Thai opinion: What has Europe ever done for us?

[webfact]

What has Europe ever done for us?
Thepchai Yong
The Nation


A man waves a giant national flag at Democracy Monument a day after the Army seized power in May.

Anger in Thailand over 'punishment' for the coup ignores years of comprehensive cooperation that is playing a crucial role in Asia

BANGKOK: -- When the European Union (EU) announced it was downgrading its relations with Thailand to show its opposition to the military coup in late May, the reaction from many Thais was swift and harsh. The social media were swamped with nationalistic opprobrium, with some calling for a tit-for-tat response and others going as far as to say Thailand should shrug off any diplomatic pressure as it could easily live in isolation. A noted academic even urged the military junta not to kowtow to the EU, which he said was itself already becoming irrelevant because of its persistent financial crisis.

If anything, this particular episode illustrates one thing: Despite years of engagement between Thailand and the EU, Thais in general still have little understanding of the partnership that exists between them. The same is probably true with most other Asian countries, where the role of the EU is often under-publicised and only makes headlines when there are disputes.

For Thailand, it's unfortunate that the sudden turn in relations has come at a time when the EU is making vigorous attempts to enhance its ties with Asia. There are several reasons why pursuing stronger engagement with Asia is high on the agenda of the Europeans. Despite the distractions brought by its financial mess, the crisis in Ukraine, the civil war in Syria and the escalating threat of Muslim extremist group ISIS, European officials insist that the EU has not departed from its endeavour to forge closer ties in a wide range of areas in Asia.

In his recent speech, President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy said European and Asian economies are as interdependent as ever and that their interdependency goes beyond economic ties. While critics continue to call for a clearer and more coherent strategic direction in its engagement with Asia, there seems to be a general agreement among many analysts that much progress has been made since 2012, which EU policymakers described as a "pivotal" year. It saw an unprecedented series of high-level meetings and visits that culminated in the 9th Asia-Europe summit in Laos.

In recent briefings in Strasbourg and Brussels for Asian journalists, European officials emphasised that European engagement with Asia spans beyond traditional security and economic dimensions. Asean is now EU's third-largest trading partner and the action plan the two groupings adopted in 2012 has paved the way for a more comprehensive cooperation that incorporates people-to-people dimensions to cover areas like food security, human rights, disaster prevention, energy security, human and drug trafficking and urbanisation.

The EU has also engaged in a number of mediation activities in this region. It played an important role in the Aceh peace mediation process, which eventually led to the signing of the peace agreement between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement, ending years of bloodshed that had cost thousands of lives. The EU's sanctions against Myanmar's military government, though at times a source of conflict with Asean, are also credited for forcing its military leaders to embark on democratisation.

And most Thais are apparently not aware that at the height of the political crisis triggered by the anti-Yingluck government street protests late last year, some EU member countries tried to initiate a dialogue between the conflicting parties, though the efforts in the end didn't produce a breakthrough.

EU officials pointed out that these interactions between the EU and its Asian partners, while reflecting the comprehensive nature of Asian-European engagement and the EU's recognition of Asean centrality, were mostly low profile and not always publicised. "We do a lot but we may not be good at doing publicity," one official said, adding that the EU may need to improve its public diplomacy. That could help explain why the role of Europe in this region is often publicly underestimated.

The US "pivot" to Asia could be one of the reasons that prompted European policymakers to strengthen its presence in Asia-Pacific in recent years. Many Asian nations see the EU as a "balancing element" in the face of rising tensions stemming from territorial disputes between China and its neighbours. Without a military presence in this region and with no perceived geopolitical ambitions, the EU is seen as being in a position to play the role of an honest broker.

While admitting that there are limits to what the Europeans can do given China's strong opposition to what it sees as outside interference, EU officials maintained that the EU seeks to have a comprehensive relationship with China, which is on its way to becoming its biggest trading partner. The EU shares the Asean's desire to see China become a strong and responsible "soft power".

