PM Prayut: Int'l community has better understanding of situation in Thailand

[The manic]

A MESSAGE FROM THE FREE WORLD

BANGKOK — The most senior United States diplomat to visit Thailand since the military seized power in May called on Monday for the lifting of martial law and delivered harsh words to the junta.

The envoy, Daniel R. Russel, the assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, said in an interview that he had been sent by the Obama administration to tell the military leaders that the United States would not “paper over problems” and that he had told the junta it was losing credibility.

The United States was critical of the coup in May, but it has also sought to preserve the essentials of its relationship with Thailand, one of its oldest allies in Asia, including a longstanding military association.

Mr. Russel’s message to the junta on Monday, which he described as “blunt” and “tough,” was Washington’s most detailed criticism of the overthrowing of the country’s elected government and the curtailment of civil rights and speech that followed.

“Thailand is losing credibility in the eyes of its international friends and partners by not moving more quickly to end martial law, to restore civil rights and to ensure that this effort to engineer a new constitution and hold elections is not purely a top-down affair,” Mr. Russel said.

Mr. Russel’s visit came three days after the junta ramped up its prosecution of Yingluck Shinawatra, the former prime minister whom a court forced to step down two weeks before the coup and who is one of the main protagonists of a decade-long power struggle that has deflated Thailand’s economy.

The retroactive impeachment of Ms. Yingluck on Friday and the announcement that she would be charged with criminal negligence over a signature agricultural policy have been interpreted as a hardening of the military’s stance against her movement, which has won every election since 2001 but is deeply resented by the Bangkok elite.

Ms. Yingluck was warned by the military that she would be detained if she held a news conference on Friday after the impeachment vote, according to a statement posted by her lawyer on Facebook.

The Thai Foreign Ministry issued a statement late Monday hailing “a long relationship” of more than 180 years with the United States and said it had advised Mr. Russel of the government’s “reform procedures.”

In the interview late Monday, Mr. Russel also appeared to warn the Thai government that it would probably retain its “Tier 3” status, the lowest ranking in the State Department’s annual assessment of how countries handle the issue of human trafficking.

“Unless there is real, measurable results to point to, I don’t know how you can say that the situation has gotten better yet,” he said.

[rubl]

The very undemocratic and harsh dictatorial and suppressive junta of Thailand allowed the visiting US Envoy to voice diplomatically phrased language, even during a session at a Bangkok University. Assuming the US Envoy has a diplomatic passport and hasn't been deported, observers debated how much of the talks were just that. Aimed at satisfying people back home without really saying anything.

Reminds me of the visit of Anselm haut Rodric, Envoy Extraordinary of his Highness of Anacreon, etc, etc. to Terminus. He left with some feeling assured and after analysing his statements, phrases and so and leaving out all of no value, nothing was left. See Foundation by Isaac Asimov.

[baboon]

The very undemocratic and harsh dictatorial and suppressive junta of Thailand allowed the visiting US Envoy to voice diplomatically phrased language, even during a session at a Bangkok University. Assuming the US Envoy has a diplomatic passport and hasn't been deported, observers debated how much of the talks were just that. Aimed at satisfying people back home without really saying anything.

Reminds me of the visit of Anselm haut Rodric, Envoy Extraordinary of his Highness of Anacreon, etc, etc. to Terminus. He left with some feeling assured and after analysing his statements, phrases and so and leaving out all of no value, nothing was left. See Foundation by Isaac Asimov.

And?

[surangw]

the international community understood it a long time ago, and no longer find it humorous

[TheClog]

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has indicated that foreign countries understand the situation in Thailand better after he explained the countrys road map and direction to U.N. envoys from 21 countries during their meeting on Monday.

good to know... good to know....

whadda joker, harharharhar...

Rumour has it PM Prayyut even quoted that eminent British chap who works for the BBC

""That there was corruption is undeniable; there is plenty of evidence. The generous subsidy was also financially unsustainable."

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30928835

Thing is it's difficult to believe Jonathons impartiality anymore, especially after the LM charge against him was dropped as a result of his "closeness to people in high places,"

That's what he said to the US, check out the wiki leaks cables.

,

[tx22cb]

"Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has indicated that foreign countries understand the situation in Thailand better"

Yes, we understand that the coup leader still has a flawed concept of democracy ... and that his ministers/appointees/Assembly comprise a 1-party state.

We understand that Martial law is still in place, and that no dissenting voice is allowed without speakers being invited for "Attitude Adjustment".

We will try to suppress our guffaws when we hear whining excuses, and when we are asked ignorant questions.

