6 month after the coup: Cool response to push for Thai govt support abroad

[webfact]

6 MONTHS AFTER THE COUP
Cool response to push for support abroad
SUPALAK GANJANAKHUNDEE
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE NATIONAL COUNCIL for Peace and Order's campaign over the past six months to gain international acceptance of the May 22 coup and the military-dominant government has been anything but successful.

Despite the junta insisting most governments understand the reason behind the coup, no country has actually changed its stance in relation to Thailand and its administration.

Western camps, notably the United States and the European Union (EU), have continued calling for Thailand to restore democracy and respect people's basic rights. If reforms are undertaken they must be done in an inclusive manner, they say. However, Asian countries, with the exception of Japan, have chosen to remain quiet about Thailand's domestic situation in order to maintain relations.

Coup leader and now Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha kicked off his foreign campaign with an official visit to Myanmar, to show that Thailand is placing importance on its immediate neighbour, which is also the Asean chair.

As expected, Myanmar extended a warm welcome and chose to refrain from discussing Thai affairs. The visit also sent a strong message to the international community that Thailand and the quasi-democracy that is Myanmar are in the same boat in relation to democracy and human rights practices.

The first international forum Prayut attended was last month, when he joined the Asia-Europe summit (Asem) in Italy. The EU, which chaired the summit, made it clear from the start that it did not wish to be linked to Thailand's military government. The EU brought all its bilateral high-level cooperation and visits to a halt, even though Prayut was able to go Italy on a multilateral basis.

Although Thailand's relations with the EU were not downgraded, contact and cooperation is limited to just technical and official levels.

While in Milan for Asem, Prayut only officially met counterparts from Asia, who obviously do not mind his type of government. Though Prayut did get to have a chat with British PM David Cameron, it was a brief, informal exchange focused on the killing of two British tourists on Koh Tao.

Another big forum Prayut attended was the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Beijing. The premier claimed he received a lot of things from the host in terms of bilateral cooperation, notably on rail projects and the purchase of farm products. But these deals are still far from manifesting into reality. The pacts might take some time, maybe after Prayut steps down, unless specifics of the investment deal can be sorted out soon.

However, things were different with Japan. Prayut claimed his meeting with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, on the sidelines of the Asean summit in Nay Pyi Taw, was fruitful as the latter understood the situation in Thailand and was keen on economic cooperation. This is only partially true because Japan wants to compete with China on economic deals, notably the railway project, but it does not mean that Tokyo has given up its concerns about democracy in Thailand.

Japanese media reported that during the meeting, Abe repeated his call for Thailand to restore a civilian-led government. In this meeting, which was the second one with Abe after they first met in Italy, Prayut explained the political situation and the need for him to stage a coup.

He told the Japanese PM Thailand looked forward to economic assistance from Japan, but Tokyo's interest is more focused on infrastructure projects such as a high-speed train system, Japanese officials said. Also, Prayut's interest in the high-speed railway is hampered by his supporters' strong stance against the last government's plan for the same thing.

During the Asean summit, Prayut also failed to convince UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the need for the coup. Government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp, however, only revealed a part of the meeting's content, saying the UN chief understood Thailand's situation. In reality, Ban expressed concern about martial law and encouraged Prayut to ensure a prompt return to civilian rule.

Washington has also maintained its position on Thailand, with US President Barack Obama sending a strong message, discouraging the coup leader from using international gatherings to legitimise his military regime.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Cool-response-to-push-for-support-abroad-30248411.html


-- The Nation 2014-11-24

[chooka]

Dear leader can insist all he wants that the world understands, loves and supports Thailand, he can keep feeding his mushrooms this propaganda crap. Stop speaking for the world and start telling the truth and that Is the world doesn't support you or the way you have taken the country. Fools and idiots will gobble up your lies and drop at your feet but the world won't.

