Thailand may face trade sanctions over human trafficking

[marcusd]

I hope the USA does SANCTION Thailand. HURT the government HARD. ASEAN is coming and it is about time if countries want fairness on the world TRADE stage they are FAIR on the other sides as well.

You didn't think this through did you? The sanctions will not hurt the government. They will however hurt the Thai economy and most of the Thai population. . Loss of preferred trade status will seriously hurt some market sectors

The five largest import categories in 2012 were: Electrical Machinery ($6.3 billion), Machinery ($5.7 billion), Rubber ($2.4 billion), Precious Stones (jewelry) ($1.4 billion), and Prepared Meat, Fish (shrimp and tuna) ($1.2 billion).

U.S. imports of agricultural products from Thailand totaled $2.4 billion in 2012, the 10th largest supplier of Ag imports. Leading categories include: shrimp and prawns ($1.2 billion), rubber and allied products ($699 million), tuna ($594 million), and rice ($436 million).

U.S. imports of private commercial services (i.e., excluding military and government) were $1.9 billion in 2011, up 6.8% ($119 million), and up 103% from 2000 level. Other private services (business, professional, and technical services) and travel categories accounted for most of U.S. services imports from Thailand.

Those exports impact Thailand's foreign reserves and allow it to import energy. If Thailand doesn't have the foreign reserves necessary to pay for its energy needs, you will feel it. If Thailand's exports to the US suffer, it will be felt through the loss of jobs, and the resultant ripple effect.

Now consider what happens when a country's economy tanks. You get civil unrest. If you live in fear of a popular uprising now, just wait until the economy unravels, then you will have something real to worry about.

Yes I know that this will hurt the Thai people. Who does the trafficking??? GHOSTS? Buddha? The Coconut Palms? It is THAI PEOPLE... the same ones who are complacent and whilst ever so nice to us, dont want us to own anything just hand stuff over, money gold jewels, everything...

Yes SANCTION THAILAND and I know then that when people hurt they scream and listen and want change.

[marcusd]

The Rohinghya issue is just small fry. What about the trafficking of thousands of Thai prostitutes domestic and international thats being going on for decades.

Politicans and gov officals profit greatly from it.

Maybe foreign diplomats say nothing because they've paid for Thai hookers in executive bars and brothels around the world.

Some history. In 1426 China had massive fleets of ships. These ships were also homes to many THAI WOMEN who Chinese collected and used as comfort women. So what has changed?

[marcusd]

I hope the USA does SANCTION Thailand. HURT the government HARD. ASEAN is coming and it is about time if countries want fairness on the world TRADE stage they are FAIR on the other sides as well.

You didn't think this through did you? The sanctions will not hurt the government. They will however hurt the Thai economy and most of the Thai population. . Loss of preferred trade status will seriously hurt some market sectors

The five largest import categories in 2012 were: Electrical Machinery ($6.3 billion), Machinery ($5.7 billion), Rubber ($2.4 billion), Precious Stones (jewelry) ($1.4 billion), and Prepared Meat, Fish (shrimp and tuna) ($1.2 billion).

U.S. imports of agricultural products from Thailand totaled $2.4 billion in 2012, the 10th largest supplier of Ag imports. Leading categories include: shrimp and prawns ($1.2 billion), rubber and allied products ($699 million), tuna ($594 million), and rice ($436 million).

U.S. imports of private commercial services (i.e., excluding military and government) were $1.9 billion in 2011, up 6.8% ($119 million), and up 103% from 2000 level. Other private services (business, professional, and technical services) and travel categories accounted for most of U.S. services imports from Thailand.

Those exports impact Thailand's foreign reserves and allow it to import energy. If Thailand doesn't have the foreign reserves necessary to pay for its energy needs, you will feel it. If Thailand's exports to the US suffer, it will be felt through the loss of jobs, and the resultant ripple effect.

Now consider what happens when a country's economy tanks. You get civil unrest. If you live in fear of a popular uprising now, just wait until the economy unravels, then you will have something real to worry about.

"Now consider what happens when a country's economy tanks. You get civil unrest. If you live in fear of a popular uprising now, just wait until the economy unravels, then you will have something real to worry about." I really don't care if the economy TANKS or there is civil unrest. What is new? I can leave as can you and if you are clever and smart, BIG IF there... you can take your loved ones. The people must sort their government out. Not you and me.

