The West might regret forcing Thailand into a corner

[Eric Loh]

Come on guys, Suthep's revelation has exposed that this was a deliberate act and all the build-up to the eventual day was a calculated move. So throw out the feel good reasons of stopping a civil war, breaking the political impasse, economic ruin etc etc. Every coup in the past was never a spontaneous reaction but a carefully crafted plan. Insantity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result; how true.

Sure about that? Prayuth is changing things into a more orderly system left, right and center. Get lost in those ancient caves in Udon somewhere? I recommend a guide next time so you don't lose your way out. Hahaha.

More like Prayuth is ordering things to a system laid out by the establishment with guidance from Suthep. Maybe it is you that is lost and blinkered by your ability or reluctance to face the truth.

You are completely clueless and out of your mind. You are claiming that the Thai army puppets of Suthep? You're a joker

They've seized tons of weapons, organized and reordered traffic, cut down considerable corruption, gambling, taxi mafia, the list is more and more every day. You oppose all that and think Suthep would be behind that? Total trolling with no credibility whatsoever.

Nice Pee Wee Herman rebuttal BTW: The 'no, you are' line. Brilliant.

If I am clueless, you certainly is gullible. Seen any Suthep's retraction of his claim or a defamation suit by Prayuth Or even a strong warning? The only reply was through a army spokesman and was just a soft denial. Jatuporn said that he has PM ambition and looks like things are falling into places. Those silly cartoons just don;t cut it mate as it mades you rather childish.

[gazzasore]

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Naomi+Klein%27s+The+Shock+Doctrine.

[hawker9000]

Unfortunately this article is true that the West has started putting pressure on Thailand..

I mentioned the other day in a post with he US's report on Human Trafficking & downgrading Thailand to Tier 3 then EU saying sanctions it was obvious that these were connected.

Of course there will be posters here that will say Thailand is a crybaby,more Thainess,out of touch that the West couldn't care less about insignificant Thailand....but one wonders who the real crybabies are?

Thailand is sticking up for itself...

The West needs Thailand...not for trade....for regional access for their military power.

The West can go on about their moral high ground...but they are bullies......

They are "Exceptional" Thailand isn't.

Sometimes these little, proud banana republics need to be spanked and forced back into line.

Nothing but a bit of parenting, that's all.

19th century chauvinism - still alive & well.

Thailand solving its own problems for a change, and the west wants to "spank them" and "force them back into line". Lol. Let Obama find something else to spank for a change. SOMEbody could use a good "spanking" though, but he's cowering in Dubai...

[CantSpell]

Looking through the countries on the list, it's just the usual suspects, USA and it's main allies, which is comical and what one would usually expect.

Seriously, how can the USA lecture anyone on the issue of fair elections. This is a country that laughs in the face of true democracy by allowing their whole election process to be manipulated by money, powerful

co-operations and hidden secrets.

The arrogance of certain western nations is overwhelming.

And for the EU side...

After the last Election for the EU representatives..... Most of the countries political parties winners were.....

Right wings political parties.... Totally committed to bring EU down as they want nations back as opposed to EU....

They should clean their own act before giving lessons and going on their high horses...

[Overandout]

There have been some fascist military dictators who started very popular, but the end result wasn't so great. Amazing crowds gathered to hear one speak and to cheer and cheer in the 1930's.

Most of them restricted the press, restricted public gatherings, locked up people who disagreed with them, and some sent people for "reeducation."

Please name me one, no matter how popular with the masses initially, actually had a good ending?

It's easy to cheer at the beginning, when it seems a country needs a savior. Needing a savior is what let those people get power in the first place.

How are we supposed to classify a "good ending"? Good for who?

I agree with the tone and base message of your post, and in many instances your point is totally valid, Pinochet and Hitler spring to mind of course.

But you ask if any of them have had a good ending. Well believe me, Franco was still very popular with a significant, although not a majority, of the Spanish population when he died.

