Thai ex-PM impeachment could appear 'politically driven': US envoy

[webfact]

Thai ex-PM impeachment could appear 'politically driven': US envoy
Bangkok, Thailand | AFP |

BANGKOK: -- A top US diplomat Monday said Yingluck Shinawatra's impeachment could be perceived as "politically driven" after meeting the former premier in Bangkok as the most senior Washington official to visit Thailand since the coup.

The United States has strongly condemned the May military takeover and repeatedly called for a swift return to democracy after the army seized power following months of protests against Yingluck's elected government.

On Monday US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel met Yingluck as part of the Thai leg of a Southeast Asia trip in which he also held talks with government officials and civil society representatives in the capital.

In a speech delivered at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok he said "the perception of fairness is important", three days after Yingluck was impeached by a junta-stacked parliament and prosecutors announced corruption charges that could see her jailed for 10 years.

"When an elected leader is deposed, impeached by the authorities that implemented the coup, and then targeted with criminal charges while basic democratic processes and institutions are interrupted, the international community is left with the impression that these steps could be politically driven," he said.

Russel stressed that the US was not picking sides in Thai politics but advocating a "more inclusive political process".

He also repeated the US call for an end to martial law and restrictions on free speech and assembly.

US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said that in talks with Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn, Russel had "underlined that our relationship with Thailand cannot return to normal until democracy is re-established".

Since seizing power the military has suspended democracy and curtailed freedom of expression in the kingdom, responding aggressively to any form of protest. Under martial law, political gatherings are banned.

Washington suspended $4.7 million in security-related aid to Thailand, roughly half of its annual assistance to the longtime ally, after the military takeover.

It had also considered moving annual military exercises outside the kingdom but later said the US would go-ahead with a "scaled-down" version of the Cobra Gold joint drills, which begin next month.

A US embassy spokeswoman confirmed that Russel did not meet junta leader Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who was appointed Thai premier after the coup, during his official visit.

The diplomat is due to arrive in Phnom Penh late Monday for the next leg of his regional tour.

Experts say the impeachment and corruption charges against Yingluck, Thailand's first female premier and the sister of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, are the latest attempt by the country's royalist elite, and its army backers, to nullify the political influence of the Shinawatras.

The kingdom's long-running political conflict broadly pits Bangkok's middle class and royalist elites, backed by parts of the military, against rural and working-class voters loyal to Thaksin.

Parties led by or aligned to the Shinawatras have won every election in Thailand since 2001.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2015-01-27

[webfact]

US: Impeachment 'politically driven'
The Nation

Top official urges military govt to lift martial law, introduce inclusive reforms

BANGKOK: -- The United States yesterday branded the former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra's impeachment as being "politically driven" and called on the junta to lift martial law as well as push for "inclusive" reform toward democracy.

US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel made the comment during an address at Chulalongkorn University yesterday after meeting with Yingluck, Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn to exchange views on Thailand's political situation.

"The perception of fairness is important," he said. "I'll be blunt here: When an elected leader is deposed, impeached by the authorities that implemented the coup, and then targeted with criminal charges while basic democratic processes and institutions are interrupted, the international community is left with the impression that these steps could be politically driven".

The junta-installed National Legislative Assembly (NLA) voted overwhelmingly to impeach Yingluck and the anti-graft body pressed criminal charges on her for negligence of corruption in the rice-pledging scheme.

Former foreign minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul, who was with Yingluck in the meeting with Russel, said "we told the US official that Yingluck's political fate will not be different from that of her brother Thaksin Shinawatra".

Self-exiled Thaksin was toppled by a coup in 2006 and fled from prosecution over corruption charges.

Russel is the highest-ranking US official to visit Thailand after the May 22 military coup that brought down Yingluck's government. The Thailand stopover is part of his Southeast Asia trip, which includes the Philippines, Malaysia and Cambodia.

Russel also called on the junta to lift martial law, which has been in place since the coup.

"Ending martial law throughout the country and removing restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly are important steps as part of a genuinely inclusive reform process that reflects the broad diversity of views within the country.

