to mediate makes no sense

If something, or anything, Surapong said made sense it would be news. Simply listing all the ridiculous things he has said would be a work for the ages. News would be Surapong saying something contrary to the interests of his cousin.

And here we go... The yellows, just like expected, will try everything they can NOT to get the UN involved.

How they can call themselves democrats is one BIG mystery!

Maybe the UN isn´t the ´final´ answer, but why the hell not get them here to help? It surely won´t cause any (more) damage, in my opinion.

And to compare this situation with Cambodia or Uganda in regards to why the UN shouldn´t come here is just LAUGHABLE !!

More appropiate - The (yellow) Nation

I doubt that any nation would face the world-wide embarrassment of calling in the UN for what is actually and still, a local problem.

Makes very good sense to me. By threatening to get the UN to mediate, the opposition will be worried that Thais will be seen as incapable of leading the ASEAN Community, so it is no wonder Suthep is backing down and negotiations are taking place. They must now demonstrate that the two sides can solve political differences through negotiation and compromise. If they cannot, they can kiss goodbye to Thailand leading ASEAN.

Foreign minister's outreach reeks of political opportunism instead of national interest

Surapong is no Brad Pitt, that's a fact, but now they say he smells bad, too? Poor Gollum...

What happened to; The UN is not my father?