In fact I suggest you go to the "Valley of the Fallen" north of Madrid on the anniversary of his death to see how many people still turn out to show their appreciation of what they think was the best leader Spain ever had. They don't go because he'll beat them with his stick if they don't, they really believe that he was what Spain needed and to a large extent wish he could be replaced. It is still very common to hear (in certain circles) "this wouldn't have happened under Franco"...

[smileydude]

Nationalistic butt-hurt sentiment? I see it as a world stage where countries have to act out their parts but the real wheeling and dealing goes on behind closed doors. Geo-politics and interests always come first, principles second.

Thailand should accept the EU and US stance for what it is, a stance and constructively try to find a way to address it instead of listening to nationalistic butt-hurt shooting-from-the-hip knee-jerk emo reactions.

No one is forcing anyone that doesn't have to or want to be forced. Thailand needs to reform at its own pace, under its own restrictions and develop its own style of democracy. Along the way it should tell the world how its going to do that and not be arrogant that its not anyone's business.

No country is an island and friendships should be valued.

Edited June 27, 2014 by smileydude

[Pimay1]

Sure about that? Prayuth is changing things into a more orderly system left, right and center. Get lost in those ancient caves in Udon somewhere? I recommend a guide next time so you don't lose your way out. Hahaha.

More like Prayuth is ordering things to a system laid out by the establishment with guidance from Suthep. Maybe it is you that is lost and blinkered by your ability or reluctance to face the truth.

You are completely clueless and out of your mind. You are claiming that the Thai army puppets of Suthep? You're a joker

They've seized tons of weapons, organized and reordered traffic, cut down considerable corruption, gambling, taxi mafia, the list is more and more every day. You oppose all that and think Suthep would be behind that? Total trolling with no credibility whatsoever.

Nice Pee Wee Herman rebuttal BTW: The 'no, you are' line. Brilliant.

If I am clueless, you certainly is gullible. Seen any Suthep's retraction of his claim or a defamation suit by Prayuth Or even a strong warning? The only reply was through a army spokesman and was just a soft denial. Jatuporn said that he has PM ambition and looks like things are falling into places. Those silly cartoons just don;t cut it mate as it mades you rather childish.

Well Eric Khun Jatuporn is one person who remains the pillar of truth and righteousness in this world of seven billion souls. You can always count on what he says as being the gospel.

[iphad]

Imagine for a moment...if say Britain put out a report...( could be any country )..against the US ( or any other western country ) saying that the democratic principles or the use of cheap farm labor is unacceptable & that sanctions may be applied.

I'm sure the country accused would be kind & respectful back to it's accuser especially from the news media.

So Thailand should be allowed to exercise the same response...oh I forgot Thailand is a banana ( rice ) republic and should bow & say thxs to the West for making them adhere to the west's wisdom & guidance

[BlueSkyCowboy]

sure they will ...now go back to sleep

propaganda bullcrap article that sadly shows how out of touch many thais are.....how many BILLIONs of baht are exported to the west ...

poor little thailand.. so sad for this little corrupt slavery driven country

Thailand a sad little country??? How about the US with an illegal in the White House??? Yea maybe we should worry about our BS first and then advise others. Just a distraction from the Communists in Washington

[Baerboxer]

The west might regret, lol. Oh no, you mean they will have to find another country that can be a brothel.

Sure Thailand, after you finish having a cry, run to Russia and China, I am sure they wont interfere with your sovereignty

Once again you accuse Thailand of being a brothel. In another thread you accuse Thailand of being the hub of prostitution,

We can probably guess where you spend most of your time here. Or suffered the consequences and feel bitter?

Bit like accusing Australia of being an island brothel - they've legalized it but probably need the taxes. Or saying they all must be crooks as they're descended from transported criminals.

Total sophistry.

[iReason]

" If Thailand is driven into a corner, it will have no choice but to walk a new path in its international relations."

Fine. Better get started on some path...

[pisico]

Unfortunately this article is true that the West has started putting pressure on Thailand..

I mentioned the other day in a post with he US's report on Human Trafficking & downgrading Thailand to Tier 3 then EU saying sanctions it was obvious that these were connected.

