Thai-US ties in 'Sleeping Beauty' mode

[webfact]

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Thai-US ties in 'Sleeping Beauty' mode
Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation
Washington

To understand and appreciate quintessential Thai-US relations, one must visit the 10x10 metre underground room at 2300 Kalorama Road

BANGKOK: -- Before the decision was made, Seni held extensive discussions with US Secretary of State Cordell Hull to ensure that the US would recognise the Seri Thai Movement as the legitimate representative of the will of the Thai people and unblock financial flows. The rest is history. Indeed at this moment, that is all that remains of the long-standing relations between the eagle and the elephant.

Nostalgia and memory really help in this time of Thai-US frozen ties due to the power seizure on May 22. Looking back in the 181-year old relationship, there were lots of mutually beneficial achievements and proud moments that have been cited time and again. For instance, the US signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1833 with Thailand, the first in Asia; King Rama IV offered a pair of young elephants, which was subsequently rejected, to US President James Buchanan; Their Majesties' historic visit to the US in 1963, to name just a few. Despite such foundations, the Thai-US relations are still fragile, subjected to political whimpers of the day and leadership shenanigans on both sides.

Meeting and talking to senior US officials handling Thai-US relations last week, it was obvious Thai-US ties were not going anywhere. Indeed, it was set to be in "The Sleeping Beauty" mode. The American officials were nice people — understandable and full of sympathy. But there was nothing much they could do. Deep down, they confessed that just to keep Thai-US relations from further sliding is already a Herculean task.

After all, news from Bangkok has been quite unpalatable even though Thailand keeps reiterating the country has not been retreating from democracy and it just needs more time to consolidate its democratic institutions. Above all, continued campaigns against freedom of expression and assembly, not to mention the draconian lese majeste law, have further tarnished the Thai image on Capitol Hill.

The much-heralded "clean" image and working ethos of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha were not featured in any discussion among American movers and shakers. It was a tall order to demonstrate to American lawmakers that a non-elected government can be better than an elected one. With the midterm election drawing near and the ever-growing Ebola phobia in the US continent, anything short of "bing-bang" would not gain US attention — even the extremism of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria was no longer making top headlines. .

At this juncture, Washington's sentiment towards Bangkok is quite succinct — without a clear deadline for a next election, it is difficult for Washington to display any eagerness to jump-start relations. During the 2006 political crisis, there was a clear deadline for an election within a year so the US had more room to conduct bilateral matters. Not this time around. Of late, the Prayut administration indicated the planned poll next October was no longer in the pipeline due to other pressing reform issues including drafting of a new constitution. Washington continues to demand an inclusive process that would lead to an early election.

These days Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam are the American darlings. US Secretary of State John Kerry travelled 24 hours for 23-hours on the ground to attend President Joko Widodo's inauguration and hail the world's third largest democracy and its successful election. Today Myanmar is considered President Barrack Obama's diplomatic success even amid outcries of human rights violations. Vietnam is a new strategic partner with huge potential. Even Singapore and the Philippines, the two most trusted friends, have to give way.

Fortunately, despite calls for cancellation and relocation, the Cobra Gold military exercise will continue and be held in Thailand next year. For the past three decades, Washington has understood more than any nation the region's largest military exercise benefits the US and its military interoperability.

Thai officials expect their US counterparts to show more gratitude for their continued willingness to use Thailand as a playground for US "command and control" and "simulated military" manoeuvres. Despite the scaling-down of the upcoming Cobra Gold exercise, Thailand remains central to the ongoing US-led humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation in the region.

On the surface, bilateral ties have improved marginally following the senior official meeting in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last month. Both sides agreed to overcome the so-called "grey areas" which hampered their relations. Functional cooperation in non-traditional areas would continue and with some new initiatives on non-sensitive issues. Then rumours began to circulate that the US might not send a new ambassador to Bangkok to replace the outgoing envoy Kristy Kenney any time soon. That would effectively mean keeping Thai-US relations at the charge d'affaires level as in Myanmar prior to 2011.