I found this on Wiki...China 11.7%

Japan 10.2%

United States 9.9%

Hong Kong 5.7%

Malaysia 5.4%

Indonesia 4.9%

Singapore 4.7%

Australia 4.3% (2012

Now look at Australia we are one of Thailand Biggest markets TOURIST WISE as well. We are only about 8% of the population of USA but 50% of the exports volume thailand sends out.

YES Sanctions will hurt bad and thats what they need. Countries respond to economic might not words

[marcusd]

Obviously the US totally believe Reuters and that the navy were involved up to their necks in it...

I knew that suing the reporters would have a negative affect on Thailand, which is yet another abuse of human rights and freedom of the press.

They really don't help themselves do they?

Thailand is about to get its ticket punched, the government of the past 3 years is solely to blame ...... once again..... PTP wrecks Thailand.

I agree with what you say except for the last line.

The Yingluk Government IS NOT solely to blame for this as it was going on long before she came to power. She hasn't done much to squash it but can't pin this on them. I believe that the Dems actually had a boat load of humans towed out to sea and left to die. The problem is that this government and past governments couldn't and haven't given a damn.

I like many other members here live in Chiang Mai. People seem to be fairly wealthy but on or from WHAT? Yes many here profit from those illegal things still heading south - people, drugs - organised crime and Politicians. All bad things seem to start up here but it is a wonderful place to live. Funny about that.

And this is why thailand has a bad name for trafficking, as they start with these Hill Tribe people so they can have their Mercedes Benz and money and point fingers elsewhere.

[bigbamboo]

It may have to be economic sanctions simply because the only way to get the Thai government's undivided attention is to put your hand in their pocket.

[CockneyGit]

The Rohinghya issue is just small fry. What about the trafficking of thousands of Thai prostitutes domestic and international thats being going on for decades.

Politicans and gov officals profit greatly from it.

Maybe foreign diplomats say nothing because they've paid for Thai hookers in executive bars and brothels around the world.

Just last week 10 kids were snatched and taken away in a minivan from Kanchanaburi. Absolutely shocking.

As a father of two young kids this kind of story scares the sh*t out of me!

[issanaus]

I hope the USA does SANCTION Thailand. HURT the government HARD. ASEAN is coming and it is about time if countries want fairness on the world TRADE stage they are FAIR on the other sides as well.

You didn't think this through did you? The sanctions will not hurt the government. They will however hurt the Thai economy and most of the Thai population. . Loss of preferred trade status will seriously hurt some market sectors

The five largest import categories in 2012 were: Electrical Machinery ($6.3 billion), Machinery ($5.7 billion), Rubber ($2.4 billion), Precious Stones (jewelry) ($1.4 billion), and Prepared Meat, Fish (shrimp and tuna) ($1.2 billion).

U.S. imports of agricultural products from Thailand totaled $2.4 billion in 2012, the 10th largest supplier of Ag imports. Leading categories include: shrimp and prawns ($1.2 billion), rubber and allied products ($699 million), tuna ($594 million), and rice ($436 million).

U.S. imports of private commercial services (i.e., excluding military and government) were $1.9 billion in 2011, up 6.8% ($119 million), and up 103% from 2000 level. Other private services (business, professional, and technical services) and travel categories accounted for most of U.S. services imports from Thailand.

Those exports impact Thailand's foreign reserves and allow it to import energy. If Thailand doesn't have the foreign reserves necessary to pay for its energy needs, you will feel it. If Thailand's exports to the US suffer, it will be felt through the loss of jobs, and the resultant ripple effect.

Now consider what happens when a country's economy tanks. You get civil unrest. If you live in fear of a popular uprising now, just wait until the economy unravels, then you will have something real to worry about.

"Now consider what happens when a country's economy tanks. You get civil unrest. If you live in fear of a popular uprising now, just wait until the economy unravels, then you will have something real to worry about." I really don't care if the economy TANKS or there is civil unrest. What is new? I can leave as can you and if you are clever and smart, BIG IF there... you can take your loved ones. The people must sort their government out. Not you and me.

I found this on Wiki...China 11.7%

Japan 10.2%

United States 9.9%

Hong Kong 5.7%

Malaysia 5.4%

Indonesia 4.9%

Singapore 4.7%

Australia 4.3% (2012

Now look at Australia we are one of Thailand Biggest markets TOURIST WISE as well. We are only about 8% of the population of USA but 50% of the exports volume thailand sends out.