If any of our leaders visit Thailand, we will ensure that they follow the Aung San Suu Kyi protocol - i.e. only visit Thailand if we can also meet with Thailand's political leaders.

We understand that these Generals now sometimes wear suits or even government khaki dress, but that is poor camouflage for their underlying military uniforms.

Finally, we will smile diplomatically when the Thai ministers say that us foreign diplomats do not understand the Thai situation, when in reality our intelligence services provide us with much more information on all manner of topics than 99% of Thais have access to.

[Kooweerup]

The best thing the dear leader can do is STOP speaking for other countries and just once take the ear plugs out and actually listen to what they have to say. These propaganda speeches to the Thai people isn't doing Thailand any favours. The rest of the world isn't Thai and it does soak up the rubbish being fed or worship at dear leaders feet. If Prayuth wants to be taken seriously then he first has to check himself into one of his attitude adjustment clinics.

[Kooweerup]

THAI-US RELATIONS

No plan to left martial law : Prayut

BANGKOK: -- The United States has failed to give an answer when asked what it would do if it faced the political problems like Thailand, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Tuesday.

I would imagine they were stunned by such a pointless question - you might as well ask what US officials would do if Barack Obama turned into a jigsaw puzzle or something...

It was just a stupid childish question not worthy of a response. The difference is that the government in the U.S and the Military aren't constantly in a power struggle with each other. The Military works for the government and not the other way around.

[webfact]

Prayut rebuts US snub
The Nation



PRIME MINISTER SAYS COUP WAS STAGED TO 'SAVE DEMOCRACY', INSISTS MARTIAL LAW NECESSARY

BANGKOK: -- PRIME MINISTER General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday launched a full rebuttal against Daniel Russel, the visiting US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, saying the coup was staged to save democracy and that martial law would not be lifted because it could lead to political disturbances.

"Thai democracy will never die, because I'm a soldier with a democratic heart. I have taken over the power because I want democracy to live on," the junta-leader-cum-prime minister declared, adding that the situation in Thailand was unique, as nowhere else was a coup staged to restore democracy.

"We are building democracy every day … I did not seize power to give money away to this or that person or take it as my own property.

"Although this government came from a seizure of power, it happened because there was no [effective] government [at the time]. Though there was a government, it was as good as not having one. Where was Yingluck [shinawatra]? She couldn't perform her duty" because she had been removed by the Constitution Court, Prayut said.

He added that people should recognise the fact that Thailand is still free.

He said he could have exercised his power as junta leader and placed Yingluck under house arrest or stopped her from meeting certain people, but he chose not to do so.

Prayut added that Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn had briefed him about the meeting with Russel on Monday. Prayut did not get to meet Russel.

21 envoys 'understand'

Prayut said as many as 21 envoys had met with the current administration and understood the situation in Thailand.

He also said he was ready to present himself at the United Nations General Assembly in September to explain the situation to the world.

"If I'm [still] here. I will go," he promised.

Russel was the highest-ranking US official to have visited the Kingdom since the coup last May. He urged the government to lift martial law and described Yingluck's impeachment by |the junta-installed National Legislative Assembly as being "politically driven".

"The perception of fairness is important. I will 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," he was quoted as saying this week.

Russel met on Monday with Yingluck, who said after the impeachment on Friday that "democracy is dead". The US official also met Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Russel also said all reforms in Thailand should be inclusive, but this could not be achieved as long as martial law is in place, as it restricts freedom of expression and assembly.

Prayut has denied that the impeachment against Yingluck was politically motivated.

As for martial law, Prayut said Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn had asked Russel what the United States would do if faced with a situation like Thailand, in which martial law was necessary to maintain law and order. The prime minister said Tanasak did not receive any answer other than Russel saying he would have to think about it.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Prayut-rebuts-US-snub-30252812.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-28

[noitom]

What a preposterous lead on this Thai tripe. Thailand is a loser everyone knows that.

[tezzainoz]

The USA is giving advice to Thailand

when there policy is

They can’t give money to poor people, because that would kill their incentive.

They need to give money to rich corporations to give them an incentive to expand and build the economy.”

[visionchaser45]

"Prayut quoted Tanasak as asking Russel what the law the US will use to control the situation if it was facing the similar problems."

Let's talk hypotheticals, not reality.

What a childish clown.

The law would be the US Constitution, which IS the supreme law of the land and doesn't get tossed out and rewritten by each administration.

[NeverSure]

The law would be the US Constitution, which IS the supreme law of the land and doesn't get tossed out and rewritten by each administration.