Truth be told, the confirmation process for American diplomats in the Republican-controlled US Senate takes time, as long as 18 months as in the case of Albania which is still pending. Currently, about 50 diplomats await such approvals. If the designated new ambassador Glyn Davies is lucky and the senatorial mood is favourable after the midterm election, he could be in Bangkok in the next six months.

It is pivotal that the US and Thailand understand internal political dynamics and the process affecting their bilateral ties at various transitional periods.

Obviously, the current dire state of Thai-US relations demonstrates the lack of quality communications between their government officials at the highest levels and among diplomats in host countries.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Thai-US-ties-in-Sleeping-Beauty-mode-30246272.html


-- The Nation 2014-10-27

[englishoak]

Im so glad I dont have to pay to read articles like this...... but time is money ... TV you owe me 1.3 mins of my life back.

[jaltsc]

"It is pivotal that the US and Thailand understand internal political dynamics and the process affecting their bilateral ties at various transitional periods."

Get real. The only dynamic which matters in international politics is: "Show me the money/power"

[Chao Lao Beach]

Um,,,,,, Didn't Thailand declare war on USA in the 1940's with Japan ?????

[noitom]

January 21 1942 - Thailand declared war on the US and UK.

[chainarong]

History is history , Thailand media keeps harping on about this as if it is a rather strange relationship, the author places too much meaning on so little in events, like all countries that follow a doctrine of democratic elected parliaments, USA is no different to OZ UK CA NZ or who ever, why it is necessary to just pick the US , I am not a great lover of tanks rolling down Highway's, but I think everyone including Thailand's allies agree something had to be done, so lets leave it at that , introduce your reforms and reintroduce general elections and leave the theories to the RTP.

[NongKhaiKid]

Don't you just love international politics and ' diplomacy ' ?

The Thai military take over and the US says Coup.

The Egyptian military take over and the US says NO Coup.

Oohh what brain i have left hurts.

[klauskunkel]

Looking back in the 181-year old relationship, there were lots of mutually beneficial achievements and proud moments that have been cited time and again. For instance, the US signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1833 with Thailand, the first in Asia; King Rama IV offered a pair of young elephants, which was subsequently rejected, to US President James Buchanan; Their Majesties' historic visit to the US in 1963, to name just a few.

Examples of the foundation of a 181 year long friendship: a treaty over 181 years old, a rejected gift, a visit over 50 years ago...must have dug deep to find these gems...did not mention Thailand's Declaration of War against UK and USA in 1942 - that would be against the point of these pointless scribbles, ja na!

[daboyz1]

January 21 1942 - Thailand declared war on the US and UK.

June 18, 1812 - US declares war on the UK

Sorry, didn't see you were responding to another poster.

[Johnniey]

Things change. America once was a superpower but now 90% of her people are worse off than The average Thai, financially and definitely spiritually.

the country is hugely in debt and other countries have no respect.73% of adults are taking mind numbing medication ie prescribed antidepressants, tranquiliser or opiates. Many of the rest take booze and pot.

Thailand on the other hand was once a country that could only offer elephants, has happy free people.

[Living in a cartoon]

Thailand is not a reliable military ally. Cobra Gold needs to end and the US needs to find a new strategic partner in SEA. Vietnam is the most promising.

Thailand benefited as much as the US during the Vietnam war by the American presence at various airbases. That was a long time ago. I see no reason for the US to continue a military alliance with Thailand.

China can have Thailand. Bunch of toy soldiers.

[Living in a cartoon]

Things change. America once was a superpower but now 90% of her people are worse off than The average Thai, financially and definitely spiritually.

the country is hugely in debt and other countries have no respect.73% of adults are taking mind numbing medication ie prescribed antidepressants, tranquiliser or opiates. Many of the rest take booze and pot.

Thailand on the other hand was once a country that could only offer elephants, has happy free people.

Dumb as dog excrement.

[Laughing Gravy]

Things change. America once was a superpower but now 90% of her people are worse off than The average Thai, financially and definitely spiritually.

the country is hugely in debt and other countries have no respect.73% of adults are taking mind numbing medication ie prescribed antidepressants, tranquiliser or opiates. Many of the rest take booze and pot.