Of course there will be posters here that will say Thailand is a crybaby,more Thainess,out of touch that the West couldn't care less about insignificant Thailand....but one wonders who the real crybabies are?

Thailand is sticking up for itself...

The West needs Thailand...not for trade....for regional access for their military power.

The West can go on about their moral high ground...but they are bullies......

They are "Exceptional" Thailand isn't.

I've had emails asking if I'm ok. I tell them the place has never been better.

They want to know what effect the army is having on day-to-day life. I tell them the truth - I saw a truck load of soldiers parked near Thae Pai gate. Nothing more.

I'm embarrassed that Australia has chosen to fall into line with other poorly informed nations.

The Australians in the hard labor camp in Khanchanaburi, during the willful occupation of Thailand by the Japanese, are not embarrassed:

they are dead.

[Nickymaster]

So the Thai military is pissed and is about to kick some serious western ars#. I am sure the U.S, Europe and Australia are shaking. The West should have realised if you poke the most powerful nation in the world it is going to bite you.

Where did it say that the Thai military is pissed and will kick some western ars#? I thought it was written by the Nation, not the military.

Or are you making up stories to incite the situation?

Edited June 27, 2014 by Nickymaster

[NeverSure]

Imagine for a moment...if say Britain put out a report...( could be any country )..against the US ( or any other western country ) saying that the democratic principles or the use of cheap farm labor is unacceptable & that sanctions may be applied.

I'm sure the country accused would be kind & respectful back to it's accuser especially from the news media.

So Thailand should be allowed to exercise the same response...oh I forgot Thailand is a banana ( rice ) republic and should bow & say thxs to the West for making them adhere to the west's wisdom & guidance

Probably. And try to explain how Thainess works while denying using bait caught by slave labor.

Hey dude, I wouldn't willingly buy food products that I knew were at least partly produced by slave labor. Would You Really????

===================

"Purchased goods orders starting to feel effects." BANGKOK, June 27

"...It was agreed that high ranking officials from the Commerce, Foreign Affairs and Labour ministries should be sent to the US and the EU to explain to importers as well as inviting them to inspect the general situation in Thailand in order to restore their confidence." MORE

Edited June 27, 2014 by NeverSure

[love1012]

Unfortunately this article is true that the West has started putting pressure on Thailand..

I mentioned the other day in a post with he US's report on Human Trafficking & downgrading Thailand to Tier 3 then EU saying sanctions it was obvious that these were connected.

Of course there will be posters here that will say Thailand is a crybaby,more Thainess,out of touch that the West couldn't care less about insignificant Thailand....but one wonders who the real crybabies are?

Thailand is sticking up for itself...

The West needs Thailand...not for trade....for regional access for their military power.

The West can go on about their moral high ground...but they are bullies......

They are "Exceptional" Thailand isn't.

Sometimes these little, proud banana republics need to be spanked and forced back into line.

Nothing but a bit of parenting, that's all.

like the US does to canada?

[love1012]

For some reason the Oligarchs that control the US government want the Thaksin influenced side in control. We all should accept the fact, the US government, I mean the sales team that protects the central banks USD petro dollar, I mean the marketing directors that sell wars for the military industrial complex, I mean the US government always has to get their way.

not with russia and china they don't

[UbonRatch]

Shoot yourself in the foot and blame others for it...

Like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zw-jTCNZSmY

[hugh2121]

Other countries should keep their beaks out of Thailand's internal affairs with one exception. I would agree with sanctions over Thailand's failure to stamp out slavery and human trafficking.

[Mr Yim]

More hot air. I would imagine John Kerry will be having sleepless nights when he reads this.

[spidermike007]

Generallly speaking, the US at this stage, under this "leadership" cannot do anything right, when it comes to foreign policy. It seems nearly every decision they make, is wrongheaded, bullheaded, or just plain incorrect policy. They claim to be the great defenders of democracy, but just look at the last 20 years of American foreign policy. What a complete disaster. They continue behaving as if their influence is still as great as it once was. Little does America seem to know how much less relevant they are becoming, when it comes to world affairs. And Kerry? Wow. Talk about a neophyte. He is making Hillary look like a mad genius.