Exactly. In the US people expect and demand the rule of law which is the Constitution first. Due to culture and upbringing, members of the military wouldn't back any general who wanted to do this, nor would police officers. Any general who tried this would be hanged or shot dead in the street depending on who got to him first.

[Kooweerup]

"Prayut quoted Tanasak as asking Russel what the law the US will use to control the situation if it was facing the similar problems."

Let's talk hypotheticals, not reality.

What a childish clown.

The law would be the US Constitution, which IS the supreme law of the land and doesn't get tossed out and rewritten by each administration.

It proves that the dear leader has absolutely no idea of what happens outside the borders of Bangkok. He probably didn't even know there were other people and countries in the world until after he staged the coup and everyone started laughing at him.

[Christie Paul]

Thailand sends a shiver up the spines of international investors and its neighbours, demonstrating how a country that most envied, can easily unravel.

[JAG]

The very undemocratic and harsh dictatorial and suppressive junta of Thailand allowed the visiting US Envoy to voice diplomatically phrased language, even during a session at a Bangkok University. Assuming the US Envoy has a diplomatic passport and hasn't been deported, observers debated how much of the talks were just that. Aimed at satisfying people back home without really saying anything.

Reminds me of the visit of Anselm haut Rodric, Envoy Extraordinary of his Highness of Anacreon, etc, etc. to Terminus. He left with some feeling assured and after analysing his statements, phrases and so and leaving out all of no value, nothing was left. See Foundation by Isaac Asimov.

And?

Umm, its something that happened in fiction, although knowing this forum by tomorrow it will be quoted as gospel truth.

[smedly]

"Prayut quoted Tanasak as asking Russel what the law the US will use to control the situation if it was facing the similar problems."

Let's talk hypotheticals, not reality.

What a childish clown.

The law would be the US Constitution, which IS the supreme law of the land and doesn't get tossed out and rewritten by each administration.

because it was written correctly for the people near enough the first time with a few amendments since to improve it for the people, were as the Thai constitution was never written correctly in the first place and was full of back doors loop holes and interpretations and has been abused twisted by every administration since it's first carnation and the worst being at the hands of the Shins and the last government who abused twisted and ignored it to a level never seen before

I'm surprised Mr Russel didn't stop off in Dubai on his way here for a chit chat with the real ex PM criminal

Prayuth Chan O Cha needs to ignore what went on the last few days and move on, the US has to take the stance they have but they don't need to make it so blatant and direct - maybe Mr Russel will place an order for all the rice in storage 700 billion baht will help very nicely

There is a program currently on BBC (Bitter Lakes) that is interesting viewing about how the USA has actually really fct us all over the last 70 odd years and created the current global mess - nothing to be proud of at all

Edited January 28, 2015 by smedly

[bobmac10]

Look it's not rocket science, this is a military dictatorship.

For whatever flimsy excuse they can find, the army in Thailand have seized power through coups twenty times.

They think it's their priviledge.

They have to learn to stay out of politics.

It's what all the strong democracies went through, learning about democracy through their mistakes.

It's just not possible to have democracy with the military jumping in and taking over whenever they feel like it.

One wonders where Thailand would be now if they hadn't had the twenty military coups.

Cue: all the one eyed yellow supporters to jump in here........

[jlwilliamsjr18]

There are 3 words of truth in this story. "I'm a soldier"

[yellowboat]

Plenty of people understand, though those who actually agree with the good generals actions and that Thailand "special". His comments regarding deposing an elected government to save democracy. No credible politician or official of rank is going to want to be seen anywhere near him. He is delusional and naive. This is not going to be a turning point for positive turning point in Thai history.

[JoePai]

There are 3 words of truth in this story. "I'm a soldier"

Even that is a lie - he is an ex soldier

[yellowboat]

Either they want it or not they better understand the political situation in Thailand and the reasons Dictatorship was imposed.

Thailand does not interfere with any other country's internal politics so they better do the same.

As about, U.S. senior envoy’s meeting with former PM Yingluck, the US better look after their own problems and their own administration and not try to ripple the waters as they are used to do in any other country in this world.

I 'm happy the General didn't take him seriously as he doesn't deserve it.

Does Thailand receive aid, military protection or trade deals from the US or other countries ? If so, those countries have the right to question the good general.

If you do not want the US or other countries to be involved in your business, then do not ask them for help.

a whiny delusional, general desparate for attention is not what Thailand needed.

[umbanda]

The oldest and biggest dictatorship in the world, the US, giving lectures about democracy to Thailand....