Thailand on the other hand was once a country that could only offer elephants, has happy free people.

I am not from the USA and have many issues with them as a country, as I do with my own native UK but saying 90% of the USA people are financially worse off than Thais is ludicrous. You have made the most ridiculous statement I have seen today. Thank you for making me laugh so hard.

I won't get into the spiritual statement as I wouldn't want to offend. 73% of adults are taking mind numbing medication???/ Please Johnniey tell me where you get these awe-inspiring statistics? I thought that they stopped information like these years ago from the back of PG tips cards.

Please keep these sweeping statements coming, as they keep my spirituality high.

[Laughing Gravy]

History is history , Thailand media keeps harping on about this as if it is a rather strange relationship, the author places too much meaning on so little in events, like all countries that follow a doctrine of democratic elected parliaments, USA is no different to OZ UK CA NZ or who ever, why it is necessary to just pick the US , I am not a great lover of tanks rolling down Highway's, but I think everyone including Thailand's allies agree something had to be done, so lets leave it at that , introduce your reforms and reintroduce general elections and leave the theories to the RTP.

I am unsure if Thailand's allies would agree that something had to be done with regards to reforms, especially in the way it went, yet again. How about this. Keep elections and those parties who are in the running, start promoting policies that suit the people (or masses) so they vote for them. The party that wins the losers "man up" and take the defeat and then get ready for the next elections changing and adapting as required.

Thailand's Allies would be much more happier with that. It is actually called democracy.

[Krataiboy]

Stop worrying. There's always China. . .

[Sviss Geez]

Im so glad I dont have to pay to read articles like this...... but time is money ... TV you owe me 1.3 mins of my life back.

In a similar vein, many ThaiVisa readers are happy we don't have to pay to read posts like that, the OP is an opinion on a real world situation, that's all.

[shaggy28303]

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

Things change. America once was a superpower but now 90% of her people are worse off than The average Thai, financially and definitely spiritually.
the country is hugely in debt and other countries have no respect.73% of adults are taking mind numbing medication ie prescribed antidepressants, tranquiliser or opiates. Many of the rest take booze and pot.
Thailand on the other hand was once a country that could only offer elephants, has happy free people.

Dumb as dog excrement.

Your comment wasn't much better and yet no one called you dumb. Be nice

[CapFarmer]

January 21 1942 - Thailand declared war on the US and UK.

June 18, 1812 - US declares war on the UK

Sorry, didn't see you were responding to another poster.

August 24, 1814 - British burn down the US White House and Capital Building. I think they just went back to UK after that. Just to add more random bits of info to the article and discussion.

[mikiea]

well john boy, again you type in sh#t you just made up. keep it up, i enjoy your foolishness. :-)

[MiKT]

Things change. America once was a superpower but now 90% of her people are worse off than The average Thai, financially and definitely spiritually.

the country is hugely in debt and other countries have no respect.73% of adults are taking mind numbing medication ie prescribed antidepressants, tranquiliser or opiates. Many of the rest take booze and pot.

Thailand on the other hand was once a country that could only offer elephants, has happy free people.

Pleeeease take your head out of your ................

[rickirs]

Thai-US ties are not in 'Sleeping Beauty' mode. Thailand's democracy is a patient in a coma and Doctor USA is monitoring it for signs of democratic life. To date however, the patient appears to be brain dead.

[worgeordie]

"Sleeping Beauty mode", so who is going to kiss who,to awaking the ties again?

regards Worgeordie

[Tony125]

Things change. America once was a superpower but now 90% of her people are worse off than The average Thai, financially and definitely spiritually.

the country is hugely in debt and other countries have no respect.73% of adults are taking mind numbing medication ie prescribed antidepressants, tranquiliser or opiates. Many of the rest take booze and pot.

Thailand on the other hand was once a country that could only offer elephants, has happy free people.

Don't know what your smoking but what a bunch of BS statements based on no facts at all, not even close to being true.