YES Sanctions will hurt bad and thats what they need. Countries respond to economic might not words

Sadly there is no point in looking to Australia

It has its own boat towing policies and is madly chasing free trade agreements with ASEAN countries

[winstonc]

I hope the USA does SANCTION Thailand. HURT the government HARD. ASEAN is coming and it is about time if countries want fairness on the world TRADE stage they are FAIR on the other sides as well.

You didn't think this through did you? The sanctions will not hurt the government. They will however hurt the Thai economy and most of the Thai population. . Loss of preferred trade status will seriously hurt some market sectors

The five largest import categories in 2012 were: Electrical Machinery ($6.3 billion), Machinery ($5.7 billion), Rubber ($2.4 billion), Precious Stones (jewelry) ($1.4 billion), and Prepared Meat, Fish (shrimp and tuna) ($1.2 billion).

U.S. imports of agricultural products from Thailand totaled $2.4 billion in 2012, the 10th largest supplier of Ag imports. Leading categories include: shrimp and prawns ($1.2 billion), rubber and allied products ($699 million), tuna ($594 million), and rice ($436 million).

U.S. imports of private commercial services (i.e., excluding military and government) were $1.9 billion in 2011, up 6.8% ($119 million), and up 103% from 2000 level. Other private services (business, professional, and technical services) and travel categories accounted for most of U.S. services imports from Thailand.

Those exports impact Thailand's foreign reserves and allow it to import energy. If Thailand doesn't have the foreign reserves necessary to pay for its energy needs, you will feel it. If Thailand's exports to the US suffer, it will be felt through the loss of jobs, and the resultant ripple effect.

Now consider what happens when a country's economy tanks. You get civil unrest. If you live in fear of a popular uprising now, just wait until the economy unravels, then you will have something real to worry about.

hit them where it hurts now...there is no excuse for this barbarity ....money moves things over here its the only way im afraid..

[ggt]

When are they going to address their internal human trafficking problem...of young Thai women for prostitution...?

[I Like Thai]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I hope the USA does SANCTION Thailand. HURT the government HARD. ASEAN is coming and it is about time if countries want fairness on the world TRADE stage they are FAIR on the other sides as well.

You didn't think this through did you? The sanctions will not hurt the government. They will however hurt the Thai economy and most of the Thai population. . Loss of preferred trade status will seriously hurt some market sectors

The five largest import categories in 2012 were: Electrical Machinery ($6.3 billion), Machinery ($5.7 billion), Rubber ($2.4 billion), Precious Stones (jewelry) ($1.4 billion), and Prepared Meat, Fish (shrimp and tuna) ($1.2 billion).

U.S. imports of agricultural products from Thailand totaled $2.4 billion in 2012, the 10th largest supplier of Ag imports. Leading categories include: shrimp and prawns ($1.2 billion), rubber and allied products ($699 million), tuna ($594 million), and rice ($436 million).

U.S. imports of private commercial services (i.e., excluding military and government) were $1.9 billion in 2011, up 6.8% ($119 million), and up 103% from 2000 level. Other private services (business, professional, and technical services) and travel categories accounted for most of U.S. services imports from Thailand.

Those exports impact Thailand's foreign reserves and allow it to import energy. If Thailand doesn't have the foreign reserves necessary to pay for its energy needs, you will feel it. If Thailand's exports to the US suffer, it will be felt through the loss of jobs, and the resultant ripple effect.

Now consider what happens when a country's economy tanks. You get civil unrest. If you live in fear of a popular uprising now, just wait until the economy unravels, then you will have something real to worry about.

Thailand would not be a safe place for farangs in this event, all farangs. Thai's will not differentiate between nationalities. The US doesn't care about human trafficking in it's own country, never mind in other countries. This action is being taken for political reasons. Maybe it want's to cause unrest in the area to hamper any plans to build the planned canal ?

Is it just trying to divert attention away from the debacle in the Ukraine, with a "Look, we're the good guys" story at the other side of the world.

Whatever the reason, the issue of the Rohingya will not change unless the "Root Cause" is resolved.

Myanmar doesn't want them, Thailand doesn't want them. Malaysia doesn't want them.

Open to you, to discuss how to solve the "Root Cause" of the problem, so that the side effects of this issue can be solved forever.

You can cut the head off a nettle forever and you will not solve the nettle problem. You need to tackle it at the root.

[I Like Thai]

Should the USA not clean up it's own house first before pointing fingers around the world ?

