ASIA-EUROPE MEETING: Coup shadow over Thai PM

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ASIA-EUROPE MEETING
Coup shadow over PM
The Nation


Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, standing right, shakes hands with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe during their bilateral meeting yesterday, ahead of the Asia-Europe Meeting in Milan, Italy.

Prayut clarifies he won't stay a day longer than in the time frame; meets Japan, China leaders in Milan

BANGKOK: -- The May military coup remained a hot potato for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha as he made his first appearance at an international forum - the Asia-Europe Meeting in Milan - with the ex-Army chief welcomed by supporters and denounced by protesters.

He clarified the putsch as an unavoidable response to overcome the political impasse and prevent the country from slipping into civil war.

The retired general told Thai officials and the business community in Europe that he would stay in power only within the designated timeframe and let a new government proceed with realising the junta's reform roadmap.

"I'm ready to resign. I want to resign every day but I can't afford to see people in trouble. I do not want to stay in office a day longer than was set.

"At present, I fight every day. When I'm home, I argue with my wife. She asks why I did not do this or that. I say I did it but some tasks are beyond my ability. Then, there is rancour. In conclusion, I'm unhappy. Everyone is unhappy," Prayut was quoted as saying by Thai News Agency.

Prayut is attending the two-day 10th Asem summit in Italy that ends today, to discuss cooperation between the two continents.

He raised the issues of climate change, non-traditional security threats such as terrorism, trafficking, cross-border diseases and natural disasters. He sought Europe's support for Asean to become the world's major food provider.

His trip to Europe is a most widely watched mission, as the European Union (EU) was strongly critical of the May 22 toppling of an elected government by troops. The EU froze various cooperative projects with Thailand and negotiations to establish a free-trade agreement.

Prayut has tried to arrange meetings on the sidelines with his counterparts from Europe and Asia to explain Thailand's political developments and his mission.

Yesterday, he got together with leaders from Asia including Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang to discuss bilateral ties and cooperation.

He explained the political situation to Abe and talked mostly about economic matters, notably investment in Myanmar's Dawei port scheme that Thailand wants Japan to join.

Prayut and Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn put pressure on Thai envoys stationed in Europe to defend, if not legitimise, the coup and convince the EU that it was "business as usual" as well as look at the mutual benefits from economic cooperation.

Sihasak Phuangketkeow, permanent secretary at the Foreign Ministry, said Western countries paid more attention to how Thailand would return to democracy and how it would ensure inclusivity in the reform process in the Kingdom.

"Our diplomats have to explain many issues that foreign counterparts are concerned about such as martial law, military courts, freedom of expression, human rights, human trafficking," he said.

Prayut managed to get a warm welcome from some of the Thai business community in Europe, who expressed support for his administration upon his arrival in Italy.

Many Thais living in exile after fleeing martial law and many others facing politically motivated criminal charges rallied in Milan, according to self-exiled academic and activist Junya Yimprasert.

Some Thais were seen holding up protest posters against Prayut in a demonstration that was widely viewed in social media.

Government Deputy Spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd urged people not to circulate news of anti-Prayut demonstrations in Europe via social networks since the host nation Italy has welcomed the prime minister and some Thais there even presented flowers to him.

Meanwhile, New York-based Human Rights Watch urged leaders at Asem to press Prayut into improving the human rights situation and restoring civilian democratic rule.

"General Prayut should leave Milan with a clear message that Europe's leaders don't accept continued military rule in Thailand," said Brad Adams, Asia director of the NGO.

"The Thai junta should understand that there will be no return to business as usual until Thailand returns to democratic civilian rule through free and fair elections."

Asem is an informal process of dialogue and cooperation bringing together the 27 European Union member states and two other European countries with 20 Asian countries and the Asean Secretariat.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Coup-shadow-over-PM-30245628.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-17

[ScubaPhuket]

They're trying to use the word 'putsch', a German term for coup in place of the English word coup?

Scary

[Thai at Heart]

"At present, I fight every day. When I'm home, I argue with my wife. She asks why I did not do this or that. I say I did it but some tasks are beyond my ability. Then, there is rancour. In conclusion, I'm unhappy. Everyone is unhappy," Prayut was quoted as saying by Thai News Agency

He said this in an international context?//

To which the assembled attendees probable scracthed their heads and wondered, "who the hell is this guy, and why is he here, and does he even want to be here?"

I dig humility in a PM. Especially the ones who admit to their wives nagging them.

[The stuttering parrot]

So he got a warm welcome from the thai business elite and even got a few words with Japan's PM and of course china who are in the middle of putting their foot down in Hong Kong .

Just make sure no media outlets print anything negative about the countries who refuse to meet him or the protesters and countries who have condemned the coup.

He wasn't going to be PM but he is and now he wants to resign and he won't he and on top of all this he is still trying to get his envoys to legitimise the coup around the world which they won't

But let's throw in climate change cross border diseases terrorism etc as a distraction .

After his last little run in with the press I would like to see him answer some of the tough questions as PM and see how he stands up.