[citizen33]

The ways things are going people had better start learning Mandarin. There is a group within central Thai society that would, initially at least, be more comfortably facing East, but as time passes one might anticipate problems concerning that institution about which we must not speak, and they may come to realise their mistake.

Incidentally I think all this talk of the General as a sole director of events is wide of the mark and leads to a deeply flawed analysis. Consider the able and vastly experienced individuals alongside Prayuth on the ruling council and then think about their relations with the Privy Council. Do some reading on their history and public pronouncements (leaked cables are a good source), and then consider whether the narrative some trot out makes any sense at all. Do most of you even know their names?

[love1012]

There have been some fascist military dictators who started very popular, but the end result wasn't so great. Amazing crowds gathered to hear one speak and to cheer and cheer in the 1930's.

Most of them restricted the press, restricted public gatherings, locked up people who disagreed with them, and some sent people for "reeducation."

Please name me one, no matter how popular with the masses initially, actually had a good ending?

It's easy to cheer at the beginning, when it seems a country needs a savior. Needing a savior is what let those people get power in the first place.

Like Thaksin in 2006????

[bronco10250]

sure they will ...now go back to sleep

propaganda bullcrap article that sadly shows how out of touch many thais are.....how many BILLIONs of baht are exported to the west ...

poor little thailand.. so sad for this little corrupt slavery driven country

Well said!

[atlbravosfan]

There have been some fascist military dictators who started very popular, but the end result wasn't so great. Amazing crowds gathered to hear one speak and to cheer and cheer in the 1930's.

Most of them restricted the press, restricted public gatherings, locked up people who disagreed with them, and some sent people for "reeducation."

Please name me one, no matter how popular with the masses initially, actually had a good ending?

It's easy to cheer at the beginning, when it seems a country needs a savior. Needing a savior is what let those people get power in the first place.

Napolean Bonaparte, George Papadopoulos, Frank Bainimarama (still in power).....there's bound to be more.

But I take your point that most end in tears.

However, it's not a foregone conclusion, and the General does seem to be doing a great job.

You have forgotten, too, that he seems to have the blessing of HM, and will surely defer to HM should HM wish to direct him.

Not saying the General is good or bad or anything about that here. I actually think the coup has done a lot of great things for Thailand. That said:

You seem to have forgotten that every single military coup has had HM approval. Every. Single. One.

That statement doesn't somehow make this one any more credible in light of the facts.

[gemini81]

If the naysayers on this forum...( who I consider anti Thailand ) think Thailand should adhere to the West's superior wisdom I presume they mean that the Military should step down & elections should go ahead.

That's a brilliant idea .... I wonder who will get elected & everything will be better & back to normal?

Since the West is so wise .... what country have they interfered with...military direct or replacing the current government with a west leaning agenda through their many shadow terrorist groups have the support of it's people & not the support of the rich elite that can be bought?

I'm sure there is at least one but I can't think of one at the moment.

So would you say you broadly agree with the principle of the Army usurping a civilian government?

I would agree YOU are an IDIOT for using the word usurp to stop 28 more murders and blatant corruption of rice schemes - the west has NO RIGHT to tell thailand to stand and be corrupted!! You should be more worried about Putin spanking your countries ass again in Ukraine!! The US is Russias BITCH - i think is how you would say it!!

Ohhhh please. Just compare their armies for one. You must be slammin' the vodka hard. Enjoy your frisky slap on the behind from your main gangster Putin, buddy!

[love1012]

ps, i meant to say that many western countries need long-term goals too, instead of this pathetic charade every four years that they have democracies running their nations. Extreme-capitalist unsustainable exploitation is the name of the game for western corporations who run things through having easily corrupted the political leaders there.

EXACTLY - "We are going to have capitalist exploitation in the west - now who would you like to run it - is NOT Democracy"! We Tais are at least good enough to challenge our system - you are not allowed to challenge - that is one reason you want to live here!!