[chooka]

Why are so many so blinded and only think that this problem only occurred under the Yingluk Government? It was around well before then. Ashibit/Suthep Government were towing these people out to sea to die without food or water. It was also around for decades before these people were born.

[marcusd]

Issanaus... Why do both sides of Australian govt do this to boats? Because they are economic refugees. A refugee by the UN Convention states the port of first call that is party to the convention is where the refugee status ends. FACT. these people should not be let in. You cannot save the world. Every country that tries has huge problems. I personally would too as Muslims are not tolerant to my way of life yet I have to be tolerant to them?

Bigger that mate

Marcusd. Via tapatalk

[marcusd]

Also, the oz issue is vastly different to the Thai issue. Australia does not tow people to die

Marcusd. Via tapatalk

[rubl]

Why are so many so blinded and only think that this problem only occurred under the Yingluk Government? It was around well before then. Ashibit/Suthep Government were towing these people out to sea to die without food or water. It was also around for decades before these people were born.

The Yingluck government has voiced their priority handling of these issues just like they are proud to have taken such good care of corruption.

[Cuchulainn]

..............Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said he had discussed several issues with his US counterpart John Kerry, highlighting the Thai government’s efforts in dealing with the problem of trafficking in persons..............

If "cack-handed baldy" had anything to do with it, it's bound to be peppered with lies and covered up!!

[roguewo]

I hope the USA does SANCTION Thailand. HURT the government HARD. ASEAN is coming and it is about time if countries want fairness on the world TRADE stage they are FAIR on the other sides as well.

You didn't think this through did you? The sanctions will not hurt the government. They will however hurt the Thai economy and most of the Thai population. . Loss of preferred trade status will seriously hurt some market sectors

The five largest import categories in 2012 were: Electrical Machinery ($6.3 billion), Machinery ($5.7 billion), Rubber ($2.4 billion), Precious Stones (jewelry) ($1.4 billion), and Prepared Meat, Fish (shrimp and tuna) ($1.2 billion).

U.S. imports of agricultural products from Thailand totaled $2.4 billion in 2012, the 10th largest supplier of Ag imports. Leading categories include: shrimp and prawns ($1.2 billion), rubber and allied products ($699 million), tuna ($594 million), and rice ($436 million).

U.S. imports of private commercial services (i.e., excluding military and government) were $1.9 billion in 2011, up 6.8% ($119 million), and up 103% from 2000 level. Other private services (business, professional, and technical services) and travel categories accounted for most of U.S. services imports from Thailand.

Those exports impact Thailand's foreign reserves and allow it to import energy. If Thailand doesn't have the foreign reserves necessary to pay for its energy needs, you will feel it. If Thailand's exports to the US suffer, it will be felt through the loss of jobs, and the resultant ripple effect.

Now consider what happens when a country's economy tanks. You get civil unrest. If you live in fear of a popular uprising now, just wait until the economy unravels, then you will have something real to worry about.

"Now consider what happens when a country's economy tanks. You get civil unrest. If you live in fear of a popular uprising now, just wait until the economy unravels, then you will have something real to worry about." I really don't care if the economy TANKS or there is civil unrest. What is new? I can leave as can you and if you are clever and smart, BIG IF there... you can take your loved ones. The people must sort their government out. Not you and me.

I found this on Wiki...China 11.7%

Japan 10.2%

United States 9.9%

Hong Kong 5.7%

Malaysia 5.4%

Indonesia 4.9%

Singapore 4.7%

Australia 4.3% (2012

Now look at Australia we are one of Thailand Biggest markets TOURIST WISE as well. We are only about 8% of the population of USA but 50% of the exports volume thailand sends out.

YES Sanctions will hurt bad and thats what they need. Countries respond to economic might not words

Couldn't agree more MD, but there is another kind of sanction. It's called 'word of mouth' sanction; I tell everyone I know and ask them to tell everyone they know. You do the same. Word spreads like wildfire! Lazy scum sucking politicians, not required!

[roguewo]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I hope the USA does SANCTION Thailand. HURT the government HARD. ASEAN is coming and it is about time if countries want fairness on the world TRADE stage they are FAIR on the other sides as well.