"We are particularly concerned that the political process does not represent all elements of Thai society," he said. "We are not dictating the political path that Thailand should follow to get back to democracy, or taking sides in Thai politics. But an inclusive process promotes political reconciliation, which in turn, is key to long-term stability.

"The alternative - a narrow process - risks leaving many Thai people feeling excluded from the political system."

The same message was also conveyed to the government during his meeting yesterday with Tanasak.

"The two held constructive discussions and reaffirmed continuity in relations in all dimensions," Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee told reporters.

Tanasak briefed Russel on the latest political developments here and stressed the government's full commitment to proceed with the road map for reform.

The minister also updated Russel on the progress of measures to suppress human trafficking after the US downgraded Thailand to Tier 3 last year.

The government will submit its report on the human trafficking situation to Washington by the end of this month, Sek said.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha explained that Russel did not pay him a courtesy call because he did not approve of how he came to power.

"But we have to separate trade and martial law, as well as economic matters and disagreement [over political issues]," the PM said. "Some countries might disagree with this government, but we still trade with them."

Meanwhile, in a meeting with Russel, Abhisit talked about a referendum on the new charter. From the Democrat Party's point of view, the junta-sponsored charter would be widely accepted by the people if it goes through the referendum, said deputy party leader Kiat Sittheeamorn, who was also at the meeting.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/US-Impeachment-politically-driven-30252708.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-27

[pubboy]

And the USA's continual intervention isn't?

[NongKhaiKid]

Is this the same America that described the military takeover as a coup but the more violent and repressive one in Egypt wasn't ?

[metisdead]

A post containing a derogatory slur toward the American people has been removed.

[siampolee]

When one views the record of the U.S and its view on democracy that which we see is non too impressive.Perhaps the Americans would be best advised about putting of their own house in order.

That might well be a wise and constructive first move prior to telling Thailand and indeed other sovereign states how they should be run according to the American handbook of democracy.

I suppose if we are lucky the Americans could provide Thailand with ''assistance and advice'' thus then we could no doubt have the full delights of an action replay of Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan etc.

America politicians or perhaps I should say, '' the financiers, bankers and business and other less desirable entity lobbies who actually bankroll and hence own or possess American Presidents ,Senators and Representatives,'' these are the characters who should heed their own advice and apply it domestically in the U.S. before trying to establish or stamp their authority on the rest of this world.

Edited January 26, 2015 by siampolee

[NeverSure]

And the USA's continual intervention isn't?

I agree. The US should get completely away from Thailand and leave it alone. Of course if it did, Japan would too because Japan is very afraid of Thailand's new best buddy, China. China has threatened to take some of Japan's islands, has tried to block shipping routes and air routes and...

So the US and Japan who are the two largest buyers of Thai exports, and who have massive industrial investments in Thailand should just go away and stay away.

The US should announce that it will no longer honor its treaty to defend Thailand.

Pull all US and Japanese manufacturing, stop buying any imports from Thailand, refuse to sell (or give) Thailand any military hardware or training, and just go away and leave a hollow shell.

The US has no right to look after its investments or its allies.

Thais after the US and Japan pull out and "leave them alone."

[noitom]

Of course it's politically driven and the US State department knows that. Why does US State continue to waste US taxpayer money attempting to pussy foot around this Thai nightmare? Why don't they just save the US a lot of money and get out of Thailand and leave them on their own.

[ExPratt]

"I'll be blunt here: When an elected leader is deposed, impeached by the authorities that implemented the coup, and then targeted with criminal charges while basic democratic processes and institutions are interrupted, the international community is left with the impression that these steps could be politically driven".

Good work US

The World is Watching and the more it looks the harder it will be to bend the rules. If they can't bend the rules they cannot win an election

[tezzainoz]

And the USA's continual intervention isn't?

I agree. The US should get completely away from Thailand and leave it alone. Of course if it did, Japan would too because Japan is very afraid of Thailand's new best buddy, China. China has threatened to take some of Japan's islands, has tried to block shipping routes and air routes and...

So the US and Japan who are the two largest buyers of Thai exports, and who have massive industrial investments in Thailand should just go away and stay away.

The US should announce that it will no longer honor its treaty to defend Thailand.