[elzach]

The writer spent time in China? The whole piece reminds me of the propaganda pieces coming out of Beijing.

In any event, you have to stop reading at "...tear apart the fabric of the social order." In Asia, except Japan, there is no social order ideal. It's a "get there first by any means and other people don't exist" ideal.

You must review your Geo political, the writer show you the real fact of the world, US lose influence in the world, and new developed countries rises and now form a block to counter US. They detain a large part of world economy..... If US no want Thailand to be reform and go forward, the BRICS could accept it.

Just for memory China detain a main part of US debt, if China want it can topple US economy quickly.........

Are you Chinese? because you write like one. i.e. zero critical thinking, but feeling free to dispense advice and/or comic threats.

1. Many more Developing countries are banding WITH the USA, than banding together against it. Ask Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Korea. Also ask all of Eastern Europe.

2. If I read one more time the FANTASY that China can "punish" the US because of all the US debt that it holds, I will personally seek out the writing offender and go to kick his ass, or "re-educate" him as the Chinese would say:

"China holds $1.3 trillion of U.S. debt, less than a quarter of the total $5.6 trillion in foreign-held debt. Japan holds another $1.1 trillion. The rest $12 trillion is held by the Social Security trust fund, other US agencies, the Fed and private investors."

http://useconomy.about.com/od/monetarypolicy/f/Who-Owns-US-National-Debt.htm

http://www.investmentu.com/article/detail/34733/why-china-wont-dump-us-debt#.U60GG9Kkz_8

[love1012]

If the naysayers on this forum...( who I consider anti Thailand ) think Thailand should adhere to the West's superior wisdom I presume they mean that the Military should step down & elections should go ahead.

That's a brilliant idea .... I wonder who will get elected & everything will be better & back to normal?

Since the West is so wise .... what country have they interfered with...military direct or replacing the current government with a west leaning agenda through their many shadow terrorist groups have the support of it's people & not the support of the rich elite that can be bought?

I'm sure there is at least one but I can't think of one at the moment.

So would you say you broadly agree with the principle of the Army usurping a civilian government?

I would agree YOU are an IDIOT for using the word usurp to stop 28 more murders and blatant corruption of rice schemes - the west has NO RIGHT to tell thailand to stand and be corrupted!! You should be more worried about Putin spanking your countries ass again in Ukraine!! The US is Russias BITCH - i think is how you would say it!!

Ohhhh please. Just compare their armies for one. You must be slammin' the vodka hard. Enjoy your frisky slap on the behind from your main gangster Putin, buddy!

Gemini - you and i supported each other in a lot of threads over the last 4 months and i don't want to go off topic- my point is that the west always takes on small countries but is afraid to take on one that it might find find difficult to force to do its will like Russia and China. The US has backed down time and time again as Putin has run circles round US foreign policy in he ~Ukraine!! "We don't have Russian troops or weapons and the US can do NOTHING about it!!

[CharlieH]

A number of posts have been removed. Discuss the issue, DONT make personal or offensive remarks.

7) Respect fellow members by posting in a civil manner: do not launch personal attacks, or be hateful or insulting towards other members, ie No flaming

8) Do not post disruptive or inflammatory messages, vulgarities, obscenities or profanities or to incite useless arguments by avoiding troll activity.

[love1012]

General Prayuth seems to be be a smart guy, he's kept the power post coup and having absolute power, can go for many jugulars, especially corrupt officials', which would be impossible in normal times.

This will win him everlasting praise from the population if he can do it and, most importantly can show the junta itself to be clean.

I saw the army sorting out the queues for the vans the other day, one of my friends said once the army is gone the mafia will be back again. This is one challenge- to make lasting changes to the justice system- real punishment and real enforcement of laws.

good luck to him.

Noise from the EU means nothing, they couldn't even prevent a war in their own backyard- Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia until the Americans finally intervened.

How does that old adage about absolute power go?

power corrupts Shinawatras and absolute power corrupts Shinawatras absolutely!!??? THAT ONE??