You didn't think this through did you? The sanctions will not hurt the government. They will however hurt the Thai economy and most of the Thai population. . Loss of preferred trade status will seriously hurt some market sectors

The five largest import categories in 2012 were: Electrical Machinery ($6.3 billion), Machinery ($5.7 billion), Rubber ($2.4 billion), Precious Stones (jewelry) ($1.4 billion), and Prepared Meat, Fish (shrimp and tuna) ($1.2 billion).

U.S. imports of agricultural products from Thailand totaled $2.4 billion in 2012, the 10th largest supplier of Ag imports. Leading categories include: shrimp and prawns ($1.2 billion), rubber and allied products ($699 million), tuna ($594 million), and rice ($436 million).

U.S. imports of private commercial services (i.e., excluding military and government) were $1.9 billion in 2011, up 6.8% ($119 million), and up 103% from 2000 level. Other private services (business, professional, and technical services) and travel categories accounted for most of U.S. services imports from Thailand.

Those exports impact Thailand's foreign reserves and allow it to import energy. If Thailand doesn't have the foreign reserves necessary to pay for its energy needs, you will feel it. If Thailand's exports to the US suffer, it will be felt through the loss of jobs, and the resultant ripple effect.

Now consider what happens when a country's economy tanks. You get civil unrest. If you live in fear of a popular uprising now, just wait until the economy unravels, then you will have something real to worry about.

Thailand would not be a safe place for farangs in this event, all farangs. Thai's will not differentiate between nationalities. The US doesn't care about human trafficking in it's own country, never mind in other countries. This action is being taken for political reasons. Maybe it want's to cause unrest in the area to hamper any plans to build the planned canal ?

Is it just trying to divert attention away from the debacle in the Ukraine, with a "Look, we're the good guys" story at the other side of the world.

Whatever the reason, the issue of the Rohingya will not change unless the "Root Cause" is resolved.

Myanmar doesn't want them, Thailand doesn't want them. Malaysia doesn't want them.

Open to you, to discuss how to solve the "Root Cause" of the problem, so that the side effects of this issue can be solved forever.

You can cut the head off a nettle forever and you will not solve the nettle problem. You need to tackle it at the root.

Did you double up on the meds tonight? 'Cause you're higher than giraffe snatch!

Your position isn't linear. One wrong doesn't justify another wrong.

[I Like Thai]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

I hope the USA does SANCTION Thailand. HURT the government HARD. ASEAN is coming and it is about time if countries want fairness on the world TRADE stage they are FAIR on the other sides as well.

You didn't think this through did you? The sanctions will not hurt the government. They will however hurt the Thai economy and most of the Thai population. . Loss of preferred trade status will seriously hurt some market sectors

The five largest import categories in 2012 were: Electrical Machinery ($6.3 billion), Machinery ($5.7 billion), Rubber ($2.4 billion), Precious Stones (jewelry) ($1.4 billion), and Prepared Meat, Fish (shrimp and tuna) ($1.2 billion).

U.S. imports of agricultural products from Thailand totaled $2.4 billion in 2012, the 10th largest supplier of Ag imports. Leading categories include: shrimp and prawns ($1.2 billion), rubber and allied products ($699 million), tuna ($594 million), and rice ($436 million).

U.S. imports of private commercial services (i.e., excluding military and government) were $1.9 billion in 2011, up 6.8% ($119 million), and up 103% from 2000 level. Other private services (business, professional, and technical services) and travel categories accounted for most of U.S. services imports from Thailand.

Those exports impact Thailand's foreign reserves and allow it to import energy. If Thailand doesn't have the foreign reserves necessary to pay for its energy needs, you will feel it. If Thailand's exports to the US suffer, it will be felt through the loss of jobs, and the resultant ripple effect.

Now consider what happens when a country's economy tanks. You get civil unrest. If you live in fear of a popular uprising now, just wait until the economy unravels, then you will have something real to worry about.

Thailand would not be a safe place for farangs in this event, all farangs. Thai's will not differentiate between nationalities. The US doesn't care about human trafficking in it's own country, never mind in other countries. This action is being taken for political reasons. Maybe it want's to cause unrest in the area to hamper any plans to build the planned canal ?

Is it just trying to divert attention away from the debacle in the Ukraine, with a "Look, we're the good guys" story at the other side of the world.

Whatever the reason, the issue of the Rohingya will not change unless the "Root Cause" is resolved.

Myanmar doesn't want them, Thailand doesn't want them. Malaysia doesn't want them.

Open to you, to discuss how to solve the "Root Cause" of the problem, so that the side effects of this issue can be solved forever.

