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.

Indeed, it should have been dismissed with the usual diplomatic speak like " ..even the best of friends have disagreements from time to time but the fundamental relationship remains strong". Instead we have all this silliness. They can't be so stupid: this has to be posturing, strengthening alignment with China and a bit of sabre rattling. Or did they see THAT photo of Yingluck and Obama and leap to (false) conclusions about the strength of that relationship. Whatever, it's tedious beyond belief.

General Happiness needs to give this pipsqueak a lesson in Thainess and how it is achieved.

In a way, this is a useful post, because I've always wondered what a Thai Bozo the Clown would look like.

So this is a diplomatic "attitude adjusting" ?

As for the US and the world just don't understand Thai democracy and the way they do things here, well sorry but some would think they very much do understand the way they do things and that is why the comments were made.

Why can't oh so perfect Acidrainia mind it's own buisness.

Stating an opinion is not interfering in a country's internal affairs....

I wonder what they would do if the CdA just sent a note saying "sorry, too busy to attend just now"?

Discover Thailand and Thainess!!! Way to go. And doing it without having to pay loads of money. The WHOLE Planet now knows Thailand and REAL Thainess.

Daniel Russel maintained that his visit to Thailand early this week was planned long ago before the impeachment of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and that his visit here was to show the US support for the Thai people and the kingdom of Thailand and not any particular political parties or political groups.

So showing the US support for the Thai people means to see Yingluck but not the PM?

" 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"

When will they understand that there was no real democracy in Thailand before the coup?

Or is it kleptocracy what the US mean when they say democracy?

"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."

Seems very true

Cronyism rules in the USA State Department. Leave it to those Georgetown brats to become a sociopolitical and geopolitical experts on any given country in the world in only 5 days. OMG what a way to run a foreign policy.

Discover Thailand and Thainess!!! Way to go. And doing it without having to pay loads of money. The WHOLE Planet now knows Thailand and REAL Thainess.

You are not talking solely about the present government are you?

Do you think there was less Thainess during the shin PTP government ?

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.

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

Unfortunately this is exactly what is missing on the Thai side when it comes to Britain’s and New Zealand’s law based practice not to extradite people for LM cases in Thailand.

The “we do as we please and expect you to agree- attitude” is not a sign of good understanding of diplomacy in general.

\Changed my mind, trust issue.

Yes absolute hog wash there is no need for martial law and it pulls the profile of Thailand down even lower !

Martial law is institigated in time of absolute need. And a spat between political parties is not enough. A game of power takes earnings from people.

"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.

Please try to excuse and forgive the US envoy as he likely has no clue about the pride of Thailand that expresses itself in "Thainess".

The poor man comes from a country where he is allowed to voice his opinion about all subjects without government harassment...

Give him another chance...maybe once he sees more "Thainess" in action he will understand that to speak the truth here is neither appreciated nor allowed...

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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.

Maybe if US envoy had also met with PM Prayut rather than Thaksin's flunkies & Democrat yes men; may have not had this situation. Once again US foreign policy is delivered on a "fly in/ flyout " basis, with little or no on the ground knowledge; as was case with Ambassador Kenney. As for CdA being "summoned", that's simply for "attitude adjustment". All this reference Martial Law & Democracy.... how does ML affect your daily life? What is Democracy?......doubt will get two answers the same b/c it is an ill defined term. Take a look at Thailand now compared to 8 - 9 months ago, is it worse or better? Wake up you guys!!

The problem with the US position is that it is hypocritical. When they call for democratic elections they only will support the elected government if they side with them on global issues. Take Gaza for example, after years of calling for democracy there, when it finally came they balked at it. My country is a bunch of hypocrites in that we no longer have true democracy in the US either. Congress has a national approval rating of less than 20% yet over 85% of all congress persons get re-elected. Manipulating the system is not democracy. When you get only 2 choices every 4 years, dumb and dumber, that is not democracy either.

If you people are not happy about what happens in this country, why stay here

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.

I agree, every nation has a right to it's opinion. BUT keep it out of Thailand. Don't come to Thailand, sit on your high horse and spout the nonsense in a speech to the University.