[sgtsabai]

Thailand never officially declared war on the US as the Thai Ambassador refused to deliver the declaration. While Johnniey is wrong on his/her stats, the US is no longer the country it was. It has no manufacturing base, it is destroying the middle/working class and can't win a war. It's economy is and has been a "house of cards". It is no longer a "democracy" it is a plutocracy/oligarchy or as some say corptocracy that has abandoned it's people for the 1%, who along with the banksters and Wall Street criminals rule. The past 2 presidents have destroyed the Constitution and the country is rapidly turning into a surveillance/police state. The US needs Thailand and SE Asia as a hedge against China, and SE Asia needs the US as a hedge against China. Let us hope that both the US and Thailand get their house in order.

[Time Traveller]

Well it seems that Thailand is desperate for U.S. approval of their unelected government. On the other hand the U.S. don't really care. Maybe that tells you which country has most to gain from the bilateral relationship and which country holds the aces..

[Emster23]

"It is pivotal that the US and Thailand understand internal political dynamics and the process affecting their bilateral ties at various transitional periods." Sometimes, maybe most times, understanding does not mean acceptance. I understand ISIS wants a sharia law caliphate, but I don't accept their methods etc. for example.

"Thailand never officially declared war on the US as the Thai Ambassador refused to deliver the declaration." Well, it wasn't for want of trying. Seems if home office declares war, that should be good enough. Did Japan declare war on US, or just figure attacking Pearl Harbor implied that? US of course did declare war on Japan, but I don't know if declaration was reciprocated... would be interesting if Japan didn't. They could then claim "We never declared war on USA. They are our friends...."

[sgtsabai]

A bit of the stretch of imagination to imagine that Thailand was part of Pearl Harbor, if that is what you are implying. I believe one could logically conclude the attack on Pearl Harbor would constitute a declaration of war. Although if that is accepted as a fact, the US has certainly declared war on one hell of a lot of Muslim countries. It was the King at that time who issued the declaration, not the Thai people, after Thailand had capitulated to the Japanese. I believe you might call his declaration an act of survival. It didn't work quite as well as he had hoped and some say he later paid the price. There were forces in Thailand that did not capitulate to the Japanese, my wife's grandfather is one. We used to call groups like that patriots, now they would probably be called terrorists. Oh and Japan is the US's biggest ally, although I certainly wouldn't call Japan or frankly any other country our "friend" these days. There is much to be done by the US to patch up diplomatic relationships with all of SE Asia. The US neglected the real enemy on a fool's errand in the mid-east.

[Yann55]

Quote : Washington continues to demand an inclusive process that would lead to an early election.

I always have a hard time grasping how a country who claims to be the greatest democracy in the world can so blatantly issue orders to other countries, regardless of the fact that these countries are sovereign.

Does it mean that the US herald democracy strictly within their own territory, but feel free to bully smaller nations and order them around in a totally un-democratic manner ? What a pathetic show of hypocrisy.

[Johnniey]

Things change. America once was a superpower but now 90% of her people are worse off than The average Thai, financially and definitely spiritually.

the country is hugely in debt and other countries have no respect.73% of adults are taking mind numbing medication ie prescribed antidepressants, tranquiliser or opiates. Many of the rest take booze and pot.

Thailand on the other hand was once a country that could only offer elephants, has happy free people.

I am not from the USA and have many issues with them as a country, as I do with my own native UK but saying 90% of the USA people are financially worse off than Thais is ludicrous. You have made the most ridiculous statement I have seen today. Thank you for making me laugh so hard.

I won't get into the spiritual statement as I wouldn't want to offend. 73% of adults are taking mind numbing medication???/ Please Johnniey tell me where you get these awe-inspiring statistics? I thought that they stopped information like these years ago from the back of PG tips cards.

Please keep these sweeping statements coming, as they keep my spirituality high.

Ive seen that figure somewhere but lost it.

For antidepressants ALONE it is 11%.!!http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/astounding-increase-in-antidepressant-use-by-americans-201110203624

[marinediscoking]

The news release yesterday in the American press about the cobra gold exercises was it would only participate in humanitarian relief drills and not military exercises in 2015. Seems the junta is trying to use this as a propaganda piece after the EU snub. The only humanitarian part seemed to be left out in the Thai press.