[NongKhaiKid]

Dear leader can insist all he wants that the world understands, loves and supports Thailand, he can keep feeding his mushrooms this propaganda crap. Stop speaking for the world and start telling the truth and that Is the world doesn't support you or the way you have taken the country. Fools and idiots will gobble up your lies and drop at your feet but the world won't.

Maybe he's going by the old dictum that if you say something often enough you believe it yourself ?

Anyway if all else fails fall back on Thainess that the rest of the world doesn't matter.

[noitom]

Thais expect success whenever they proclaim something on the world stage. They perceive that international players follow Thailand along like sheep.

[chainarong]

The Coup leaders had plenty of time to analyze the risks management for the outcomes of a Coup, as they denied for weeks any intention of any military action and then pulled one starting at 4am, to think that anyone from a democracy would be interested in anything but elected representation from Thailand is to be in denial , the point being made is that Thai military had to stop the canker rot , however this will always fall on deaf ears with Democratic governments, they always hope that elections solve everything, this is no so in an country that the constitution had been mongeralised by former Governments, General Prayuth made the call, now Thailand has to live with it, only history will tell if this was right .

[whybother]

The Coup leaders had plenty of time to analyze the risks management for the outcomes of a Coup, as they denied for weeks any intention of any military action and then pulled one starting at 4am, to think that anyone from a democracy would be interested in anything but elected representation from Thailand is to be in denial , the point being made is that Thai military had to stop the canker rot , however this will always fall on deaf ears with Democratic governments, they always hope that elections solve everything, this is no so in an country that the constitution had been mongeralised by former Governments, General Prayuth made the call, now Thailand has to live with it, only history will tell if this was right .

The coup happened in the middle of the afternoon, not 4am.

[yellowboat]

The Coup leaders had plenty of time to analyze the risks management for the outcomes of a Coup, as they denied for weeks any intention of any military action and then pulled one starting at 4am, to think that anyone from a democracy would be interested in anything but elected representation from Thailand is to be in denial , the point being made is that Thai military had to stop the canker rot , however this will always fall on deaf ears with Democratic governments, they always hope that elections solve everything, this is no so in an country that the constitution had been mongeralised by former Governments, General Prayuth made the call, now Thailand has to live with it, only history will tell if this was right .

All history will show is that this was all triggered by an effort to pardon Thaksin Shinawatra. Given the high degree of paranoia and lack of direction, it is doubtful there will be any positive resaults.

[Tatsujin]

As always, "Thailand" forgets that the world and the people outside its borders (and "some" within) simply don't accept the words spoken at face value, people have brains (most of them) and (some) use them. The days of simply saying something and that making it automatically true and accepted are (slowly) disappearing.

Actions speak louder than words.

[canopus1969]

sent a strong message to the international community that Thailand and the quasi-democracy that is Myanmar are in the same boat in relation to democracy and human rights practices.

That's the problem - hit the nail on the head !!

[Thailand]

The Coup leaders had plenty of time to analyze the risks management for the outcomes of a Coup, as they denied for weeks any intention of any military action and then pulled one starting at 4am, to think that anyone from a democracy would be interested in anything but elected representation from Thailand is to be in denial , the point being made is that Thai military had to stop the canker rot , however this will always fall on deaf ears with Democratic governments, they always hope that elections solve everything, this is no so in an country that the constitution had been mongeralised by former Governments, General Prayuth made the call, now Thailand has to live with it, only history will tell if this was right .

All history will show is that this was all triggered by an effort to pardon Thaksin Shinawatra. Given the high degree of paranoia and lack of direction, it is doubtful there will be any positive resaults.

And I thought the coup was triggered by Suthep's failure to get the caretaker government out of of power by the street protests and having to fall back on his and the current incumbents fail safe option being the coup?

[binjalin]

Thais expect success whenever they proclaim something on the world stage. They perceive that international players follow Thailand along like sheep.

you mean like they have cured Ebola?

[binjalin]

As always, "Thailand" forgets that the world and the people outside its borders (and "some" within) simply don't accept the words spoken at face value, people have brains (most of them) and (some) use them. The days of simply saying something and that making it automatically true and accepted are (slowly) disappearing.

