Thai diplomacy of 'first come, first serve'

[webfact]

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Thai diplomacy of 'first come, first serve'
Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- It does not take rocket science to figure out the direction of Thai foreign policy - especially after the post-coup era and ongoing international pressure over the state of democracy here. Everybody knows full well Thailand's diplomacy and democracy record does not follow any text-book.

That explains why some countries have been comfortable in re-engaging Thailand openly, while others

cite democratic principles and are reluctant to normalise relations with Thailand. In the latter group, the US and European Union stand out.

As Thai-US relations enter their 183rd year, these ties are still under-utilised and non-strategised. Both sides have to take the blame for allowing their alliance to slip to the edge of the precipice. For the Thai side, the reasons are many and familiar, including - continued domestic turmoil for nearly a decade, lack of regional leadership, too close a relationship with China, to name just a few. For the US, the reason is all quite simple —Thailand is no longer as important as it believes.

Following the coup, there have not been any substantive Thai-US exchanges. Financial aid was severed and exchanges of senior official visits — both military and civilian — were not permitted. However, in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly at the end of September, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkoew managed to hold talks with Daniel Russel, US Assistant State Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. They discussed ways to move ahead by overcoming the "grey areas" that have frozen their relations.

The two countries have identified some non-sensitive issues involving cooperation in stemming human trafficking, strengthening joint research on contagious diseases - including Ebola, and working closer on counter measures against extremists. Indeed, the ball is in the US's court - Washington can take up any initiative as Bangkok is open to all avenues.

At the Asean ministerial meeting in New York, Thailand joined Asean in backing international support to fight against Islamic State forces in Iraq and Syria, which the US is leading and urging all friends to form a coalition of the willing. Washington has asked Bangkok to cooperate in its efforts. In previous Middle East-related crises, the country played a pivotal role providing logistic support for the US air forces.

Discreetly, the two countries are currently working on a collaborative effort to utilise the U-Tapao airbase for future cooperation related to humanitarian and disaster assistance. Early this year, Thailand was disappointed by the US decision to scrap Thailand and consider Singapore as the location of a US-led regional centre for humanitarian and disaster management.

Mutual serious concerns were expressed if Thai-US ties should remain in a state of "paralysis", other countries could take advantage by intensifying and diversifying relations, thus negating traditional ties. More than officials would like to admit, Thailand has lost it premier place in the US military-strategic pivot toward Asia. In the long run, the climate could also lead to new cooperative frameworks and structures that exclude the US and EU.

That helped explain why Japan, the US's closest ally in the region, recently broke ranks with America and the EU. Japan went ahead with an invitation for General Prayut to visit Tokyo as soon as Vice Foreign Minister Minoru Kiuchi called on him at Government House early this month. He became the first high foreign leader to make official contact with Thailand. Japan has shown its enthusiasm by offering three optional dates to facilitate the proposed visit.

Taking a sustained rigid stand against Thailand, Japan realised, would backfire on its national interest in the long haul, especially by rupturing the regional and global production chain established by Japan over the past four decades. Under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan is more pragmatic and strategic in its approach to Thailand and the region, which has become an area of rivalry with China.

At the moment, the EU is also caught in a bind because of its collective positions on Thailand. The Thai-EU free trade agreement, which was near completion, was halted after the coup. Now, both sides are finding ways to jump- start their relations.

By contrast, China and South Korea benefitted the most from Thailand's post-coup era. In the absence of much needed foreign support during the first week following the coup, the two embassies continued to engage with the new Thai power wielders - and it paid off. Their "business as usual" approach has not only saved their ongoing huge infrastructure projects but deepened their friendship and trust level with Thailand.

The so-called "first come, first served" diplomacy has already achieved a useful purpose by breaking international isolation and increasing contact between the military leaders and foreign dignitaries. The next move will depend on Prayut's leadership quality and his rapport with the international community.

General Prayut is attending the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Milan later this week. His first exposure to the 28 European leaders will serve as an indicator how well his government has been accepted by the Western democracies. Although the EU has not yet softened its stand on Thailand, especially on the restriction of freedom of expression and assembly, individual EU members have expressed the interest to hold bilateral talks with Prayut on the sideline of ASEM. The numbers are expected to increase as the summit draws near.

However, the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting in Beijing (November 9-10) and the Asean Summit and East Asia Summit in Nay Pyi Taw (November 12-13 ) could be his litmus test. His tete-a-tetes with the world's most powerful leaders and his counterparts from Asean could increase or undermine his government's claims of legitimacy and decency.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Thai-diplomacy-of-first-come-first-serve-30245319.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-13

[NeverSure]

Do they believe that stuff? A few months ago the CEO's of 30 of Japan's top companies visited Myanmar where Japan has agreed to build a deep water port at Yangon. Japan and the US have both bought large chunks of industrial land there. That was in an article right on this site.

