US Charge d'affaires summoned in protest of its top diplomat's statement

[webfact]

US Charge d’affaires summoned in protest of its top diplomat’s statement

BANGKOK: -- The Foreign Ministry today summoned the US Charge d' affaires W. Patrick Murphy for a meeting to voice its uncomfortable stance and to demand clarification after its top diplomat's meeting with the former prime minister and his statement on the country's existing martial law.

The US Charge d’Affaires arrived at the Foreign Ministry at 8.00 am Wednesday.

The ministry’s reaction came after the US Assistant of State for Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russell met former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra

During the meeting, the deposed premier also complained to the US top diplomat that she was unfairly impeached by the military-installed National Legislative Assembly.

Later on the same day the top diplomat gave a speech at a state university calling for the lifting of the martial law.

His call was later considered by Thai foreign affairs officials an interference of the Thai local affairs.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/us-charge-daffaires-summoned-protest-top-diplomats-statement

-- Thai PBS 2015-01-28

[bim]

The US never fail to stick there noses in other countries affairs. They should have denied him entry in to the Kingdom.

Edited January 28, 2015 by bim

[hanuman2543]

Didn't PM Prayuth yesterday assured everybody who can't escape listening that he doesn't care and that the relationship between the Junta and the US Government is good? Little White lies or fragile ego?

Edited January 28, 2015 by hanuman2543

[baboon]

The US never fail to stick there noses in other countries affairs. They should have denied him entry in to the Kingdom.

... As well as telling the US where they can stick their trade and defence pact. Great idea.

You do realise that whether anyone likes it or not, Thailand needs the US more than the US needs Thailand?

[Tep]

Two reports of 'Attitude Adjustment' on TVF in two days. The other one being the former Prime Minister's lawyer. I wonder if this signals a policy shift to a more 'muscular' position against opposition?

[Chwooly]

The US never fail to stick there noses in other countries affairs. They should have denied him entry in to the Kingdom.

... As well as telling the US where they can stick their trade and defence pact. Great idea.

You do realise that whether anyone likes it or not, Thailand needs the US more than the US needs Thailand?

Unfortunately this is true, and the US government uses that to try and control other countries, The US never does anything unless it benefits the US Government in some way. We have gone from being a "Government of the People, by the people, for the people" to a Government of the big corporation/special interest/wall street, by the corporation/special interest/wall street, for the corporation/special interest/wall street." Until the american people realize that and does something to change it then the US will continue to manipulate world politics in a manner that best serves those interests.

I don't care if I live in a democracy, dictatorship, or what ever as long as I have my rightful liberty.

"Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because the law is often but the tyrants will, and always so it violates the will of the individual." Thomas Jefferson.

[Costas2008]

Didn't PM Prayuth yesterday assured everybody who can't escape listening that he doesn't care and that the relationship between the Junta and the US Government is good? Little White lies or fragile ego?

Relationship between Thailand and the USA is and always will be good.

But this man had no right to interfere into Thailand's politics.

Thailand does not interfere with the USA.

To take advantage of Thai hospitality and tolerance was a bad move on behalf of a representative of the USA.

I hope the PM will take notice and avoid any future, dubious visits from any country that pretends they care about democracy but in fact they only show their ignorance on Thailand's political situation.

[geriatrickid]

The US never fail to stick there noses in other countries affairs. They should have denied him entry in to the Kingdom.

The position expressed by the US representative was no different than that of any other western country. Are you going to accuse the EU and governments of Norway and Sweden of sticking their noses in other countries affairs?

How is the (now former) Sweden foreign minister Carl Bildt's statement different from the US statement? "I urge an immediate return to civilian government in Thailand, a restoration of democracy, and respect for human rights and freedoms."

.

The Swedish PM Fredrik Reinfeldt stated that " It is of course unacceptable for all military takeovers, especially given that this has happened before." He also called for a return to civilian rule and respect for democratic order.

Are you also calling for the expulsion of the Swedish Ambassador?

The US position has not been very tough and is a lot kinder than that of the EU which spoke on behalf of its member nations. Do you recall what the EU did?

Following a meeting of EU finance ministers, the 28-nation bloc said it was halting the signing of a partnership and cooperation accord with Bangkok “until a democratically elected government is in place”. Expressing the EU’s “extreme concern” at developments in Thailand, the ministers said in a statement that the military should restore “as a matter of urgency, the legitimate democratic process and the constitution, through credible and inclusive elections”.They should also free all political detainees and respect human rights and freedoms, they said.