Actions speak louder than words.

Thailand : gob nai kala

[Baerboxer]

The Coup leaders had plenty of time to analyze the risks management for the outcomes of a Coup, as they denied for weeks any intention of any military action and then pulled one starting at 4am, to think that anyone from a democracy would be interested in anything but elected representation from Thailand is to be in denial , the point being made is that Thai military had to stop the canker rot , however this will always fall on deaf ears with Democratic governments, they always hope that elections solve everything, this is no so in an country that the constitution had been mongeralised by former Governments, General Prayuth made the call, now Thailand has to live with it, only history will tell if this was right .

The coup happened in the middle of the afternoon, not 4am.

Troops took up positions at the expressway junction near where I live at around 4-5 am. We got a call from a friend to say she had driven by and seen them at about 6.30 am.

[Benmart]

The Coup leaders had plenty of time to analyze the risks management for the outcomes of a Coup, as they denied for weeks any intention of any military action and then pulled one starting at 4am, to think that anyone from a democracy would be interested in anything but elected representation from Thailand is to be in denial , the point being made is that Thai military had to stop the canker rot , however this will always fall on deaf ears with Democratic governments, they always hope that elections solve everything, this is no so in an country that the constitution had been mongeralised by former Governments, General Prayuth made the call, now Thailand has to live with it, only history will tell if this was right .

The coup happened in the middle of the afternoon, not 4am.

I'm not the official time keeper of life.

[whybother]

The Coup leaders had plenty of time to analyze the risks management for the outcomes of a Coup, as they denied for weeks any intention of any military action and then pulled one starting at 4am, to think that anyone from a democracy would be interested in anything but elected representation from Thailand is to be in denial , the point being made is that Thai military had to stop the canker rot , however this will always fall on deaf ears with Democratic governments, they always hope that elections solve everything, this is no so in an country that the constitution had been mongeralised by former Governments, General Prayuth made the call, now Thailand has to live with it, only history will tell if this was right .

The coup happened in the middle of the afternoon, not 4am.

Troops took up positions at the expressway junction near where I live at around 4-5 am. We got a call from a friend to say she had driven by and seen them at about 6.30 am.

And then they kept it out of the news until the afternoon?

[rickirs]

"US President Barack Obama sending a strong message, discouraging the coup leader from using international gatherings to legitimise his military regime."

In diplomatic language, this is a harsh rebuke.

What happened about all the Myanmar pre-summit hype about Gen. Prayuth was being seated next to Obama at the summit table - a sure sign that Obama understood the military's need for the coup? Maybe even an expectation of a handshake between the two leaders. But there is no photo op of the two together except in the ASEAN group photo.

[wabothai]

General Prajuth has gone through leading years and years of a non-democrating army system (dictatorship).I wonder weather he really understands what a democracy entails. Time for a civilian government, you cannot rule with guns like in many African states.

[chotthee]

Who ever wrote this article needs to be re-educated in a camp. All the world leader, including USA, UK, Japan, China, Burma, Cambodi all met up with Prayuth and already understood Prayuth explantion that the political situation e need for him to stage a coup, else more people will die from MIB daily bombing on the innocent.

[Roadman]

Ahhh...so what's new Khun Supalak? Prayuth knew how life was going to be post coup before he booted out the cess pot that was thai politics. He knew Thailand was going to be on the outer from democratic governments. The price that Thailand is now paying and will for the next year or so has to be paid in the long term and is a long way preferable to the gutter sewer where Thailand was heading at an alarming rate.

And so what for Obama's opinion? The guy can not even govern his own country, hamstrung by its inept politics. His opinions are yesterday's fish and chip paper wrappings.

Voicing Thailand's situation at world gatherings is Thailand's right. It is up to each country's own conscience to decide Thailand's merits.