They got it right that the US isn't happy with the close ties with China, but neither is Japan.

The US has challenged human rights issues as has the EU.

Thailand can replace the US and the EU as business partners? Where? The US is the largest buyer or Thai exports as a country, and surely the EU is right in there.

Thailand is so deluded it will be its downfall.

It is the US and Japan who are going to Burma, and far enough up the coast to be of no use to Thailand.

[Snig27]

You do have to wonder what planet the Nation's writers are on sometimes. What a bizarrely deluded editorial.

Edited October 12, 2014 by Snig27

[noitom]

A japan Thailand alliance. Could this be a throwback to 1941 and January, 1942, the declaration of war against the US and the UK by THailand. A Thai Japanese military alignment - lots of history there.

[pisico]

You do have to wonder what planet the Nation's writers are on sometimes. What a bizarrely deluded editorial.

Delusion is the correct word to describe this attempt to say something instead of having something important to say.

The editorial is in keeping with what Thais are indoctrinated in from Grammar school to Universities: "we are so special, unique and important!"

That complacency keeps Thailand, after decades, in the tier of countries still developing in spite of massive foreign investment and know-how.

The author is a prime example of that indoctrinated culture.

Thailand has a veritable potential to be more than what it has been and is. But, critical thinking and intellectual curiosity are not promoted, inculcated or even its importance explained. A country kept in the bonds of ignorance has a shaky future.

[Zonka]

Every day some dumb ass comes out to try and convince us that thais are the be all and end all!

[noitom]

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

You do have to wonder what planet the Nation's writers are on sometimes. What a bizarrely deluded editorial.

Delusion is the correct word to describe this attempt to say something instead of having something important to say.

The editorial is in keeping with what Thais are indoctrinated in from Grammar school to Universities: "we are so special, unique and important!"

That complacency keeps Thailand, after decades, in the tier of countries still developing in spite of massive foreign investment and know-how.

The author is a prime example of that indoctrinated culture.

Thailand has a veritable potential to be more than what it has been and is. But, critical thinking and intellectual curiosity are not promoted, inculcated or even its importance explained. A country kept in the bonds of ignorance has a shaky future.

They are delusional with an over inflated sense of self importance as you point out.

[NeverSure]

A japan Thailand alliance. Could this be a throwback to 1941 and January, 1942, the declaration of war against the US and the UK by THailand. A Thai Japanese military alignment - lots of history there.

What???? Thailand was invaded and abused by Japan in WWII. Thailand surrendered.

Thailand only agreed to cooperate with Japan because they didn't have a choice.

The UK and the US bombed Bangkok because Japan was using Thailand as a base to launch attacks on Malaysia and Burma.

After the war, the UK RAF occupied Thailand in Bangkok (Don Muang airfield.)

[Morakot]

You do have to wonder what planet the Nation's writers are on sometimes. What a bizarrely deluded editorial.

Difficult job, comment on a general delusion without deluding oneself.

[baboon]

"By contrast, China and South Korea benefited most from....."

What an odd paragraph. It almost seems to imply Thailand rescued both countries from certain ruin. What can one say to that and not get banned from Thaivisa?

[casindonet]

So the news is actually saying that thais are a superior race & everyone on this planet needs them.

[Lupatria]

I wonder how many 'Thailand No 1' stickers are plastered on Kavi Chongkittavorn car

[fab4]

You do have to wonder what planet the Nation's writers are on sometimes. What a bizarrely deluded editorial.

Or it could be concluded that The Nation is doing what comes naturally for them. A few off-message articles but never straying far from the path, doing their masters bidding.

[Chris Lawrence]

They can play with Burma, and maybe the little kid with the funny haircut. China may influence them, but there best bet for money is the US. The only problem is that there was a mutiny little while back. The western governments may see such action as unsettling removing an elected government?

[MediaWatcher]

noitom, on 13 Oct 2014 - 08:50, said:

A japan Thailand alliance. Could this be a throwback to 1941 and January, 1942, the declaration of war against the US and the UK by THailand. A Thai Japanese military alignment - lots of history there.

A "history" that makes a mockery oh the 183 year tie between Thailand and the US.

[razer]

Oh ... if only Thailand had huge oil reserves. They would be the dalings of the USA and Europe no matter what kind of government.

[baboon]

Oh ... if only Thailand had huge oil reserves. They would be the dalings of the USA and Europe no matter what kind of government.