What now? The expulsion of all EU member ambassadors?

This isn't a position exclusive to the USA.

[Anthony5]

Two reports of 'Attitude Adjustment' on TVF in two days. The other one being the former Prime Minister's lawyer. I wonder if this signals a policy shift to a more 'muscular' position against opposition?

I think it signals that the world outside Thailand, doesn't understand and support General Happiness, regardless of what he is sprouting on a daily base.

[Snig27]

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

Didn't PM Prayuth yesterday assured everybody who can't escape listening that he doesn't care and that the relationship between the Junta and the US Government is good? Little White lies or fragile ego?

Relationship between Thailand and the USA is and always will be good.

But this man had no right to interfere into Thailand's politics.

Thailand does not interfere with the USA.

To take advantage of Thai hospitality and tolerance was a bad move on behalf of a representative of the USA.

I hope the PM will take notice and avoid any future, dubious visits from any country that pretends they care about democracy but in fact they only show their ignorance on Thailand's political situation.

You do understand how naive this makes you sound, right Costas?

Perhaps a few moments on your part reading a little post WW2 Thai history might help ...

For better or worse, the Thai military is only as powerful as it is now thanks to the US. Much of the basic infrastructure of this country was also built with US dollars (and much of the less pleasant side). The mess that this nation is in now is in a large part due to US cold war championing of the bad guys in the Thai military.

I know you see things in simple black and white and block out anything that might clash with the world as you see it, but the fact is the US has long been involved in Thai politics and the involvement by the general's totalitarian forebears was much welcomed. To now try and howl "don't interfere" is both dishonest and hypocritical.

[NeverSure]

The US never fail to stick there noses in other countries affairs. They should have denied him entry in to the Kingdom.

Explain to me then why the general cares so much that he's not only making multiple public statements about this, but summoning someone?

That someone should have gotten on a plane and left first.

The US has huge industrial investments in Thailand. It is Thailand's second largest buyer of exports behind only Japan. It has a defense treaty to defend Thailand. It sells and gives Thailand military hardware.

It might just decide it doesn't trust doing business with Thailand and pull out and send Thailand into a tail spin. If the US went, Japan would go taking it's massive industrial investment and Thailand's largest buyer of exports. Japan would go because the US has a defense treaty with it and has backed China down over ownership of some Japanese islands, and the blocking of some shipping routes and airline routes.

If the US gets to where it really doesn't trust Thailand, it and Japan will be gone leaving Thailand in tatters.

Go ahead Thailand. Deny the US State Department access to the Kingdom. Go for it.

[Diplomatico]

Two reports of 'Attitude Adjustment' on TVF in two days. The other one being the former Prime Minister's lawyer. I wonder if this signals a policy shift to a more 'muscular' position against opposition?

I think it signals that the world outside Thailand, doesn't understand and support General Happiness, regardless of what he is sprouting on a daily base.

Obviously they have not listened to his hit single, "Returning Happiness to Thailand".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-xtWCJT3oQ

[marquess]

The US the country that knows everything and as consequence what is right for everyone else.

[geriatrickid]

Didn't PM Prayuth yesterday assured everybody who can't escape listening that he doesn't care and that the relationship between the Junta and the US Government is good? Little White lies or fragile ego?

Relationship between Thailand and the USA is and always will be good.

But this man had no right to interfere into Thailand's politics.

Thailand does not interfere with the USA.

To take advantage of Thai hospitality and tolerance was a bad move on behalf of a representative of the USA.

I hope the PM will take notice and avoid any future, dubious visits from any country that pretends they care about democracy but in fact they only show their ignorance on Thailand's political situation.

He did not interfere in Thailand's politics. Interference would have been providing sanctuary to the former PM or in funding opponents. No one has done that, nor is their intent. Everyone wants the peace to continue, with a return to democracy. He conveyed the position of the US government on the current situation. As I have stated above, the EU has gone further than the USA with its suspension of agreements and co-operations. Are you also demanding that "dubious" visits from EU nations who ALL supported the EU statement, be blocked? Apparently, according to you, the 28 member EU group are ignorant as are Norway, Sweden, Canada and Australia, since they have a position in common. Nice to know.

What you and other do not grasp is that the countries who have spoken out have done so in accordance with their respective nations' long standing positions on the subject, a position that does not target Thailand, but is one in regard to the issue of military coups and the activities associated with them. The statements made are nothing new in the world of foreign affairs. This is why the General was not overly concerned when he didn't have a courtesy call form the American. He knows how it works and I doubt he will lose any sleep over the matter. In a few days, it will be water under the bridge.