You can cut the head off a nettle forever and you will not solve the nettle problem. You need to tackle it at the root.

Did you double up on the meds tonight? 'Cause you're higher than giraffe snatch!

Your position isn't linear. One wrong doesn't justify another wrong.

How can the USA choose to ignore it's own violations on Human Trafficking, whilst at the same time make threats against another country ?

It's hypocrisy and nothing else

[american12bthai]

Probably the first on many to come , the PTP have a track record that speaks for it's self , nobody else they can blame , a systematic break down of administration seems to happen when the PTP get the hands on any subject , they are incapable of management structure and delegation of duties ,the PTP is a prime example of not what to do to run a country.

Congratulations on being the first poster to try and lay blame for this on the PTP. You do not get a prize, but you do look foolish. The problem raised in the OP has been going on for many years. Years when the Dems were in power and also when the miltary had seized power as well as under TRT and PTP. Corruption is endemic in Thailand and has been for hundreds of years and will continue to be so for many years to come, but that is only part of the problem. Thailand is in denial about its poor record on human trafficking especially where those concerned are not of the mainstream religion in Thailand or are refugees from neighbouring countries.

dude. its all thaksin. and/or aliens.

[geriatrickid]

Why are so many so blinded and only think that this problem only occurred under the Yingluk Government? It was around well before then. Ashibit/Suthep Government were towing these people out to sea to die without food or water. It was also around for decades before these people were born.

The Yingluck government has voiced their priority handling of these issues just like they are proud to have taken such good care of corruption.

Why do you refuse to recognize the Thai reality? NO civilian government has authority over the Thai military.Abhisit was embarrassed by the towing of refugees. This is one of Thailand's major problems. The Thai military operates as a state within a state. Until Thailand's military is reformed, there will never be any substantive change in Thailand. The military industrial complex is at the core of Thailand's problems. People complain about the rice program. Fine. Have a look at the military budget and its procurement policies. Not once has the NACC ever looked at the billions of baht spent by the military. If you had a large business empire that included leisure facilities such as hotels, guest houses, real estate, golf courses and the opportunity to make vast sums of money "off the books", would you want someone to be poking his nose in your business?

[geriatrickid]

I like this classic as reported by Kaladan News 12 February 2011;

Chittagong, Bangladesh: Rohingya boat voyagers were set adrift in an engineless boat on the high seas by the Thai Navy, according to a member of a boatload of ninety-one Rohingya males that drifted ashore on remote islands in Indian territory.

In December 2008, nearly 300 Rohingya were rescued from the Andaman Sea after the engines were removed from their boats and they were towed out to sea by the Thai Navy

BTW Woopy, in 2008, guess who was in in charge. Here's a hint: It wasn't the PTP. The Royal Thai Navy, the same entity from which the "freelancing" PDRC security guards came from, certainly likes to help refugees doesn't it?

Guess who became PM on the 17th of December 2008 after a vote by MPs on the 15th?

Abhisit. What's your point? I certainly don't blame him for the mistreatment of the refugees. I have lots to criticize, but on this issue he was powerless. Yes, he should have realized that there would be excesses when he ordered the navy to intercede, but he's a civilized man, and I don't think he was quite expecting the type of response that occurred. Or perhaps, he knew and hoped for the best. In any case, the Thai navy commanders were in charge of the operations and had both the legal and ethical obligations to respect international conventions on refugees and to act in a humane manner. Removing engines from a boat and then casting the boat adrift is not acceptable behaviour. It was a horrific and cruel act. However, I do not believe he ordered this anymore than Thaksin ordered narco terrorists to be killed by the military. This is the by-product of a country where the military is not accountable to the people.

[Loles]

Will be a big fire and falsehood-mountain, and of course no-one has seen anything.

[rubl]

I like this classic as reported by Kaladan News 12 February 2011;

Chittagong, Bangladesh: Rohingya boat voyagers were set adrift in an engineless boat on the high seas by the Thai Navy, according to a member of a boatload of ninety-one Rohingya males that drifted ashore on remote islands in Indian territory.

In December 2008, nearly 300 Rohingya were rescued from the Andaman Sea after the engines were removed from their boats and they were towed out to sea by the Thai Navy

BTW Woopy, in 2008, guess who was in in charge. Here's a hint: It wasn't the PTP. The Royal Thai Navy, the same entity from which the "freelancing" PDRC security guards came from, certainly likes to help refugees doesn't it?