Pull all US and Japanese manufacturing, stop buying any imports from Thailand, refuse to sell (or give) Thailand any military hardware or training, and just go away and leave a hollow shell.

The US has no right to look after its investments or its allies.

Thais after the US and Japan pull out and "leave them alone."

nea.jpg

The US can never turn its back on Thailand

Try to us its WE ARe The world rules, yes

For every inch the US pulls out China will take up the empty space

I may not be happy with the truth

But the fact is China is now the new Super Power

The US is just trying to keep its head above water

[Mango Bob]

Could be perceived as "politically driven" in diplomatic lingo means it sure the hell was politically driven and I couldn't agree more.

[metisdead]

Please use discretion in your references to the government. Phrases which can be considered as anti-coup will be removed. Referring to Thailand or the government as a dictatorship, military dictatorship or other such terms will be removed.

Any posts which can be construed as rumor mongering are not allowed.

Posters violating these rules, and the forum rules will receive a warning, a possible suspension of posting privileges or a ban from the site.

[aussieinthailand]

Lucky this guy has diplomatic immunity, coz if he was Thai, tourist or expat he would be having his attitude adjusted right now.

The US has it's own house to clean up.

[aussieinthailand]

And the USA's continual intervention isn't?

I agree. The US should get completely away from Thailand and leave it alone. Of course if it did, Japan would too because Japan is very afraid of Thailand's new best buddy, China. China has threatened to take some of Japan's islands, has tried to block shipping routes and air routes and...

So the US and Japan who are the two largest buyers of Thai exports, and who have massive industrial investments in Thailand should just go away and stay away.

The US should announce that it will no longer honor its treaty to defend Thailand.

Pull all US and Japanese manufacturing, stop buying any imports from Thailand, refuse to sell (or give) Thailand any military hardware or training, and just go away and leave a hollow shell.

The US has no right to look after its investments or its allies.

Thais after the US and Japan pull out and "leave them alone."

nea.jpg

The US can never turn its back on Thailand

Try to us its WE ARe The world rules, yes

For every inch the US pulls out China will take up the empty space

I may not be happy with the truth

But the fact is China is now the new Super Power

The US is just trying to keep its head above water

I don't often agree with your comments but in this case your spot on.

[zaphod reborn]

Unfortunately, the media has billed Danny Russel as someone who should be respected as a diplomatic leader. Unfortunately, that is not the case. He had absolutely no diplomatic experience prior to being selected by Obama to serve as US Asst Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He previously did some embassy work in Japan and a little in Korea, but nothing in Southeast Asia. By his own admission, "My previous job in the White House was as a staffer, and as a result, I spent all my time behind closed – behind four walls of an office and didn’t get out very much." (From his first speech upon being appointed to this post, 22 July 2013). http://fpc.state.gov/212107.htm

Given that, Mr. Russel has elsewhere stated "let me say that there is no greater priority for the U.S. Government than the welfare and the safety of U.S. citizens abroad". http://fpc.state.gov/212107.htm If that is the case, he failed to mention that Thailand has been on the brink of a civil war ever since Thaksin was removed by a coup. Mr. Russel would be better served by examining U.S. intelligence reports about the danger caused to U.S. citizens in events such as the Red Shirt protests of 2010 and the attacks on civilians during the PDRC protests of last year.

This guy is a political novice, and a typical under-qualified Obama nominee. He, the U.S., and the U.S. ex-pat community in Thailand would have been better served had he kept his mouth shut, and not commented on events that are far beyond his ability to comprehend.

Edited January 27, 2015 by zaphod reborn

[Valentine]

It begs the question how much he was paid to have this meeting with YL & were his superiors aware of it beforehand? It does not seem like normal diplomatic protocol.

[Thrilla]

'Impeachment politically driven'

No shit

[daveAustin]

"The perception of fairness is important," he said. "I'll be blunt here: When an elected leader is deposed, impeached by the authorities that implemented the coup, and then targeted with criminal charges while basic democratic processes and institutions are interrupted, the international community is left with the impression that these steps could be politically driven".