It's the same thing as "attempting to incite a riot" which is a criminal offense in the USA and as a member of the State Department he should be aware of the situation and realize the sensitive nature of the statements that he is making. If for nothing else he should realize that his statements could have potential backlash to us Americans that are living in Thailand. Not that the US gov't gives a lick for any of us anyway.

It's the same thing as "attempting to incite a riot" which is a criminal offense in the USA and as a member of the State Department he should be aware of the situation and realize the sensitive nature of the statements that he is making.

Giving a foreign policy speech in a public educational forum is actually nothing like attempting to incite a riot.

Making comments that do not line up with their agenda is "interference"? Interference is sanctions. Embargoes. Suspension of aid.

"He said the US seemed to believe that an election was tantamount to being a democracy..." Say what?

I believe Yingluck should be held accountable, but the current government is a collection of fragile egos who overreact to every criticism. Since they cannot be wrong, everyone else must be.

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.

You are right in that "The arrogance is unbelievable".....just talking about the wrong country. Or its is about you too?

I wonder if a meeting between the US charge d'affaires and Bilaibhan Sampatisiri would play out like this:-

Meeting begins

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri - "Welcome, Sit down pees"

US charge d'affaires - "Why thank you M'am"

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri - "Why you country talk bad about Thai lan?"

US charge d'affaires - "The views expressed by our diplomats reflect the views of the US state department, they are not personal views"

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri - "But Thai lan, no same country you, Thai lan have good people take care country, you talk no good Thai lan."

US charge d'affaires - I can only repeat, the views of the US state department reflect the situation as we see it in Thailand.

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri - (picks up glass of water on table and smashes it on the ground) YOU NO UNDERSTAN THAI LAN, YOU BAD MAN, YOU GO NOW, THAI LAN NO NEED BAD PEOPLE, YOU BAD PEOPLE, FARANG, YOU GO HOME."

Meeting ends.

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.

Russell's actual words were quite balanced, using "impression" and "could possibly be" rather than more assertive comments. Almost like he was trying to show how things might well appear without giving any offense. Obviously didn't know the Thai loathing for any type of criticism.

His comments should have given a lead in for a good explanation on exactly why YL was deemed negligent - failure to attend meetings, answer questions, act on warnings, whilst giving repeated assurances of having no problems, which she still does. Allowing control of a government she supposed to lead to be taken over by her non elected criminal brother was a tad negligent at least.

However, there are none so deaf as those who don't want to listen. The US are well aware of the real underlying reasons behind all of this and why Thaksin was trying to hold on to power at all costs. He's their 'boy" and the fact his family screw the nation is a mere irrelevance. The fact he and his family appear to be involved in some very unsavory acts to further their cause is also irrelevant. He's their "boy' and will deliver what they want. That's why he can get a visa when he's a convicted criminal on the run with many outstanding charges too.

By constantly backing Thaksin, a convicted fraudster and probably guilty of far more, America is driving the current Thai government more towards the open arms of China. Nothing to do with democracy or freedom - as proven in Ukraine where a democratically elected President was removed with full American support, and not through and election. Why did the US remain silent about the murders and assaults on anti Thaksin protesters?

Welcome to the wonderful double world of Obama foreign policy.

I wonder if a meeting between the US charge d'affaires and Bilaibhan Sampatisiri would play out like this:-

Meeting begins

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri - "Welcome, Sit down pees"

US charge d'affaires - "Why thank you M'am"

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri - "Why you country talk bad about Thai lan?"

US charge d'affaires - "The views expressed by our diplomats reflect the views of the US state department, they are not personal views"

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri - "But Thai lan, no same country you, Thai lan have good people take care country, you talk no good Thai lan."

US charge d'affaires - I can only repeat, the views of the US state department reflect the situation as we see it in Thailand.

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri - (picks up glass of water on table and smashes it on the ground) YOU NO UNDERSTAN THAI LAN, YOU BAD MAN, YOU GO NOW, THAI LAN NO NEED BAD PEOPLE, YOU BAD PEOPLE, FARANG, YOU GO HOME."

