Thailand shows reform progress, says Canadian ambassador

webfact · January 15, 2015

Thailand shows reform progress, says Canadian ambassador

BANGKOK, 15 January 2015 (NNT) – The Canadian ambassador to Thailand has said that Thailand has shown positive reform process, while encouraging Thailand to return to the rule of democracy in the near future.

The Canadian ambassador to Thailand Philip Calvert made a courtesy call to meet the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gen. Tanasak Patimapragorn, where the Deputy Prime Minister explained the progress of Thailand's national reform process according to the roadmap. The plans in the national reform roadmap concludes with the holding of the general election under normal circumstances.

The Canadian ambassador has said that Thailand has made good progress on national reform and is determined to follow the agenda as written on the national reform roadmap.

He has said that he wishes to see Thailand return to the democratic principles, which Canada is ready to send in specialists to appropriately exchange views and experiences in various aspects.

Both sides discussed on the importance of an extension in trade and investment cooperation, while the Canadian ambassador congratulated the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s visit to Canada in October 2014 to seek more investment opportunities in Canada.

The Canadian ambassador has also praised Thailand for its role in the ASEAN Community and the role as a productive coordinator on the relations between ASEAN member countries and China.

-- NNT 2015-01-15

Morakot · January 15, 2015

“Your Excellency Mr Ambassador, let me show you the political progress we have made according to our plans.”

“I see Mr Deputy Prime minister. This is the progress you made according to your plans. Now lets talk about trade...”

Edited January 15, 2015 by Morakot

djjamie · January 15, 2015

What do those Canadians know. They have a fully appointed senate!

Back to reality minus the inevitable excuses. It is good to see Thailand acknowledged for its successes in bringing democracy to the country. I would say "return democracy", but that implies that there was a democracy before the coup. (majority against amnesty, but it passed because one person overseas wanted it).

Like Fiji's resilience in the face of global criticism they methodically and patiently returned democracy to their country with the UN who where their biggest critics offering a hearty congratulations to them. Of course all the doomers and gloomers felt bitterly betrayed that it went so successfully because all their complaining was for nothing. One could even surmise they wanted it to fail, ergo the people to suffer so they could be proven right.

I, for the sake of my family and all the Thai people (not the 7%), wish this reform the greatest success and hope the Junta follow the road map diligently because the majority deserve it. They yearn it and through their actions or in this case lack there of they are giving the Junta the time to enable these dreams of a democracy. One where the voters will not be held in contempt. (We will build a convention centre in Phuket when you vote for us) Just imagine if Prayut said that in Phuket what the reaction would be! Outrage. Screams of anti democracy. When the PTP deputy says it that is accepted by the very people screaming for democracy (well elections anyway)

The Canadians see the hypocrisy and this is why reform is needed.

Edited January 15, 2015 by djjamie

kalbo123 · January 15, 2015

Is there an international news source that acknowledges this article?

tbthailand · January 15, 2015

What do those Canadians know. They have a fully appointed senate!

Back to reality minus the inevitable excuses. It is good to see Thailand acknowledged for its successes in bringing democracy to the country. I would say "return democracy", but that implies that there was a democracy before the coup. (majority against amnesty, but it passed because one person overseas wanted it).

Like Fiji's resilience in the face of global criticism they methodically and patiently returned democracy to their country with the UN who where their biggest critics offering a hearty congratulations to them. Of course all the doomers and gloomers felt bitterly betrayed that it went so successfully because all their complaining was for nothing. One could even surmise they wanted it to fail, ergo the people to suffer so they could be proven right.

I, for the sake of my family and all the Thai people (not the 7%), wish this reform the greatest success and hope the Junta follow the road map diligently because the majority deserve it. They yearn it and through their actions or in this case lack there of they are giving the Junta the time to enable these dreams of a democracy. One where the voters will not be held in contempt. (We will build a convention centre in Phuket when you vote for us) Just imagine if Prayut said that in Phuket what the reaction would be! Outrage. Screams of anti democracy. When the PTP deputy says it that is accepted by the very people screaming for democracy (well elections anyway)

The Canadians see the hypocrisy and this is why reform is needed.