Edited January 28, 2015 by geriatrickid

[webfact]

Foreign ministry clarifies US its need to have martial law in place

BANGKOK: -- The Thai deputy foreign minister today clarified the US charge d'Affaires of its reasons to stay the martial law, and its uncomfortable position with the US top diplomat's speech calling for the lifting of martial law.

The deputy minister Mr Don Pramudwinai disclosed this after his meeting with the US charge d’affaires W. Patrick Murphy who was summoned to the ministry today for clarification of the country’s situation and its position regarding the existing martial law.

He said he summoned the US diplomat to voice opposition and discomfort over statement of the US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russell in a speech to students at Chulalongkorn University urging the military junta to lift the martial law as it was an interference if this local affairs.

He said what Mr Russell told the students was disappointing and would only leave a costly wound for Thai people, particularly students.

He said he explained to the US charge d’affaires that martial law has no impact on the normal life of the people.

He said he even asked the US diplomat who should be held responsible if martial law is lifted and political unrest returns to the country.

Mr Don said the meeting today would not sour the long 182 years relation which Thailand has enjoyed with its close friend, the United States, but would enable it by on understand the situation of the country better.

Russell is the highest ranking US official to stop in Thailand after the coup that brought down the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra, whom he also met Monday.

During the meeting, she complained of unfair impeachment by the National Legislative Assembly in which she said more than half of its 220 members are top military officers.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/foreign-ministry-clarifies-us-need-martial-law-place


-- Thai PBS 2015-01-28

[Mango Bob]

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The US never fail to stick there noses in other countries affairs. They should have denied him entry in to the Kingdom.

There are many Thai visa members who stick there noses in the countries affair. Should they also be denied entry into the Kingdom?

[baboon]

Didn't PM Prayuth yesterday assured everybody who can't escape listening that he doesn't care and that the relationship between the Junta and the US Government is good? Little White lies or fragile ego?

Relationship between Thailand and the USA is and always will be good.

But this man had no right to interfere into Thailand's politics.

Absolutely correct - he had no right at all to interfere in Thailand's politics, which is why he didn't.

Of course you would have been just as disapproving if he had praised your man to the skies and equally accused him of meddling...

[geriatrickid]

Two reports of 'Attitude Adjustment' on TVF in two days. The other one being the former Prime Minister's lawyer. I wonder if this signals a policy shift to a more 'muscular' position against opposition?

Perhaps, more along the lines of keeping the lid on things and letting everyone know who is in charge.

Nothing unusual. The old saying of give some space and they'll make a breach in the wall holds true.

The General is defending the perimeter. I'd do the same thing if I was in his position, but I'm not.

[bim]

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The US never fail to stick there noses in other countries affairs. They should have denied him entry in to the Kingdom.

There are many Thai visa members who stick there noses in the countries affair. Should they also be denied entry into the Kingdom?

Simple answer Yes. Its not there country.

[h90]

Didn't PM Prayuth yesterday assured everybody who can't escape listening that he doesn't care and that the relationship between the Junta and the US Government is good? Little White lies or fragile ego?

Of course it is good. Just imagine how friendly the USA will get if Prayuth consider to have some Cobra Red Star exercises with China. Or close the US military base that doesn't exist. Or their spy centers.

With the current US politics to threaten China, Iran, Venezuela, Russia, Syria, North Korea at the same time and having Malaysia and Myanmar as neighbors USA can't afford to make Thailand an enemy and loose a big area (North South) they currently control).

[talktomarty]

Scandalous!! the good general should send the US Assistant of State for Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russell for some attitude adjustment

[Walkabout]

"He did not interfere in Thailand's politics. Interference would have been providing sanctuary to the former PM or in FUNDING opponents ..."

Well, the voice of the Red Shirts, Prachatai, is funded in part by the NED (the bipartisan US National Endowment for Democracy), George Soros (Open Society Foundation), etc ... Ref.: http://www.prachatai.com/english/aboutus

[NeverSure]

Didn't PM Prayuth yesterday assured everybody who can't escape listening that he doesn't care and that the relationship between the Junta and the US Government is good? Little White lies or fragile ego?

Of course it is good. Just imagine how friendly the USA will get if Prayuth consider to have some Cobra Red Star exercises with China. Or close the US military base that doesn't exist. Or their spy centers.

With the current US politics to threaten China, Iran, Venezuela, Russia, Syria, North Korea at the same time and having Malaysia and Myanmar as neighbors USA can't afford to make Thailand an enemy and loose a big area (North South) they currently control).

