Now, NLA panel to summon US envoy

[webfact]

Now, NLA panel to summon US envoy
The Nation


Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, centre, chairperson of the National Legislative Assembly

Bilateral spat continues with Washington's reiteration

BANGKOK: -- The spat between Thailand and the United States looks set to continue with the National Legislative Assembly's foreign affairs committee planning to summon the US charge d'affaires to explain the recent criticism by a senior American official, which is perceived as interference in Thailand's internal affairs.

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, chairperson of the NLA panel, said yesterday that US charge d'affaires Patrick Murphy would be invited to appear before the committee for "some talk and explanation about what happened".

She was referring to a remark by Daniel Russel, the US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, that the impeachment of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra could be politically motivated. Russel had also called for the lifting of martial law. The visiting US official made his comments in

a speech at Chulalongkorn University on Monday.

"He should have realised that Thailand needs martial law and the justice process to retain peace. These are considered internal affairs," Bilaibhan said.

NLA member and former ambassador Kitti Wasinondh yesterday said allies should have mutual respect and good understanding between them.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Murphy to express disappointment over Russel's comments, in a move viewed as an attempt to protect what Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha called national dignity. Russel was the highest-level US official to visit Thailand since the coup last May.

Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, president of the NLA, which voted overwhelmingly to impeach Yingluck, yesterday defended the assembly's verdict. He said the decision was based on legal principles and the rule of law.

"It seemed Russel mixed up impeachment and martial law although they are completely unrelated," he said. The NLA president said that after staging the coup, the National Council for Peace and Order managed to end violence and now was "sweeping the house" to make way for a stable democracy.

He said the US seemed to believe that an election was tantamount to being a democracy, without taking into account the political context of individual countries.

'Interference'

NLA member Kittisak Ratanawaraha, during yesterday's assembly meeting, criticised the US assistant secretary of state for making remarks he deemed an interference in Thailand's internal affairs.

"He should better mind his own business. What he did was an interference in Thailand's legislative affairs. The US should not stick its nose into our affairs," Kittisak said.

Following strong reactions from the government, Murphy yesterday stressed the US standpoint over the issue.

"We will continue to urge the Thai government to take necessary steps to bring the country back to democracy. We believe it is a matter for the Thai people to work together to build a democratic future; we don't take sides," he said in his Twitter messages.

In Washington DC, US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki yesterday reiterated the US call for more inclusive politics and an end to martial law, Reuters reported.

Both Murphy and Psaki were responding to angry reactions from government figures over Russel's remarks.

Meanwhile, security expert Panitan Wattanayagorn said yesterday that it was possible that some former Thai politicians were working with certain American interest groups, resulting in the latest US move against Thailand.

Panitan is an adviser to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Now-NLA-panel-to-summon-US-envoy-30252979.html

-- The Nation 2015-01-30

[Thai at Heart]

I really hope the world laughs at these idiots.

This is the image Thailand wants in the world, they can have it. I hope the embassies keep goading them.

This is a very childish and pitiful effort to justify their undemocratic behaviour.

[englishoak]

still throwing toys out the pram ? priceless, please summon him .... pleeese

[docshock13]

The arrogance is unbelievable. But that's what you get with a legislature and cabinet full of handpicked military "friends" with little to no experience in governance and diplomacy.

I know some posters have mentioned N Korea and while Thailand is a long way off, I certainly feel it is inching closer day by day.

[hanuman2543]

Didn't Mr Russel was just telling the truth and called for a return to normality? Their reactions is a clear indicator that they are very well aware that the coup was unlawful and that the momentary situation in Thailand is against all democratic standards. But it is the Thai way. Never listen and threaten the ones who dare to tell the truth.

[Kooweerup]

Wasn't he already summed by dear leader and knelt before him and licked his boots. What next Somchia the Janitor summons U.S Envoy to explain. Geez these people throw tantrums like little babies and they think they can run a country and be statesmen.

Grow up the rest of the world doesn't have Thai mentality and they think differently.

[Kooweerup]

I really hope the world laughs at these idiots.

This is the image Thailand wants in the world, they can have it. I hope the embassies keep goading them.

This is a very childish and pitiful effort to justify their undemocratic behaviour.

Part of the discover Thainess campaign. Formerly known as the land of smiles, now the land of temper tantrum, crying spoilt little brats. Smiles replaced with tears and tantrums.

[Thai at Heart]

Didn't Mr Russel was just telling the truth and called for a return to normality? Their reactions is a clear indicator that they are very well aware that the coup was unlawful and that the momentary situation in Thailand is against all democratic standards. But it is the Thai way. Never listen and threaten the ones who dare to tell the truth.