I, for the sake of my family and all Thai people hope that one day the country will escape from the oppression of near continuous military rule and arrive at a point of true self-governance. None of which will ever be the result of a junta.

brucec64 · January 15, 2015

Is there an international news source that acknowledges this article?

Except for China and North Korea, has there EVER been an international acknowledgement of these weekly "understanding" propoganda pieces?

(and djjamie does not count as an international acknowledgement)

JAG · January 15, 2015

What do those Canadians know. They have a fully appointed senate!

Back to reality minus the inevitable excuses. It is good to see Thailand acknowledged for its successes in bringing democracy to the country. I would say "return democracy", but that implies that there was a democracy before the coup. (majority against amnesty, but it passed because one person overseas wanted it).

Like Fiji's resilience in the face of global criticism they methodically and patiently returned democracy to their country with the UN who where their biggest critics offering a hearty congratulations to them. Of course all the doomers and gloomers felt bitterly betrayed that it went so successfully because all their complaining was for nothing. One could even surmise they wanted it to fail, ergo the people to suffer so they could be proven right.

I, for the sake of my family and all the Thai people (not the 7%), wish this reform the greatest success and hope the Junta follow the road map diligently because the majority deserve it. They yearn it and through their actions or in this case lack there of they are giving the Junta the time to enable these dreams of a democracy. One where the voters will not be held in contempt. (We will build a convention centre in Phuket when you vote for us) Just imagine if Prayut said that in Phuket what the reaction would be! Outrage. Screams of anti democracy. When the PTP deputy says it that is accepted by the very people screaming for democracy (well elections anyway)

The Canadians see the hypocrisy and this is why reform is needed.

If for one moment you believe that the bunch of goons running Fiji are doing anything remotely to do with restoring democracy you are either naive or a fraud !

gabruce · January 16, 2015

What do those Canadians know. They have a fully appointed senate!

Back to reality minus the inevitable excuses. It is good to see Thailand acknowledged for its successes in bringing democracy to the country. I would say "return democracy", but that implies that there was a democracy before the coup. (majority against amnesty, but it passed because one person overseas wanted it).

Like Fiji's resilience in the face of global criticism they methodically and patiently returned democracy to their country with the UN who where their biggest critics offering a hearty congratulations to them. Of course all the doomers and gloomers felt bitterly betrayed that it went so successfully because all their complaining was for nothing. One could even surmise they wanted it to fail, ergo the people to suffer so they could be proven right.

I, for the sake of my family and all the Thai people (not the 7%), wish this reform the greatest success and hope the Junta follow the road map diligently because the majority deserve it. They yearn it and through their actions or in this case lack there of they are giving the Junta the time to enable these dreams of a democracy. One where the voters will not be held in contempt. (We will build a convention centre in Phuket when you vote for us) Just imagine if Prayut said that in Phuket what the reaction would be! Outrage. Screams of anti democracy. When the PTP deputy says it that is accepted by the very people screaming for democracy (well elections anyway)

The Canadians see the hypocrisy and this is why reform is needed.

Thanks for the thoughtful note about this topic. Of course I have to ignore the first two sentences in order to appreciate the balance of the post.

culicine · January 16, 2015

Another "he said, he said' article. Sounds like the Koh Tao case. I don't give that much credibility.

Morakot · January 16, 2015

Another "he said, he said' article. Sounds like the Koh Tao case. I don't give that much credibility.

Not really an article, but a press release by a quasi governmental organization.

Edited January 16, 2015 by Morakot

webfact · January 16, 2015

Ambassadors praise Thailand for implementing national reform roadmap

By Digital Content

BANGKOK, Jan 16 -- The compliments came from the ambassadors of Russia, Australia, Switzerland and Canada who met Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn.