Meeting ends.

Really. Do you speak fluent Thai with no accent? Have you met this lady and therefore in a position to comment on her English language skills?

Or just taking the piss to belittle anything Thai.

Suppose you think the banned disgraced former PM is eloquent with a high command of the English language? After all she wrote her master's thesis in it.

NLA panel to summon US envoy

Hope the US will send Ronald Mc Donald as they did in Irak>
http://www.fracturednews.com/fn-pages/Ronald/Ronald-1.htm

Next news will be: Thailand impeaches Obama

Daniel Russel maintained that his visit to Thailand early this week was planned long ago before the impeachment of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra and that his visit here was to show the US support for the Thai people and the kingdom of Thailand and not any particular political parties or political groups.

So showing the US support for the Thai people means to see Yingluck but not the PM?

" 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"

When will they understand that there was no real democracy in Thailand before the coup?

Or is it kleptocracy what the US mean when they say democracy?

"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."

Seems very true

He met with Abhisit also who is on a par with Yingluck as far as political status is concerned. He also met with the Foreign Minister which is entirely correct. Why would he demand to see the General who is diplomatically above him. If Kerry came here you would expect a meeting with Prayuth maybe but not Kerry's understudy.

I think your point and inference is wrong.

Unfortunately the people in Thailand are saddled with a lot of ignorant and incompetant people who think they are supremely equipped at knowing how to shape the institutions needed to run the country but in reality would have trouble working out how to complete a Lego model. The depth of ignorance and stupidly amongst those in charge of running the place, elected, appointed or hand picked is truly staggering.

Thailand needs the reform process to be a continuing thing, not a one off effort. It needs a viable Civil Service with the smartest people recruited to set up and refine these systems especially the law and police and administrative systems of local government. Rome was not built in a day!

I do agree with the stated aims of the Junta in trying to work out the impossible and stop politicians from being able to wield unfettered absolute power by controlling the police and elements of the Justice system etc. however the prime directive should be to outlaw and punish corruption and we had seen nothing effective on this front. Too many words and not enough action.

I wonder if a meeting between the US charge d'affaires and Bilaibhan Sampatisiri would play out like this:-

Meeting begins

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri - "Welcome, Sit down pees"

US charge d'affaires - "Why thank you M'am"

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri - "Why you country talk bad about Thai lan?"

US charge d'affaires - "The views expressed by our diplomats reflect the views of the US state department, they are not personal views"

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri - "But Thai lan, no same country you, Thai lan have good people take care country, you talk no good Thai lan."

US charge d'affaires - I can only repeat, the views of the US state department reflect the situation as we see it in Thailand.

Bilaibhan Sampatisiri - (picks up glass of water on table and smashes it on the ground) YOU NO UNDERSTAN THAI LAN, YOU BAD MAN, YOU GO NOW, THAI LAN NO NEED BAD PEOPLE, YOU BAD PEOPLE, FARANG, YOU GO HOME."

Meeting ends.

Really. Do you speak fluent Thai with no accent? Have you met this lady and therefore in a position to comment on her English language skills?

Or just taking the piss to belittle anything Thai.

Suppose you think the banned disgraced former PM is eloquent with a high command of the English language? After all she wrote her master's thesis in it.

Having a bad day ?

Thailand needs to "Harden up c***"

If they really want democracy one of the first steps is to take feedback and not just say "You have deeply offended me" like some nerdy schoolboy who doesn't get his way. Coz that's exactly how they look now.

Why not invite one of those yank diplomats to be a Thai PM? - Hell will freeze over quicker.

It's the same thing as "attempting to incite a riot" which is a criminal offense in the USA and as a member of the State Department he should be aware of the situation and realize the sensitive nature of the statements that he is making.

Giving a foreign policy speech in a public educational forum is actually nothing like attempting to incite a riot.

It is when your clear intention is to create further unrest against the ruling government. You say "foreign policy speech"...... what "foreign policy" bit is important to meet with the former impeached PM?

Quite obviously the intention of the entire visit was to create additional unrest in Thailand.