European officials are looking forward to the Asia-Europe Meeting (Asem) in Milan, Italy this week as another display of the importance of the relationships of the two continents. The biannual forum will bring together 53 Asian and European leaders, including Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, for a two-day summit. The theme of the event is "Responsible Partnership for Sustainable Growth and Security", which EU Council chief van Rampuy said will emphasise the importance of cooperation and common interests.

The EU's decision to appoint a special ambassador accredited to Asean just a few weeks before the Milan Asem is another sign of Europe's growing engagement with Asean and its ambition to upgrade its existing partnership to a strategic one, EU officials said. The EU is already an active participant in the Asean Regional Forum and has been supporting Asean economic integration.

For Thailand, under the present political circumstances, this may not be the ideal time to make the best use of this partnership. But that doesn't mean that all doors are closed. Though the EU has downgraded its partnership with Thailand and put all cooperation under review, its diplomats in Bangkok have emphasised that their engagement with the Prayut government will continue.

"We will continue to engage with Thailand. We are friends of Thailand and we want to see Thailand return to democracy so that we can resume our full partnership," said one diplomat recently.

It's understandable that many Thais were agitated by the EU's strong stand against the military power seizure. They saw military intervention as a move necessary to get the country out of violent political deadlock. But they also need to understand that given the long history of the EU's relationship with Thailand, its condemnation of the military intervention should not be seen as an act of hostility.

As EU diplomats and officials both in Bangkok and Brussels have pointed out, the European grouping places a high value on its relationship with Thailand and has no intention to isolate or penalise the country as many had feared. While high-level contacts have been suspended, working-level relations between Thailand and individual EU countries continue.

Nationalistic emotions aside, a closer look at the EU's statement issued in the aftermath of the coup helps reveal whether Thais should see the grouping as friend or foe. It essentially called on the Thai military to restore, "as a matter of urgency, the legitimate democratic process and the constitution, through credible and inclusive elections". After all, isn't this what most democratic-minded Thais want to see happen?

Thepchai Yong, The Nation's Group Editor-in-Chief, was in Brussels recently for the EU-Asia Dialogue Workshop on the European Union and Its Relations with Asia, at the invitation of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/What-has-Europe-ever-done-for-us-30245394.html

-- The Nation 2014-10-14

[englishoak]

Im sorry I fell asleep by the second paragra......zzz

[Fred Flinstone]

AUSTRALIA goes one step further banning Thai Junta and families from visiting their country.

Its of course the role of Thailand to view things differently.

But in the big wide world Juntas seizing power always meets the current commentary .

[Bluespunk]

"A noted academic even urged the military junta not to kowtow to the EU, which he said was itself already becoming irrelevant because of its persistent financial crisis."

Noted for what? Trite, inaccurate, nonsense comments?

[JohnThailandJohn]

Im sorry I fell asleep by the second paragra......zzz

I didn't make it that far but bottom line is Europe and the US would prefer to deal with a corrupt government when it comes to less advanced countries. They are pro-democracy only when the leader it creates is somebody they can pull strings with.

Edited October 13, 2014 by JohnThailandJohn

[BSJ]

PM me if you can finish reading this boring krap!

[Bluespunk]

Im sorry I fell asleep by the second paragra......zzz

I didn't make it that far but bottom line is Europe and the US would prefer to deal with a corrupt government when it comes to less advanced countries. They are pro-democracy only when the leader it creates is somebody they can pull strings with.

From the OP, near the end. The EU's position:

It essentially called on the Thai military to restore, "as a matter of urgency, the legitimate democratic process and the constitution, through credible and inclusive elections".

[sootybrown]

I would rather be told what Thailand has ever done for anybody on this planet.

[JohnThailandJohn]

Im sorry I fell asleep by the second paragra......zzz

I didn't make it that far but bottom line is Europe and the US would prefer to deal with a corrupt government when it comes to less advanced countries. They are pro-democracy only when the leader it creates is somebody they can pull strings with.