Russian ambassador to Thailand Kirill Barsky said he welcomed the emphasis on reform and was pleased with results of the official visit to Thailand of Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov last Friday. He said that it was agreed to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Thai-Russian diplomatic relations beginning next year. The anniversary falls in 2017.

Paul Robilliard, Australian ambassador, said he followed Thai politics and admired the Thai government for allowing all parties to have their say in national reform. Thailand is at the center of Southeast Asia and his country's most important trading partner.

Ambassador Robilliard said that on the 10th anniversary of the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement this year, both countries would increase mutual trade and investment. He promised to bring Australian businesses to explore trade and investment opportunities in Thailand.

Gen Tanasak quoted Swiss ambassador Christine Burgener as praising the government for listening to all parties on national reform. She promised that Switzerland was ready to share its experience in election organisation and suppressing corruption with Thailand.

Canadian ambassador Philip Calvert said that Thailand had progressed in its reform as planned in the government's reform roadmap, Gen Tanasak said.

Ambassador Calvert hoped Thailand would successfully introduce true democracy. He also praised Thailand for its leading role in forming the ASEAN Community and its coordination of relations between ASEAN and China. He promised to boost bilateral cooperation in trade and investment. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2015-01-16

scorecard · January 16, 2015

Is there an international news source that acknowledges this article?

Except for China and North Korea, has there EVER been an international acknowledgement of these weekly "understanding" propoganda pieces?

(and djjamie does not count as an international acknowledgement)

Another waste of cyberspace.

rickirs · January 16, 2015

What does Canada know about democracy!

Canada's constitutional monarchy fails to understand that a military must have the power to overthrow the elected government when the military decides that there is a threat to national security or possible political conflict. Canada fails to understand that there must be constitutinal provisions to allow anyone to assume the mantle of government without public mandate.

No Gen. Prayut, do not be fooled by Canada's sweet platitudes about how Thailand is becoming democratic. You have placed yourself above the Thai people and must not lower yourself to a level equal with the electorate for the sake of Western democracy. You have crushed Thailand's Western democracy and should be proud that you keep your absolute power over it.

LOL

chooka · January 16, 2015

What rubbish, Thailand is NOT Australia's most important trading partner. Now I know this junta and it's idiot propaganda machine are totally full of it. China is Australia's most important then you have Japan, USA, Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, UK and the list goes on before Thailand gets a look in. This false government is making up stories and putting others names to them. Lies lies and more lies.

brucec64 · January 16, 2015

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

Is there an international news source that acknowledges this article?

Except for China and North Korea, has there EVER been an international acknowledgement of these weekly "understanding" propoganda pieces?

(and djjamie does not count as an international acknowledgement)

Another waste of cyberspace.

Given the intelligence level required to write a post like this, I think that you cannot grasp the irony of calling another post a waste, yet adding nothing of value yourself.

Please educate us with an example of a foreign nation, besides China and NK, confirming this weekly "understanding" propaganda.

djjamie · January 20, 2015

What do those Canadians know. They have a fully appointed senate!

Back to reality minus the inevitable excuses. It is good to see Thailand acknowledged for its successes in bringing democracy to the country. I would say "return democracy", but that implies that there was a democracy before the coup. (majority against amnesty, but it passed because one person overseas wanted it).

Like Fiji's resilience in the face of global criticism they methodically and patiently returned democracy to their country with the UN who where their biggest critics offering a hearty congratulations to them. Of course all the doomers and gloomers felt bitterly betrayed that it went so successfully because all their complaining was for nothing. One could even surmise they wanted it to fail, ergo the people to suffer so they could be proven right.