The funny thing is, they could actually have agreed with him and said ,"yes, we know its not perfect, but we are working through the issues".

But no. They throw a tizzy. Its time for a few of these children to be put in the corner to wear the dunces cap.

Honestly, the embassies should keep on at them, they obviously have them all up tight. Tease them mercilessly. How do you post "democracy for dummies" to the NLA.

[NongKhaiKid]

I really hope the world laughs at these idiots.

This is the image Thailand wants in the world, they can have it. I hope the embassies keep goading them.

This is a very childish and pitiful effort to justify their undemocratic behaviour.

Part of the discover Thainess campaign. Formerly known as the land of smiles, now the land of temper tantrum, crying spoilt little brats. Smiles replaced with tears and tantrums.

The latest THAI Airways ad on BBC says " everything we do has been inherited " !

Accurate but not in the way intended.

Edited January 29, 2015 by NongKhaiKid

[NongKhaiKid]

Didn't Mr Russel was just telling the truth and called for a return to normality? Their reactions is a clear indicator that they are very well aware that the coup was unlawful and that the momentary situation in Thailand is against all democratic standards. But it is the Thai way. Never listen and threaten the ones who dare to tell the truth.

The funny thing is, they could actually have agreed with him and said ,"yes, we know its not perfect, but we are working through the issues".

But no. They throw a tizzy. Its time for a few of these children to be put in the corner to wear the dunces cap.

Honestly, the embassies should keep on at them, they obviously have them all up tight. Tease them mercilessly. How do you post "democracy for dummies" to the NLA.

Maybe the US will give them something to think about by re-calling the Charge to the State Dept for ' urgent discussions on the situation '.

Forget a reduced presence at Cobra Gold, try not appropriate to take part in the current climate.

The problem is will anything get through to the circus ?

[Confuscious]

So, every single nation outside Thailand should stick to the Junta in Thailand and have no opinion on their own?

Summon every body you want with your Thainess and "attitude adjustment", but realize that everybody outside Thailand is NOT THAI and don't think as a Thai.

[englishoak]

I'd say some in that lot could do with a spell at one of those attitude adjustment camp of theirs.

[siampolee]

englishoak post # 12.

I'd say some in that lot could do with a spell at one of those attitude adjustment camp of theirs.

Agreed.

However I would go one step further and suggest that both Thailand and America could do with time in their assorted''adjustment camps.''

[Thai at Heart]

englishoak post # 12.

I'd say some in that lot could do with a spell at one of those attitude adjustment camp of theirs.

Agreed.

However I would go one step further and suggest that both Thailand and America could do with time in their assorted''adjustment camps.''

All they said was the junta lacks democratic integrity and legitimacy.

To be perfectly honest, who doesn't think that about just about every Thai official they ever meet? In their spiffy uniforms covered in chest candy having never served a moment in combat, or barely done a days work.

They lack legitimacy and integrity in every thing they do, let alone running a country. Who are these great appointees who dare to lecture from their appointed pulpits?

Who are they to dare to jeopardise the single most important strategic military alliance thailand has. Just who the hell do they think they represent by apparently summoning their superior ally? They are nothing. Not legitimate,not representative and not qualified to represent anything to do with diplomacy on behalf of the country.

They are a sham and should get on with their business and leave the stage exit left forthwith, before they do some real permanent damage.

[Diplomatico]

"Prayuth and military may have misjudged US reaction"

Talk about a foreshadowing thread, lol.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/795480-prayut-and-military-may-have-misjudged-us-reaction/

[Thai at Heart]

"Prayuth and military may have misjudged US reaction"

Talk about a foreshadowing thread, lol.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/795480-prayut-and-military-may-have-misjudged-us-reaction/

Sadly though, Thailand reaction from the son called educated elite is exactly as predicted.

Like a 12 year old caught red handed...

[talktomarty]

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri...how could you possibly take seriously a person that looks like that! She looks like Benny Hill in drag

[canuckamuck]

Russell's statement was quite diplomatic and understated in my opinion.

Still Thailand thinks it's OK to say Black is white and they want the world to agree.

Wheels are falling off I'm afraid.

[Thai at Heart]

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri...how could you possibly take seriously a person that looks like that! She looks like Benny Hill in drag

Actually, the cashiers character from.monsters Inc was closely based on her it seems.

If she summoned me, I wouldn't be able to keep a straight face through the whole meeting.

I hope the guy can't find space in his diary to be summoned.

[PepperMe]

Being the leader of a country is a very very important role. There are 66 million people who rely on that person being of sound judgement and intelligence to do the job. It is not a role to be given over to negligent incompetents, and I think we would all agree that Yingluck is both.