Tell that to Saddam Hussein and Colonel Gaddafi.

[kamahele]

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

A japan Thailand alliance. Could this be a throwback to 1941 and January, 1942, the declaration of war against the US and the UK by THailand. A Thai Japanese military alignment - lots of history there.

What???? Thailand was invaded and abused by Japan in WWII. Thailand surrendered.

Thailand only agreed to cooperate with Japan because they didn't have a choice.

The UK and the US bombed Bangkok because Japan was using Thailand as a base to launch attacks on Malaysia and Burma.

After the war, the UK RAF occupied Thailand in Bangkok (Don Muang airfield.)

I don't know why we are heading down the WWII route here but Thailand did have a choice. Allow the Japanese to move through the country or stand up and fight. Lose the fight but fight. They didn't and in effect became a collaborator in the West's eyes. Great Britain wanted to heap heavy sanctions on Thailand after the war but the US stepped in and argued against those sanctions as we wanted an ally in Asia. And Thailand and America have used each other since then for the benefit of both. As for the present, every country does what is right for itself. If it is beneficial to follow the US for example then the Japanese do. If not, then they don't. In this case, the Japanese felt that it benefits them to meet with the General. I'm sure Obama is not crying over this meeting.

Edited October 13, 2014 by kamahele

[sprq]

Bad headline: as written later in the body of the piece, "first come, first served" is the correct form, meaning "the first to come will be the first to be served". Often used by Americans, the form "first come, first serve" is illiterate.

[LuckyLew]

as opposed to Nana plaza diplomacy ...first serve, first come

[Cuchulainn]

Ooooooooooooohhhhhh, Lew. You are awful!!!

[ratcatcher]

Bad headline: as written later in the body of the piece, "first come, first served" is the correct form, meaning "the first to come will be the first to be served". Often used by Americans, the form "first come, first serve" is illiterate.

Thank you, and now are you prepared to parse sentence on the author?

".....the form "first come, first serve" is illiterate. incorrect.

Edited October 13, 2014 by ratcatcher

[NeverSure]

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

A japan Thailand alliance. Could this be a throwback to 1941 and January, 1942, the declaration of war against the US and the UK by THailand. A Thai Japanese military alignment - lots of history there.

What???? Thailand was invaded and abused by Japan in WWII. Thailand surrendered.

Thailand only agreed to cooperate with Japan because they didn't have a choice.

The UK and the US bombed Bangkok because Japan was using Thailand as a base to launch attacks on Malaysia and Burma.

After the war, the UK RAF occupied Thailand in Bangkok (Don Muang airfield.)

I don't know why we are heading down the WWII route here but Thailand did have a choice. Allow the Japanese to move through the country or stand up and fight. Lose the fight but fight. They didn't and in effect became a collaborator in the West's eyes. Great Britain wanted to heap heavy sanctions on Thailand after the war but the US stepped in and argued against those sanctions as we wanted an ally in Asia. And Thailand and America have used each other since then for the benefit of both. As for the present, every country does what is right for itself. If it is beneficial to follow the US for example then the Japanese do. If not, then they don't. In this case, the Japanese felt that it benefits them to meet with the General. I'm sure Obama is not crying over this meeting.

The Japanese have a lot of investments in Thailand. Cars, scooters, electronics... It's beginning to look like they wish they didn't.

As for Japan following the US, they have their own bones to pick with China. Threatened air routes, claims to islands... China would be bully #1 in Asia if allowed to run free. When China was sabre rattling about fishing rights and air routes and islands, The US sailed a couple of Nimitz-class carrier groups right through there to send a message. I haven't heard about any of that from China since.

The US has defense treaties with Thailand, Japan, S. Korea, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand. There is also a mutual defense treaty among The United States , Australia, France, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. LINK

[Time Traveller]

"Thailand is no longer as important as it believes." --

Accurate and to the point, it's a welcome change that the Nation nailed it in one sentence.

[CapeThai]

A japan Thailand alliance. Could this be a throwback to 1941 and January, 1942, the declaration of war against the US and the UK by THailand. A Thai Japanese military alignment - lots of history there.

And as they say, history repeats itself somehow...

[getthaid]

"That explains why some countries have been comfortable in re-engaging Thailand openly, while others cite democratic principles and are reluctant to normalise relations with Thailand. In the latter group, the US and European Union stand out"

This muppet called the EU a country and expects to be taken seriously. It's 28 countries. Morans. Your bus is leaving.

Edited October 13, 2014 by getthaid

[getthaid]

Duplicate.

Edited October 13, 2014 by getthaid