I, for the sake of my family and all the Thai people (not the 7%), wish this reform the greatest success and hope the Junta follow the road map diligently because the majority deserve it. They yearn it and through their actions or in this case lack there of they are giving the Junta the time to enable these dreams of a democracy. One where the voters will not be held in contempt. (We will build a convention centre in Phuket when you vote for us) Just imagine if Prayut said that in Phuket what the reaction would be! Outrage. Screams of anti democracy. When the PTP deputy says it that is accepted by the very people screaming for democracy (well elections anyway)

The Canadians see the hypocrisy and this is why reform is needed.

If for one moment you believe that the bunch of goons running Fiji are doing anything remotely to do with restoring democracy you are either naive or a fraud !

What do you mean. They have already restored democracy.

As for naive or a fraud. No extrapolation on that to explain what you mean? A hit and run tactic I assume because an intellectual response will never be forthcoming? The cracks of frustration are really starting to show on PTP and its supporters. As of today even the PTP have started the condescension and name calling. Seems the supporters mimic their party very closely.

Even if you are unable to expand on your hit and run comment I will. This return to democracy was acknowledged by the UN here. http://www.pngloop.com/2014/09/29/un-chief-congratulates-fijian-prime-minister-bainimarama-election-victory/

Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has met with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on the sidelines of the General Debate of the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York. The Secretary General congratulated the Prime Minister on his victory in Fiji’s recent general election. Ban also congratulated Fiji for the free, fair and democratic manner in which the election was conducted.

The Secretary General said that he has no doubt that the democratic process will restore confidence that Fiji has a strong economic future ahead of it. Ban added that he hopes Prime Minister Bainimarama and Fiji will continue to play a leadership role in regional development, particularly as the world moves toward the challenges of the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

Prime Minister Bainimarama said when he met the Secretary General a year ago in New York, he promised, that Fiji would have free and fair elections in 12 months time. In his meeting with Ban Friday, he informed the Secretary General that Fiji has faithfully delivered on that promise.

Have a good day my friend. One can be assured I will not denounce you or call you names. That is best left for the frustrated, uneducated folk that cannot article a constructive rebuttal.

lewy67 · January 20, 2015

Ambassadors praise Thailand for implementing national reform roadmap

By Digital Content

Yeah sure;

What they really said:

Embassy of Canada to Thailand - Ambassade du Canada en Thaïlande

Government Organization · 3,958 Likes

· January 15 at 10:10pm ·

BANGKOK - Canadian Ambassador meets Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn

H.E. Philip Calvert, Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Thailand, met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tanasak Patimapragorn on January 14, 2015 to discuss the multi-faceted bilateral relationship between Canada and Thailand, recent developments in Thailand and the ASEAN region.

Ambassador Calvert underlined Canada’s expectation that the Thai military return Thailand to civilian and democratic government as soon as possible through free and fair elections, and in accordance with the Roadmap; that the political reform process be transparent and inclusive and that it reflect the will of the majority; and urged Thai authorities to meet Thailand's international human rights obligations.

The Ambassador noted that the Government of Canada is supporting several ASEAN initiatives which benefit Thailand, including significant contributions to ASEAN projects though organizations such as UN Women, UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the Asian Development Bank, International Organization for Migration and International Labour Organization. Canada has also announced that later in 2015 the country's first dedicated ambassador to ASEAN will be appointed and that resident Canadian diplomatic representation will also be established in Phnom Penh and Vientiane.

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Saksith Saiyasombut @Saksith

Dear Ambassadors @PhilCalvert2 & @AusAmbBKK, do you feel you have been accurately quoted here? -> http://www.mcot.net/site/content?id=54b78680be0470c6028b4606#.VLemwsaWpr3 …

Paul Robilliard

✔ @AusAmbBKK

Follow

1/2 @Saksith @JQP6 discussion focussed on the long friendship between Australia &Thailand and active program of bilateral engagement in 2015

2:55 PM - 16 Jan 2015

Paul Robilliard ✔ @AusAmbBKK

Follow

2/2 @Saksith @JQP6 I also said that as a friend, Australia looks forward to democratic elections, and respect for human rights.

2:57 PM - 16 Jan 2015