From the OP, near the end. The EU's position:

It essentially called on the Thai military to restore, "as a matter of urgency, the legitimate democratic process and the constitution, through credible and inclusive elections".

And is there any doubt who would win an election and be in power if votes were held under the current constitution? Pick a Shinawatra family member.

Edited October 14, 2014 by JohnThailandJohn

[Crazy chef 1]

I would rather be told what Thailand has ever done for anybody on this planet.

it has created the largest playground for aging gentlements....

[FangFerang]

What has Europe ever done for us?

Um...massive trade, building factories, creating jobs through commerce and tourism, charity for the poor and victims of natural disasters, sharing agricultural and medical science, building your satellites for Thai TV and cellphones, provided native teachers so private Thai schools can roll in profits...it is not a short list, and I only hit a few examples from hundreds.

And let's not forget liberating Thais from their WWII Japanese "guests"....

[howzat]

Most Thais probably don't even know where Europe is!!

[Bluespunk]

Im sorry I fell asleep by the second paragra......zzz

I didn't make it that far but bottom line is Europe and the US would prefer to deal with a corrupt government when it comes to less advanced countries. They are pro-democracy only when the leader it creates is somebody they can pull strings with.

From the OP, near the end. The EU's position:

It essentially called on the Thai military to restore, "as a matter of urgency, the legitimate democratic process and the constitution, through credible and inclusive elections".

And is there any doubt who would win an election and be in power if votes were held under the current constitution? Pick a Shinawatra family member.

Fine by me, as long as they rule in an inclusive democratic, law abiding, economically sane, manner with no campaign of extra judicial killing sprees or starting civil wars[in effect, not the way PT and it's predecessor TRT did], I'll be more than pleased to see the will of the people done.

Edited October 14, 2014 by Bluespunk

[mrtoad]

Thailand just isn't particularly important in global terms

[cloudhopper]

Perhaps if history and geography were taught here this question would not be asked.

[rhythmworx]

It's just another nonsense report.

Thailand needs downgrading just like the Phillipines got downgraded but it all means nothing, human trafficking will still continue out on the open streets for everyone with an eye to view.

A few raids for statistics and business as normal.

Edited October 14, 2014 by rhythmworx

[Fred Flinstone]

I would rather be told what Thailand has ever done for anybody on this planet.

Taught them that not all that glitters is gold-

Things are not always as they appear-

Woman can be actresses beyond Academy award level.

South east Asia is poorer so it does what it does $$$

Greed can be all consuming-

The west should not complain about its insignificant poverty *(by comparison)

Xenophobic notions are real

Words mean little

Actions can be deceiving -

The poor can be righteous

Its cheaper than here

Its getting more dangerous .

We are biologically more rational

Should have saved my money and never gone there

Quit being a fool.

Good and bad in every race.

Juntas use propaganda methods

Life can be far more enriching without it

Edited October 14, 2014 by Fred Flinstone

[selftaopath]

I would rather be told what Thailand has ever done for anybody on this planet.

My thoughts EXACTLY. Thailand very much seems like a me me me me me society and ignorant of most areas outside its border. Hell where we live most village people have never bee far from where they were born and don't know much a/b anything "foreign."

[JohnThailandJohn]

I would rather be told what Thailand has ever done for anybody on this planet.

Taught them that not all that glitters is gold-

Things are not always as they appear-

Woman can be actresses beyond Academy award level.

South east Asia is poorer so it does what it does $$$

Greed can be all consuming-

The west should not complain about its insignificant poverty *(by comparison)

Xenophobic notions are real

Words mean little

Actions can be deceiving -

The poor can be righteous

Its cheaper than here

Its getting more dangerous .

We are biologically more rational

Should have saved my money and never gone there

Quit being a fool.

Good and bad in every race.

Juntas use propaganda methods

They have taken a lot of drunkards and less desirables off their hands.

[Fred Flinstone]

I would rather be told what Thailand has ever done for anybody on this planet.