What funny is that!

Thailand may be giving a lesson to the world.....A "dictator" with good intentions, is a lot better than an elected president manipulated and corrupted by BIG money using lies and demagogy...even mass murder.. to keep its Nation following its actions like blinded lambs....

Good response General!

Go Thailand !!!

Edited January 28, 2015 by umbanda

[oneday]

"Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has indicated that foreign countries understand the situation in Thailand better after he explained the country’s road map and direction to U.N. envoys from 21 countries during their meeting on Monday."

This would be far more believable if reiterated by any one of these envoys independently. There is no justification for continuing Martial Law this long. Remove Martial Law and if things get out of hand then put it back in place...simple.

[phrisco17]

"Prayut quoted Tanasak as asking Russel what the law the US will use to control the situation if it was facing the similar problems."

Let's talk hypotheticals, not reality.

What a childish clown.

The law would be the US Constitution, which IS the supreme law of the land and doesn't get tossed out and rewritten by each administration.

And under the U.S. Laws, any attempt to overthrow the government is treason.

[anon467367354]

"As for martial law, Prayut said Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn had asked Russel what the United States would do if faced with a situation like Thailand, in which martial law was necessary to maintain law and order. The prime minister said Tanasak did not receive any answer other than Russel saying he would have to think about it."

The US practically has martial law already. They have indefinite detention, you don't have free speech, criticize a politician where the secret service is present and that's now a felony. The police kill with impunity and no recourse at all. Border checks by militarized police even though nowhere near a border. Show me your papers, where are from, we want to search your property. They bust in people's homes SWAT style, shoot 93 year old wheel chair bound veterans, beat the shit out of old deaf people, taze old ladies and children. Cuff and arrest children in schools and you talk about martial law in Thailand?

Great question Prayut "what the United States would do if faced with a situation like Thailand, in which martial law was necessary to maintain law and order." they've already done it. The fake Boston bombing/DHS drill was full blown martial law.

The US needs the military to overthrow their ass. The constitution has been and continues to be shredded and Obama says it's an imperfect document that needs to be updated.

What Thailand has done makes the US pucker in fear because what has happened here was for the good and it saved Thailand from sliding into civil war and real dictatorship.

Thailand has never overthrown another sovereign country's government, those that the US has is way too long to list here.

Beware cautious who you make friends with, they may turn around and bomb you back into the stone age and steal history. The US has bombed Thailand in the past, I'm sure they would have no problem doing it again. Good on you Prayut, you rock, you're doing the best you can, it's way better than it would have been with the crime family in total power.

[rubl]

The very undemocratic and harsh dictatorial and suppressive junta of Thailand allowed the visiting US Envoy to voice diplomatically phrased language, even during a session at a Bangkok University. Assuming the US Envoy has a diplomatic passport and hasn't been deported, observers debated how much of the talks were just that. Aimed at satisfying people back home without really saying anything.

Reminds me of the visit of Anselm haut Rodric, Envoy Extraordinary of his Highness of Anacreon, etc, etc. to Terminus. He left with some feeling assured and after analysing his statements, phrases and so and leaving out all of no value, nothing was left. See Foundation by Isaac Asimov.

And?

OK, translation using words of two silibs at the most: he makes a lot of noise without meaning.

[rubl]

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has indicated that foreign countries understand the situation in Thailand better after he explained the countrys road map and direction to U.N. envoys from 21 countries during their meeting on Monday.

good to know... good to know....

whadda joker, harharharhar...

Rumour has it PM Prayyut even quoted that eminent British chap who works for the BBC

""That there was corruption is undeniable; there is plenty of evidence. The generous subsidy was also financially unsustainable."

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30928835

Thing is it's difficult to believe Jonathons impartiality anymore, especially after the LM charge against him was dropped as a result of his "closeness to people in high places,"

That's what he said to the US, check out the wiki leaks cables.

... but only eight months ago we had binjalin write

"a wonderful reporter whose ethics are unapproachable"

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/728289-thai-army-chief-announces-military-coup/page-17#entry7865715

Edited January 28, 2015 by rubl

[hugh2121]

"Prayut quoted Tanasak as asking Russel what the law the US will use to control the situation if it was facing the similar problems."

Let's talk hypotheticals, not reality.

What a childish clown.

The law would be the US Constitution, which IS the supreme law of the land and doesn't get tossed out and rewritten by each administration.

And, presumably, the armed forces would stand by it's president and government, supporting it and following it's orders.

[wirat69]

...Guess that's what happens when Good Ole U S of A is not your father!!