Russell's statement draws more reaction



BANGKOK: -- The foreign affairs commission of the National Legislative Assembly called a meeting today to discuss the speech of the US assistant secretary of state for Asia Pacific Daniel Russell deemed an intervention of Thailand's internal affairs.

Commission members voiced concern about the top US diplomat’s misunderstanding of the situation in Thailand and therefore wanted to raise the issue for deliberation in the NLA.

The movement came one day after a small group of political activists gathered in front of the US embassy to protest internal interference by Mr Russell when he called on the military junta to lift martial law.

NLA president Pornpetch Wichitcholchai said today he was not surprised to see the US diplomat meeting the former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra through unrecognised diplomatic channel, but expressed optimistically that anyway it was better than sending CIA agents to intervene in internal affairs of other countries as it always used, thinking it is a super power country.

He said the US sees only democracy comes from election and is happy to it while ignoring other factors and what that country will suffer from its term of “democracy”.

He recalled the past six months before the military coup was filled with violence and rifts that had widened with no heal until the military junta came in to power to slowly bring peace and order and pave the way for true and sustainable democracy under the Thai ways of live, tradition and culture.

He said impeachment was a justice system to punish corrupt politicians same as what was practised in the US Parliament.

He affirmed the good relation between the Thai and the US parliaments in all aspects remained firm be they are economical, political and social cooperation.

But what Mr Russell’s attempt to mix up the impeachment case with the call for the junta to lift martial law was totally opposite.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/russells-statement-draws-reaction


-- Thai PBS 2015-01-29

'Commission members voiced concern about the top US diplomat’s misunderstanding of the situation in Thailand and therefore wanted to raise the issue for deliberation in the NLA.'

I think the diplomat has a better understanding of the situation than the members of the NLA.

Judicial system and Impeachment is fine, as long as there is an elected government in place. That's what American diplomatic is demanding. I don't know how many Thai's will understand this. NLA is nothing but Burma style government, who ever people elect will be always be considered as minority choice and will have to sit in the opposition bench. So, the majority vote always will come from the unelected members. So ?

This is was i wrote in the previous posts that, even educated people in Thailand don't know much details about this impeachment and cheering Yingluck is gone! Good luck folks!

There were protesters at the US Embassy?? Cant be there is martial Law.

"He said impeachment was a justice system to punish corrupt politicians same as what was practised in the US Parliament"

​Okay the parliament of the USA

The NLA are sooo worried the rest of the world are going to see it for what it is. An apparatus set up to jail, deport or intimidate anyone who advocates free general elections. What they can't say is that the poor rural people of Thailand do not have a right to vote! The Junta has abolished rule-of-law, there is now only law-of-rule.

The US is not ignorant and know very well what is going on in Thailand. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool. As for Russell's statements, they were dead on the mark, and you can bet his speech was both vetted and approved by the US government long before he delivered it. The problem with Thai is that they can't stand the truth, especially when the truth makes the look bad and "lose face".

Danny Russel breached diplomatic protocol when he stated that the impeachment appeared to be politically driven. He needs to be recalled and relieved of his post. Who he met with and his remarks about Thai democracy were not problematic.

Danny Russel was an Obama White House staffer. He was appointed to this diplomatic post in July 2013. In his first speech following his appointment, he conceded that he was immensely unqualified, admitting that in his prior 4 years serving Obama, that he had never left the four walls of his office.

Rather obvious that you don't know much about diplomatic protocol if you think that these where just his views. His speech would of been written and approved by immensely qualified people and be the view of the US State Department!

Seems he touched a nerve.

Ouch,

Well, isn't that special? "The movement came one day after a small group of political activists gathered in front of the US embassy to protest"

Apparently only "some protests" are being restricted. Smooth move, grace. I am sure this all just gives every Thai the vapors about how sincere reconciliation really is to this government....

The junta should have just slapped a lese majesty charge on him, dragged him to an Army base, and explained it to him over a few days of torture that left no trace.

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There were protesters at the US Embassy?? Cant be there is martial Law.

Hahahaha.... you beat me with this punch.

Danny Russel breached diplomatic protocol when he stated that the impeachment appeared to be politically driven. He needs to be recalled and relieved of his post. Who he met with and his remarks about Thai democracy were not problematic.

Danny Russel was an Obama White House staffer. He was appointed to this diplomatic post in July 2013. In his first speech following his appointment, he conceded that he was immensely unqualified, admitting that in his prior 4 years serving Obama, that he had never left the four walls of his office.

Rather obvious that you don't know much about diplomatic protocol if you think that these where just his views. His speech would of been written and approved by immensely qualified people and be the view of the US State Department!

Correct. Anybody that thinks he was just talking off the top of his head

has no clue what is going on. He was simply being the mouthpiece

for the views of the state department....

Danny Russel breached diplomatic protocol when he stated that the impeachment appeared to be politically driven. He needs to be recalled and relieved of his post. Who he met with and his remarks about Thai democracy were not problematic.

Danny Russel was an Obama White House staffer. He was appointed to this diplomatic post in July 2013. In his first speech following his appointment, he conceded that he was immensely unqualified, admitting that in his prior 4 years serving Obama, that he had never left the four walls of his office.

He never stated that. His quote, hilariously misinterpreted for fellow knuckleheads that send you likes, is below.

"He also warned that when an elected leader such as Ms Yingluck is impeached by the authorities that overthrew her "the international community is left with the impression that these steps could be politically driven", AFP news agency reports."