Apparently you didn't read that the US is moving back into Subic Bay and Clark Air Force Base in the Phils. This will be a huge economic boost for the Phils. LINK

It also has Diego Garcia.

It also has 11 Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier groups, some of which are always within reach.

You don't get it!!! The US has huge economic investments in Thailand and is its second largest buyer of exports behind Japan. It provides Thailand with military hardware.

Thailand is being snubbed for buddying up to China!!! Thailand is being snubbed for jeopardizing the US commitment to defend Thailand.

Thailand is yesterday's news. The US is letting Thailand know it and the general just lost face over a visit.

[ldiablo]

Chwooly. Can you honestly tell me another country that does anything unless it benefits them. The US is no different than any other country except the fact that they are the most powerful and richest country on Earth which in sone regards gives them every right to question the policies of any other country,especially considering the amount of funding they supply to various countries.

[smutcakes]

I still fail to see what was so shocking about the statements made. They said that the way things were done COULD APPEAR to be politically motivated.

He didn't say they were, just that to those outside, given how it all unfolded, that it COULD APPEAR that was the case.

I would suggest that to many people, knowing the history, or whatever version they were told etc, would probably agree that is probably a correct statement.

Not that it is definitely the case that it was, just that it COULD APPEAR so.

Its a fairly accurate and factual statement. Even on here, where one would presume people know all the background, some would still argue that it was politically motivated, so to suggest to others that it could appear that way is hardly an incorrect statement.

The stuff on lifting martial law is just standard diplomatic stuff, hardly confrontational, and i dare say would be echoed by many countries, more for show than anything else.

[Tatsujin]

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The US never fail to stick there noses in other countries affairs. They should have denied him entry in to the Kingdom.

There are many Thai visa members who stick there noses in the countries affair. Should they also be denied entry into the Kingdom?

Simple answer Yes. Its not there country.

You don't find it just a tad hypocritical that you are here stating in "public" what you think should happen here in Thailand, in exactly the same way as everyone else is doing? Should you be barred entry also for voicing an opinion?

It's politics/diplomacy, nothing unusual, the games continue.

[than]

Why US want lifting of martial law..Law and order prevail actually in Thailand . Perhaps, US like to see Thai blood on street........perhaps US like to see children kill by Red/Blackshirt, perhaps US administration was a part of responsibility in attempt the 2010 red revolution ?

[Chwooly]

Chwooly. Can you honestly tell me another country that does anything unless it benefits them. The US is no different than any other country except the fact that they are the most powerful and richest country on Earth which in some regards gives them every right to question the policies of any other country,especially considering the amount of funding they supply to various countries.

You missed my point, The US doesn't do anything to benefit the people of the US but does everything to benefit the Corporations and Big Money contributors to the election campaigns of the politicians in office.

Being the Richest and most powerful doesn't give the US the right to do anything out side their borders, It does give them an obligation to help those that need help. Not a hand out but a hand up. But the US doesn't do that, They only help those that they can benefit from. We say we stand up for Democracy but that is a load of crap, We stand up for what will benefit those with the most money. That is why we almost completely ignore Africa. We sent troops to Vietnam to "Stop the spread of communism" yet we trade with China and give them "most favored nation status" where is our indignation that they are not democratic?

The US needs to sit back and let Thailand sort out it's affairs either that or just come in and put in a puppet like they had with Marcos in the Philippines and Suharto in Indonesia.

PS: in the interests of full disclosure

I am an American, I have served in the Armed Forces, I love the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights. I have not voted since 1990 and I hate the US Government because it doesn't represent the vast majority of Americans IMNSHO

Edited January 28, 2015 by Chwooly

[Just1Voice]

To me, the man was spot on with what he said. He called a Spade a Spade, and if that doesn't suit your "we love the General/Coup" beliefs, hey, so be it. As Ron Paul clearly stated: "Truth is treason is the Empire of Lies".

[Chwooly]

One thing I am really curious about is how has the coup effected the quality of life for the average expat? I know for me personally there has been no lowering of the quality of life here in Thailand, The few times I have been in BKK I have not been stopped for a drug check.

I have not been the victim of any random searches or seizures other then 2 times at a checkpoint on my motorbike, first time I didn't have a license so I had to pay a fine, 2nd time I had everything in order and they let me go on my merry way. Prices seem to be the same, I am not harassed at the airport when I come in.

So what is the real issue for expats?