Such as Thailand's piss poor form of democracy that allows idiots like this to be put into the top position in the first place, things need to be done to shield the nation from such absurd happenings.

Unfortunately the nation is so full of moronic individuals that the head moron would likely get voted back into power, because the Thais just don't get it. So things like impeachments are necessary to save the idiots from themselves.

But it is obvious Yingluck WAS negligent, and that negligence DID allow massive corruption to flourish, so that impeachment was 100% justified. Even if it WAS politically motivated, then that motivation is justified in itself for the above reasons.

This is maybe what the NLA should be explaining to the US rather than whinging like kids. If you think the US is wrong, then just explain it to them till they understand. Fortunately for the Yanks, their electorate is a bit better educated.... hang on..... Bush, Obama..... Maybe not.

[Chang_paarp]

I wonder what would happen if th embassy sent a filing clerk to answer the summons. That would put some perspective to their position.

[thesetat2013]

Didn't Mr Russel was just telling the truth and called for a return to normality? Their reactions is a clear indicator that they are very well aware that the coup was unlawful and that the momentary situation in Thailand is against all democratic standards. But it is the Thai way. Never listen and threaten the ones who dare to tell the truth.

The funny thing is, they could actually have agreed with him and said ,"yes, we know its not perfect, but we are working through the issues".

But no. They throw a tizzy. Its time for a few of these children to be put in the corner to wear the dunces cap.

Honestly, the embassies should keep on at them, they obviously have them all up tight. Tease them mercilessly. How do you post "democracy for dummies" to the NLA.

Maybe the US will give them something to think about by re-calling the Charge to the State Dept for ' urgent discussions on the situation '.

Forget a reduced presence at Cobra Gold, try not appropriate to take part in the current climate.

The problem is will anything get through to the circus ?

Good point! That way next year the Thais will have China Gold instead. The way the US keeps acting this place will soon become Chinaland instead of Thailand.

[EnzoRippo]

Learning that, population in Dakota, Mississippi, Nevada and Wyoming became scary and beg Thai Wise Leaders to forgive American politicians for their insolence.

[15Peter20]

If it is true that the US and the world doesn't properly understand Thainess or the ridiculous concept of 'Thai Democracy', perhaps the Thai government should do better in trying to explain it. The problem of course is that if they did actually try to explain it properly, they'd all be thrown in jail for lese majeste.

I guess they've got a point when they say this is a unique situation in the world.

[Diplomatico]

Deleted.

Edited January 30, 2015 by Diplomatico

[Thai at Heart]

Being the leader of a country is a very very important role. There are 66 million people who rely on that person being of sound judgement and intelligence to do the job. It is not a role to be given over to negligent incompetents, and I think we would all agree that Yingluck is both.

Such as Thailand's piss poor form of democracy that allows idiots like this to be put into the top position in the first place, things need to be done to shield the nation from such absurd happenings.

Unfortunately the nation is so full of moronic individuals that the head moron would likely get voted back into power, because the Thais just don't get it. So things like impeachments are necessary to save the idiots from themselves.

But it is obvious Yingluck WAS negligent, and that negligence DID allow massive corruption to flourish, so that impeachment was 100% justified. Even if it WAS politically motivated, then that motivation is justified in itself for the above reasons.

This is maybe what the NLA should be explaining to the US rather than whinging like kids. If you think the US is wrong, then just explain it to them till they understand. Fortunately for the Yanks, their electorate is a bit better educated.... hang on..... Bush, Obama..... Maybe not.

Hilariously, Thailand managed to them go and appoint someone who is single handedly managing to pick a fight with their largest strategic military partner, and second largest trading partner.

At least they could have voted Yingluck out. What to do with this numpty? Ask him to leave nicely? The people can't speak...

[tbthailand]

Now that the NLA has "accused" the US envoy of interfering in Thailand's internal affairs they now plan to make sure that he interferes in Thailand's internal affairs.

The General didn't pick the brightest bunch of rubber-stampers, did he?

Whew...

[Cake Monster]

Thailand is becoming a nation full of Despots, where criticism of any kind is reacted too by some kind of childish tantrum from people never even heard of on the International Political Stage.

[tbthailand]

For anyone who missed the speech from Russel, the text is here: http://www.state.gov/p/eap/rls/rm/2015/01/236308.htm

frightening stuff, really.... Horribly frightening...

[daveAustin]

C'mon guys, you made your point, the yank doesn't really understand how things work here, but now you're making yourselves look childish and, dare I say it, typical!