Elected? When did that happen then? She was then 'targeted' because she did wrong and, along with her scheming brother, is as bent as a nine-bob note. The US doesn't seem to have the full gist of this and should probably keep their nose out.

[NeverSure]

The US can never turn its back on Thailand

Try to us its WE ARe The world rules, yes

For every inch the US pulls out China will take up the empty space

I may not be happy with the truth

But the fact is China is now the new Super Power

The US is just trying to keep its head above water

[NongKhaiKid]

Unfortunately, the media has billed Danny Russel as someone who should be respected as a diplomatic leader. Unfortunately, that is not the case. He had absolutely no diplomatic experience prior to being selected by Obama to serve as US Asst Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He previously did some embassy work in Japan and a little in Korea, but nothing in Southeast Asia. By his own admission, "My previous job in the White House was as a staffer, and as a result, I spent all my time behind closed – behind four walls of an office and didn’t get out very much." (From his first speech upon being appointed to this post, 22 July 2013). http://fpc.state.gov/212107.htm

Given that, Mr. Russel has elsewhere stated "let me say that there is no greater priority for the U.S. Government than the welfare and the safety of U.S. citizens abroad". http://fpc.state.gov/212107.htm If that is the case, he failed to mention that Thailand has been on the brink of a civil war ever since Thaksin was removed by a coup. Mr. Russel would be better served by examining U.S. intelligence reports about the danger caused to U.S. citizens in events such as the Red Shirt protests of 2010 and the attacks on civilians during the PDRC protests of last year.

This guy is a political novice, and a typical under-qualified Obama nominee. He, the U.S., and the U.S. ex-pat community in Thailand would have been better served had he kept his mouth shut, and not commented on events that are far beyond his ability to comprehend.

Suitable background for a diplomat and potential budding politician ?

[JAG]

Unfortunately, the media has billed Danny Russel as someone who should be respected as a diplomatic leader. Unfortunately, that is not the case. He had absolutely no diplomatic experience prior to being selected by Obama to serve as US Asst Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He previously did some embassy work in Japan and a little in Korea, but nothing in Southeast Asia. By his own admission, "My previous job in the White House was as a staffer, and as a result, I spent all my time behind closed – behind four walls of an office and didn’t get out very much." (From his first speech upon being appointed to this post, 22 July 2013). http://fpc.state.gov/212107.htm

Given that, Mr. Russel has elsewhere stated "let me say that there is no greater priority for the U.S. Government than the welfare and the safety of U.S. citizens abroad". http://fpc.state.gov/212107.htm If that is the case, he failed to mention that Thailand has been on the brink of a civil war ever since Thaksin was removed by a coup. Mr. Russel would be better served by examining U.S. intelligence reports about the danger caused to U.S. citizens in events such as the Red Shirt protests of 2010 and the attacks on civilians during the PDRC protests of last year.

This guy is a political novice, and a typical under-qualified Obama nominee. He, the U.S., and the U.S. ex-pat community in Thailand would have been better served had he kept his mouth shut, and not commented on events that are far beyond his ability to comprehend.

Quite a lot of us are political novices ( I include myself) yet many of us have come to the same conclusion.

Are you sure that you are not allowing your possible mild dislike of Mr Obama and his administration colour your views on Mr Russell's statement?

[WitawatWatawit]

Come on, Thailand. You got to ....

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BwhHesEXrHU

[eggers]

If he was trying to get a balanced view, why didn't he meet with PM Prayut?

[worgeordie]

The US who uses the CIA to work behind the scenes to

change countries governments that it does not agree

with,been going on for years,even today they will be at

it.

regards Worgeordie

[GeckosDiving]

"I'll be blunt here: When an elected leader is deposed, impeached by the authorities that implemented the coup, and then targeted with criminal charges while basic democratic processes and institutions are interrupted, the international community is left with the impression that these steps could be politically driven".

Good work US

The World is Watching and the more it looks the harder it will be to bend the rules. If they can't bend the rules they cannot win an election

Thank You I was looking for a definition of Bull Shit and now I found it !! Once again Thank You

[Eric Loh]

Spot on comment. We can't hoodwink the world 18 times coming up with the same excuses that it was for the good of the country and our democracy is different from others.