And for Thailand itself, Khun Prayuth needs to chill a bit towards his country people, ignore ignorant western democracy's and keep the foot to the pedal with reforms and then elections.

Edited November 24, 2014 by Roadman

[heybruce]

"Despite the junta insisting most governments understand the reason behind the coup, no country has actually changed its stance in relation to Thailand and its administration."

Perhaps they understand the reason behind the coup, which is why they don't approve of it.

"As expected, Myanmar extended a warm welcome and chose to refrain from discussing Thai affairs. The visit also sent a strong message to the international community that Thailand and the quasi-democracy that is Myanmar are in the same boat in relation to democracy and human rights practices."

Oh, well, so long as that bastion of freedom and liberal democracy Myanmar is ok with the coup, no problem.

[outsider]

The reporter doesn't know what he's writing about. He... and The Nation... should check in for some 'attitude adjustment'. The WHOLE WORLD is happy. No two ways about it. Anything else is just not true. The world, especially the west, knows nothing. Everybody should listen to the dear leader.

[Alwyn]

Crikey, The Nation is truly putting it's c*ck on the table with these articles! This one and the one calling out the PM on forest encroachment. Well done to The Nation! I hope you don't need to go for attitude readjustment although if that happened it would truly throw petrol on the fire being lit by them!

[Old Man River]

The Coup leaders had plenty of time to analyze the risks management for the outcomes of a Coup, as they denied for weeks any intention of any military action and then pulled one starting at 4am, to think that anyone from a democracy would be interested in anything but elected representation from Thailand is to be in denial , the point being made is that Thai military had to stop the canker rot , however this will always fall on deaf ears with Democratic governments, they always hope that elections solve everything, this is no so in an country that the constitution had been mongeralised by former Governments, General Prayuth made the call, now Thailand has to live with it, only history will tell if this was right .

The coup happened in the middle of the afternoon, not 4am.

Yeh, the 4AM stunt was pulled by the YL government when they tried to slide the amnesty bill through.

[kandi]

Surprising to read so many critical words from The Nation.

[uptheos]

It's not really a coup, it's just the military stepping in yet once again to seize power, to remind people who really is in control.

Democracy cannot take place whilst the government (the people) is answerable to the military.

The west sees countries such as Myanmar, N Korea, Thailand etc, for what they are, i.e. Military Governments

[Thai at Heart]

Well, the majority support for the Junta at home isn't even guaranteed with all the propaganda helping, so what hope overseas?

[visionchaser45]

The Coup leaders had plenty of time to analyze the risks management for the outcomes of a Coup, as they denied for weeks any intention of any military action and then pulled one starting at 4am, to think that anyone from a democracy would be interested in anything but elected representation from Thailand is to be in denial , the point being made is that Thai military had to stop the canker rot , however this will always fall on deaf ears with Democratic governments, they always hope that elections solve everything, this is no so in an country that the constitution had been mongeralised by former Governments, General Prayuth made the call, now Thailand has to live with it, only history will tell if this was right .

History has already told that story thousands of times. The funny part is watching it again, while expecting a different ending.

[Old Man River]

It's not really a coup, it's just the military stepping in yet once again to seize power, to remind people who really is in control.

Democracy cannot take place whilst the government (the people) is answerable to the military.

The west sees countries such as Myanmar, N Korea, Thailand etc, for what they are, i.e. Military Governments

How many military led governments does the west choose not to see?

[connda]

The EU. Isn't that an organization of countries historically run by a bunch of unelected technocrats? Hummm

Up until early 2013, there had been 24 governments headed by technocrats in the current 27 EU member states, many of them in previous decades.¹

The EU - Talk the talk but don't walk the walk imho. Real bastions of democracy.

¹Defining and Classifying Technocrat-led and Technocratic Governments, Duncan McDonnell and Marco Valbruzzi, Paper prepared for the panel‘Technocrats, Caretakers and Parties in the Long European Crisis’European Union Studies Association Conference Baltimore,9-11 May 2013

Edited November 24, 2014 by connda