Amazing, you recycle your posts and spew distorted facts hoping that repetition makes a cube a number.

Nice try, Zaphod redeaux.

There were protesters at the US Embassy?? Cant be there is martial Law.

These protesters must of all been named "martial"

"The movement came one day after a small group of political activists gathered in front of the US embassy to protest internal interference by Mr Russell when he called on the military junta to lift martial law."

Doesn't that farang know Thai democracy is whomever has the guns and that elections are only democratic if the winner kowtows to the military? The next thing you know he will suggest a recall referendum and the holding of another pseudo democratic election. After all, what do people know about democracy when in their countries citizens contribute to politicians instead of politician buying off...err...helping pay voters transportation expenses to the polling stations?

In a real democracy it costs nearly 800 billion dollars to buy off politicians, but that gets you consistency and somewhat believable lies. In Thailand you get the cheap knock off version with no one knowing who will be in charge next year and transparent lies.

What do you do when you lose face?

Act like a spoilt kid, lose even more face (although in your own head you think you're getting face back) and end up looking like a complete t**t. Of course only foreigners might tell you this.

Ignorance is bliss.

The US is not ignorant and know very well what is going on in Thailand. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool. As for Russell's statements, they were dead on the mark, and you can bet his speech was both vetted and approved by the US government long before he delivered it. The problem with Thai is that they can't stand the truth, especially when the truth makes the look bad and "lose face".

I am surprised that Russell turned down the offer of a free, one way, ferry ticket to Koh Tao, to enjoy the beach.

The US is not ignorant and know very well what is going on in Thailand. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool. As for Russell's statements, they were dead on the mark, and you can bet his speech was both vetted and approved by the US government long before he delivered it. The problem with Thai is that they can't stand the truth, especially when the truth makes the look bad and "lose face".

Sorry, but I'm with the Thais on this one. Russell is about as 'on the mark' as most newbies thinking they have a handle on the place after being here all of 5 minutes. Only reason the US is pissed is because their investment and bosom buddy, Thaksin, is no longer calling the shots and the ultimate issue, China.

The movement came one day after a small group of political activists gathered in front of the US embassy to protest internal interference by Mr Russell when he called on the military junta to lift martial law.

Having seen a photo where dozens of army in full fatigues were on hand to watch this.. It makes a total mockery of any pretense of even handed application of the law..

Rubber farmers can't protest but others can protest at the American Embassy. And you wonder why they say the things they do. Junta policy do as we say not as we do.

Danny Russel breached diplomatic protocol when he stated that the impeachment appeared to be politically driven. He needs to be recalled and relieved of his post. Who he met with and his remarks about Thai democracy were not problematic.

Danny Russel was an Obama White House staffer. He was appointed to this diplomatic post in July 2013. In his first speech following his appointment, he conceded that he was immensely unqualified, admitting that in his prior 4 years serving Obama, that he had never left the four walls of his office.

I had to pause, between sips of coffee. I almost got interested until the second sentence.

"...it was better than sending CIA agents to intervene in internal affairs of other countries as it always used..."

Right. Not possible that they are already here.

"...thinking it is a super power country."

Thinking?

The US is not ignorant and know very well what is going on in Thailand. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool. As for Russell's statements, they were dead on the mark, and you can bet his speech was both vetted and approved by the US government long before he delivered it. The problem with Thai is that they can't stand the truth, especially when the truth makes the look bad and "lose face".

Sorry, but I'm with the Thais on this one. Russell is about as 'on the mark' as most newbies thinking they have a handle on the place after being here all of 5 minutes. Only reason the US is pissed is because their investment and bosom buddy, Thaksin, is no longer calling the shots and the ultimate issue, China.

Nice to know the Yellow Shirt/Junta-Coup supporters are still being vocal.

Danny Russel breached diplomatic protocol when he stated that the impeachment appeared to be politically driven. He needs to be recalled and relieved of his post. Who he met with and his remarks about Thai democracy were not problematic.

Danny Russel was an Obama White House staffer. He was appointed to this diplomatic post in July 2013. In his first speech following his appointment, he conceded that he was immensely unqualified, admitting that in his prior 4 years serving Obama, that he had never left the four walls of his office.

How many times are you going to spam this incorrect nonsense?

Never left his office?

I guess Japan, The Hague, Cyprus and Seoul don't count.

Read on for his other accomplishments my friend. You need it.

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/212045.htm

And for others who claim he is a "newbie".

The US is not ignorant and know very well what is going on in Thailand. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool. As for Russell's statements, they were dead on the mark, and you can bet his speech was both vetted and approved by the US government long before he delivered it. The problem with Thai is that they can't stand the truth, especially when the truth makes the look bad and "lose face".

Sorry, but I'm with the Thais on this one. Russell is about as 'on the mark' as most newbies thinking they have a handle on the place after being here all of 5 minutes. Only reason the US is pissed is because their investment and bosom buddy, Thaksin, is no longer calling the shots and the ultimate issue, China.

Quite so.

This is another example of clueless American diplomacy.

Hell hath no fury like a Thai criticized.

I love diplomacy. It doesn't matter if what you say is true, the fact that you said it is the problem.

"He said impeachment was a justice system to punish corrupt politicians same as what was practised in the US Parliament"

​Okay the parliament of the USA

Some people actually smoked those horrible things.

I love diplomacy. It doesn't matter if what you say is true, the fact that you said it is the problem.

You're thinking about defamation.

From the NY Times:

"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."

http://www.nytimes.c...artial-law.html