He wouldn't last five mins if facing the Brits or Aussie journos so let's have a press conference and see how he holds up and he shouldn't worry because it will be so sanitised by the time it hit Thailand it won't matter.

[NongKhaiKid]

The BP is reporting that the Thai and Japanese versions of the meeting with Abe are vastly different.

Surprise, surprise Thai officials are saying there was lots of praise for the PM etc. but no mention of Abe supposedly urging democracy be returned as soon as possible.

Thailand really does stretch diplomacy with all these statements they make on behalf of other countries.

[The stuttering parrot]

Yes but the predecessor was elected by the people of Thailand and didn't take it via the barrel of a gun he shouldn't even be on this trip abroad !

Not a bad week though for Thailand first the Tour de France then the Ebola cure and now this bloke running around trying to justify his actions .

Asked him if they could look into the murder of of two British subjects the Brit gov were told to butt out so that pretty much shows you where he stands.

[Somtamnication]

The PM and I must be married to the same sisters.

[Thailand]

"General Prayut should leave Milan with a clear message that Europe's leaders don't accept continued military rule in Thailand," said Brad Adams, Asia director of the NGO.

"The Thai junta should understand that there will be no return to business as usual until Thailand returns to democratic civilian rule through free and fair elections"

Just about says it all?

[NongKhaiKid]

The BBC is reporting that ' many ' voices in Milan are saying the PM should not be there, should not have been invited because of the coup.

However it seems he may be spared too much attention as the main focus is on the potential for a meeting between Pres. Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart.

[noitom]

Japan looks ridiculous meeting with and shaking hands with the Thai military dictator. jJapan, a modern democracy, should be ashamed.

[Commerce]

"At present, I fight every day. When I'm home, I argue with my wife. She asks why I did not do this or that. I say I did it but some tasks are beyond my ability."

There are some things you just don't say on the international arena, if at all, as a leader!

[canopus1969]

I'm unhappy. Everyone is unhappy," Prayut was quoted as saying by Thai News Agency.

I thought he was suposed to bring happiness to everyone ?

[MobileContent]

Looks very much that the European counterparts are boycotting the general during the ASEM meeting. I guess China and Japan are the only countries that agreed for a sideline meeting.

Lets see who the general will meet today.

[oneday]

Government Deputy Spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd urged people not to circulate news of anti-Prayut demonstrations in Europe via social networks since the host nation Italy has welcomed the prime minister and some Thais there even presented flowers to him.

Wow! What drivel coming out of the mouths of these government officials. Restated: "Since there were one or two Thai people who presented flowers to Prayut (paid for by...) then all other news is un-newsworthy and should not be reported." And what else would a country such as Italy do, but welcome a leader from another country. It's called diplomacy and means nothing. But of course, we'll all go along with this logic because we are gullible.

[Cake Monster]

The Japanese press version of the meeting between Prayuth and Mr Abe , is very different from what has been reported by the Thai press.

Prayuth, s visit to Europe will surely be treated by the politicians as something that will have to be pandered to for a short while, but he will soon be gone.

[GuyL]

They're trying to use the word 'putsch', a German term for coup in place of the English word coup?

Scary

Putsch is an English word of German origin. Coup is an English word of French origin. I fail to see anything scary here.

[useronthenet]

EU really should keep it's nose out of Thai politics, it clearly does not understand the situation, especially on an Asian perspective. Ranting on about 'democracy' is clearly an ideology that is not shared by many Asian countries. My advise to the EU is to sort your own back yard first before pointing the finger.

[heyexile]

"At present, I fight every day. When I'm home, I argue with my wife. She asks why I did not do this or that. I say I did it but some tasks are beyond my ability."

There are some things you just don't say on the international arena, if at all, as a leader!

"PM`s mum serious friend of Head Man`s grandmother"?

Perhaps wife is nagging about what her mother-in-law says.

See #176 in http://thaivisa.com/forum/topic/768347 #176

[TheCruncher]

Prayut clarifies he won't stay a day longer than in the time frame;

So what's the time frame ?

Uhhm, yeah, uhm, I can't commit to that yet.

Remember I'm a born leader and 99% of the population support me, it's only the 1% that we keep martial law active for.

[pookiki]

EU really should keep it's nose out of Thai politics, it clearly does not understand the situation, especially on an Asian perspective. Ranting on about 'democracy' is clearly an ideology that is not shared by many Asian countries. My advise to the EU is to sort your own back yard first before pointing the finger.

What about India, the world's largest democracy, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Cambodia, and even Myanmar? No shared perspectives? If Prayuth and his wife aren't happy with the situation, why does he think the majority of Thais are? You'll never know without a democratic election.

[joecoolfrog]

Useronthenet

He went to Milan because he wants to be part of the big boys gang , therefore he has to play by the big boys rules.

[Thaddeus]

Useronthenet

He went to Milan because he wants to be part of the big boys gang , therefore he has to play by the big boys rules.

And looks like a teenager trying to explain how the family car got smashed up.