[jayboy]

Unfortunately, the media has billed Danny Russel as someone who should be respected as a diplomatic leader. Unfortunately, that is not the case. He had absolutely no diplomatic experience prior to being selected by Obama to serve as US Asst Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He previously did some embassy work in Japan and a little in Korea, but nothing in Southeast Asia. By his own admission, "My previous job in the White House was as a staffer, and as a result, I spent all my time behind closed – behind four walls of an office and didn’t get out very much." (From his first speech upon being appointed to this post, 22 July 2013). http://fpc.state.gov/212107.htm

Given that, Mr. Russel has elsewhere stated "let me say that there is no greater priority for the U.S. Government than the welfare and the safety of U.S. citizens abroad". http://fpc.state.gov/212107.htm If that is the case, he failed to mention that Thailand has been on the brink of a civil war ever since Thaksin was removed by a coup. Mr. Russel would be better served by examining U.S. intelligence reports about the danger caused to U.S. citizens in events such as the Red Shirt protests of 2010 and the attacks on civilians during the PDRC protests of last year.

This guy is a political novice, and a typical under-qualified Obama nominee. He, the U.S., and the U.S. ex-pat community in Thailand would have been better served had he kept his mouth shut, and not commented on events that are far beyond his ability to comprehend.

What a load of nonsense.The resident rednecks seem not to understand that an official like Danny Russel speaks for the State Department and the administration, and is not advancing simply his personal views.You have simply invented the suggestion we have been told he should be respected asd a diplomatic leader.He is an official doing his job representing policy positions hammered out in Washington at the State Department.You may assume also that the position on Thailand has been endorsed at the White House.You are not going to see a presidential visit any time soon.Furthermore there is absolutely no reason to believe that the position under a Republican administration would be any different.I also find alongside your ignorance a tremendous arrogance in assuming the State Department has less comprehension and understanding of Thailand than a motley collection of rednecks, reformed sex tourists and other losers.You certainly do not speak for the US expat community.I have several American friends in Bangkok - all well educated professionals who take a totally different view.You will not find them however tapping out endless neanderthal posts since they all have lives to lead.

[dragonfly94]

could be perceived as "politically driven"

what nonsense, it's merely vindictive revenge by an unelected and uncountable military junta determined to eliminate any serious opposition. Where did 'reconciliation' go or was that just for the yellows?

[smedly]

Unfortunately, the media has billed Danny Russel as someone who should be respected as a diplomatic leader. Unfortunately, that is not the case. He had absolutely no diplomatic experience prior to being selected by Obama to serve as US Asst Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. He previously did some embassy work in Japan and a little in Korea, but nothing in Southeast Asia. By his own admission, "My previous job in the White House was as a staffer, and as a result, I spent all my time behind closed – behind four walls of an office and didn’t get out very much." (From his first speech upon being appointed to this post, 22 July 2013). http://fpc.state.gov/212107.htm

Given that, Mr. Russel has elsewhere stated "let me say that there is no greater priority for the U.S. Government than the welfare and the safety of U.S. citizens abroad". http://fpc.state.gov/212107.htm If that is the case, he failed to mention that Thailand has been on the brink of a civil war ever since Thaksin was removed by a coup. Mr. Russel would be better served by examining U.S. intelligence reports about the danger caused to U.S. citizens in events such as the Red Shirt protests of 2010 and the attacks on civilians during the PDRC protests of last year.

This guy is a political novice, and a typical under-qualified Obama nominee. He, the U.S., and the U.S. ex-pat community in Thailand would have been better served had he kept his mouth shut, and not commented on events that are far beyond his ability to comprehend.

have to agree 100%

even meeting with YL and her entourage was an error of the highest proportions

I must admit I find it hard to work out why US officials have this habit of displaying utter ignorance

Yes you can comment of coups and martial law etc as you must but in reality it happened for the greater good of the Thai people and removed an administration that were far from democratic both in appointment and execution

[Emster23]

I find it almost amusing that the typical gang of US bashers bring all sorts of side issues etc but do not directly state that what the envoy said is an accurate reading of what went down. Well? Isn't that what happened and is happening?