Taught them that not all that glitters is gold-

Things are not always as they appear-

Woman can be actresses beyond Academy award level.

South east Asia is poorer so it does what it does $$$

Greed can be all consuming-

The west should not complain about its insignificant poverty *(by comparison)

Xenophobic notions are real

Words mean little

Actions can be deceiving -

The poor can be righteous

Its cheaper than here

Its getting more dangerous .

We are biologically more rational

Should have saved my money and never gone there

Quit being a fool.

Good and bad in every race.

Juntas use propaganda methods

They have taken a lot of drunkards and less desirables off their hands.

Yes but leaving doesn't mean your one of them - rather "staying in more cases "does-

Edited October 14, 2014 by Fred Flinstone

[rakman]

Extorted Thailand into buying A380 jets to save sales of Thai shrimp.

[halloween]

AUSTRALIA goes one step further banning Thai Junta and families from visiting their country.

Its of course the role of Thailand to view things differently.

But in the big wide world Juntas seizing power always meets the current commentary .

As neither the junta or their families were planning a comprehensive First Class World Tour at Taxpayers' Expense, it's hardly a problem. They are too busy running the country using economically rational principles..

Edited October 14, 2014 by halloween

[halloween]

Refer to Life of Brian, change Romans to Europe.

Edited October 14, 2014 by halloween

[Chang_paarp]

Most Thais probably don't even know where Europe is!!

Or realise that it is not one country, but a geographic region having more in common with ASEAN than Thailand. Most European countries have economies an order of magnitude larger than Thailand's.

The writer of the pap was the OP, who apparently lived in Europe, seems to confuse the EU with geographic region.

[noitom]

It is a terribly written article - content free. The free democratic world takes a stand against military seizing of democratic and civilian government. The US should stand more on its stated principles and break off any relations with Thailand and stop pandering to Thailand military dictatorship representatives at US taxpayer expense.

[lucpez]

Im sorry I fell asleep by the second paragra......zzz

I didn't make it that far but bottom line is Europe and the US would prefer to deal with a corrupt government when it comes to less advanced countries. They are pro-democracy only when the leader it creates is somebody they can pull strings with.

I would rather say that EU prefers a corrupt government democratically elected, than a corrupt military government which came into power through a coup and neglects basic human rights.

[NongKhaiKid]

Looking beyond the rubbish in the article is anyone surprised by the ' We Are Thailand ' attitude that's taught at an early age here ?

Sensitivity and diplomacy isn't exactly the Thai thing as highlighted by the KT situation.

I remember a discussion on the now irrelevant IN Channel, when it actually covered the news, and a ' prominent ' Thai political commentator became so worked up over the border dispute over the temple in Cambodia. His attitude was arrogant disdain ' Who are these Cambodians, who do they think they are ? "

" We just send the army over to sort them out. "

[kotsak]

LOL!! I was about to post this..

Refer to Life of Brian, change Romans to Europe.

[borisloosebrain]

AUSTRALIA goes one step further banning Thai Junta and families from visiting their country.

Its of course the role of Thailand to view things differently.

But in the big wide world Juntas seizing power always meets the current commentary .

Australia is currently under the rule of Captain Moron from Planet Lunatic. Please ignore until further notice.

[daveAustin]

Typical tired old claptrap we've heard dozens of times. Indeed, what has Thailand done for ANYONE! Europe has done a vast amount, but in like trying to convince aussies they really are boorish, most Thais will not want to listen. Just blinded by nationalism.

Someone in the article mentioned they don't need anyone and would work well isolated lol. Take all the foreign companies and expertise out and make stuff for who? sell your rice to who? Sell your rubber to who? Drive what cars? Have who pull your oil and gas out of the ground? Have who stay in your overpriced hotels and buy millions of tons of cheap or knockoff market tat? Who will service your hundreds of thousands of bar girls and prop up that end of the economy?

Relatively, North Korea would do better!!