[ginjag]

So he got a warm welcome from the thai business elite and even got a few words with Japan's PM and of course china who are in the middle of putting their foot down in Hong Kong .

Just make sure no media outlets print anything negative about the countries who refuse to meet him or the protesters and countries who have condemned the coup.

He wasn't going to be PM but he is and now he wants to resign and he won't he and on top of all this he is still trying to get his envoys to legitimise the coup around the world which they won't

But let's throw in climate change cross border diseases terrorism etc as a distraction .

After his last little run in with the press I would like to see him answer some of the tough questions as PM and see how he stands up.

He wouldn't last five mins if facing the Brits or Aussie journos so let's have a press conference and see how he holds up and he shouldn't worry because it will be so sanitised by the time it hit Thailand it won't matter.

Sorry but we have to compare the PM with Yingluck, who was the worst person for interviews on the world stage. Not forgetting the fact that was it not for the total diabolical governing by Yingluck, we would not be in this situation.

Was it more people committed suicide over rice-rubber etc than died in the coup/intervention. Memory Parrot, slagging off coup's does not hide the reasons for it.

[ginjag]

EU really should keep it's nose out of Thai politics, it clearly does not understand the situation, especially on an Asian perspective. Ranting on about 'democracy' is clearly an ideology that is not shared by many Asian countries. My advise to the EU is to sort your own back yard first before pointing the finger.

What about India, the world's largest democracy, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Cambodia, and even Myanmar? No shared perspectives? If Prayuth and his wife aren't happy with the situation, why does he think the majority of Thais are? You'll never know without a democratic election.

YAWN-------next year, repeat next year. The PM is not happy altogether with the SH## that he has to clear up.

[binjalin]

They're trying to use the word 'putsch', a German term for coup in place of the English word coup?

Scary

Putsch is an English word of German origin. Coup is an English word of French origin. I fail to see anything scary here.

coup d'état is a purely French expression and 'coup' a shortening of that - nothing English about it

[TheCruncher]

EU really should keep it's nose out of Thai politics, it clearly does not understand the situation, especially on an Asian perspective. Ranting on about 'democracy' is clearly an ideology that is not shared by many Asian countries. My advise to the EU is to sort your own back yard first before pointing the finger.

What about India, the world's largest democracy, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Cambodia, and even Myanmar? No shared perspectives? If Prayuth and his wife aren't happy with the situation, why does he think the majority of Thais are? You'll never know without a democratic election.

YAWN-------next year, repeat next year. The PM is not happy altogether with the SH## that he has to clear up.

He appointed himself to it, isn't it ? Nobody forced him.

[joecoolfrog]

Ginjag

You can repeat ' next year ' as many times as you like , wont happen , the General has already said so.

[Tony125]

EU really should keep it's nose out of Thai politics, it clearly does not understand the situation, especially on an Asian perspective. Ranting on about 'democracy' is clearly an ideology that is not shared by many Asian countries. My advise to the EU is to sort your own back yard first before pointing the finger.

Maybe its you who don't understand how western countries view the coup. Burma had sanctions placed against the country by EU , and USA because of their military run government. When they allowed elections sanctions , trade embargos and travel restrictions were dropped . Same could be done to Thailand if the other democratic countries don't like the restrictions immposed here.

He clarified the coup as an unavoidable response to overcome the political impasse and prevent the country from slipping into civil war. Really , how about just declaring martial law to control the protesters and let the elected government try to function and see how they did. When a military takes over and 1 man sets himself up as the sole control and law that is considered a dictatorship and even if seemingly benevolent is not looked at well by the rest of the world.

[The stuttering parrot]

You still following me around Ginny

I'm not the only one slagging off at the coup.Well yes there is me and hang on yes the rest of the world.

He got there via the gun took power by force said he wasn't going to be PM and shutdown any opposition and freedom of speech.

Now the press is asking not even hard questions and he can't handle it and that's internal so imagine if he had to answer the real hard questions.

As for dragging up the old suicide defense there's plenty of farmers in oz that have done the same thing and it's not just restricted to to Thailand .

Really pathetic that you have to stoop that low in defence of your beloved dictator.

Anyway nice try in hijacking the thread but it's all about the general now He wanted it he took and he was condemned for it and now he has to deal with it.

Koh Tao is a pretty good indicator of the level of respect this unelected junta shows towards it's co operation with other governments ie the Brits!

[ginjag]

EU really should keep it's nose out of Thai politics, it clearly does not understand the situation, especially on an Asian perspective. Ranting on about 'democracy' is clearly an ideology that is not shared by many Asian countries. My advise to the EU is to sort your own back yard first before pointing the finger.

What about India, the world's largest democracy, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Cambodia, and even Myanmar? No shared perspectives? If Prayuth and his wife aren't happy with the situation, why does he think the majority of Thais are? You'll never know without a democratic election.

YAWN-------next year, repeat next year. The PM is not happy altogether with the SH## that he has to clear up.

He appointed himself to it, isn't it ? Nobody forced him.

Was there anyone else at the time ????? NO and well you know it. He has a hell of a task----he is NOT running away like some do.