Guess who became PM on the 17th of December 2008 after a vote by MPs on the 15th?

Abhisit. What's your point? I certainly don't blame him for the mistreatment of the refugees. I have lots to criticize, but on this issue he was powerless. Yes, he should have realized that there would be excesses when he ordered the navy to intercede, but he's a civilized man, and I don't think he was quite expecting the type of response that occurred. Or perhaps, he knew and hoped for the best. In any case, the Thai navy commanders were in charge of the operations and had both the legal and ethical obligations to respect international conventions on refugees and to act in a humane manner. Removing engines from a boat and then casting the boat adrift is not acceptable behaviour. It was a horrific and cruel act. However, I do not believe he ordered this anymore than Thaksin ordered narco terrorists to be killed by the military. This is the by-product of a country where the military is not accountable to the people.

Oh please, don't play cute, gKid, you're too old for that.

My point is that you asked "2008, who was in charge" followed by "not the PTP". Well more than 11 months that year PPP (the predecessor of Pheu Thai) was in charge.

AS for the rest, I can mostly agree, but you should include the RTP especially with the current "thais stranded in Frankfurt' scandal.

BTW I don't remember Thaksin ordered 'narco terrorists' to be shot by the RTA. Only that he set a quota for the RTP with the RTP fuly complying..

[casindonet]

And yesterday news mentioned that the government was confident that thailand is going to do good in all this.

Sent from my GT-I9200 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[simple1]

Issanaus... Why do both sides of Australian govt do this to boats? Because they are economic refugees. A refugee by the UN Convention states the port of first call that is party to the convention is where the refugee status ends. FACT. these people should not be let in. You cannot save the world. Every country that tries has huge problems. I personally would too as Muslims are not tolerant to my way of life yet I have to be tolerant to them?

Bigger that mate

Marcusd. Via tapatalk

Untrue, up until very recently it is on the public record that only about 10% of detainees were assessed as economic refugees and where possible e.g. Sri Lankans, returned to their home country. Those arriving by air, many with false documentation, then declaring themselves as refugees/asylum seekers are on average 50% assessed as economic refugees, yet there is nearly zero vilification of arrivals by air and not subject to the harsh treatment of the 'boat people'.

You will find that first country of entry applies to countries that have signed and ratified the UN Conventions, that those in the areas of conflict have not done so, including countries of transit such as Indonesia and Malaysia

Edited May 4, 2014 by simple1

[Jim walker]

How dare these uneducated foreigners try and tell us how to run a progressive democratic honest well run corruption free country like Thailand how can you improve on perfection.

[transam]

Perhaps the officials in LOS that deal with human trafficking have not been able to enter their work place for a few months....

[selftaopath]

I like this classic as reported by Kaladan News 12 February 2011;

Chittagong, Bangladesh: Rohingya boat voyagers were set adrift in an engineless boat on the high seas by the Thai Navy, according to a member of a boatload of ninety-one Rohingya males that drifted ashore on remote islands in Indian territory.

In December 2008, nearly 300 Rohingya were rescued from the Andaman Sea after the engines were removed from their boats and they were towed out to sea by the Thai Navy

BTW Woopy, in 2008, guess who was in in charge. Here's a hint: It wasn't the PTP. The Royal Thai Navy, the same entity from which the "freelancing" PDRC security guards came from, certainly likes to help refugees doesn't it?

Guess who became PM on the 17th of December 2008 after a vote by MPs on the 15th?

Abhisit. What's your point? I certainly don't blame him for the mistreatment of the refugees. I have lots to criticize, but on this issue he was powerless. Yes, he should have realized that there would be excesses when he ordered the navy to intercede, but he's a civilized man, and I don't think he was quite expecting the type of response that occurred. Or perhaps, he knew and hoped for the best. In any case, the Thai navy commanders were in charge of the operations and had both the legal and ethical obligations to respect international conventions on refugees and to act in a humane manner. Removing engines from a boat and then casting the boat adrift is not acceptable behaviour. It was a horrific and cruel act. However, I do not believe he ordered this anymore than Thaksin ordered narco terrorists to be killed by the military. This is the by-product of a country where the military is not accountable to the people.

Accountability in Thailand? Now that would be a "switch." Most places I've experienced in Thailand people (Thai) do what they want when they want.... no thought of others or consequences. Of course consequences in Thailand are also difficult to see, except for natural one.