Thai opinion: The Ugly American is alive and kicking

[webfact]

OVERDRIVE
The Ugly American is alive and kicking
Thanong Khanthong

BANGKOK: -- Many Thais have reacted with fury to what is being widely seen as a case of the US meddling in Thai politics. The incident brings to mind "The Ugly American", a film made more than 50 years ago during the cold war. It portrayed America's arrogant behaviour towards a third-world country.

The outcry against the US came in response to inappropriate remarks about Thai politics made by the visiting Daniel Russel, assistant secretary of the US State Department for East Asia. Russel questioned whether there had been political motives behind the move to oust Yingluck Shinawatra and the subsequent vote at the National Legislative Assembly to impeach her retroactively and indict her over the rice-pledging scandal. The US envoy also urged Thailand to end martial law and return to the democratic path.

The Thai government responded swiftly to Russel's "Ugly American" attitude, underling the fact that Thailand is an independent country capable of handling its own internal affairs. Deputy Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai summoned W Patrick Murphy, the US charge d'affaires, to lodge a protest against Russel's intervention, which enraged many Thais.

"If we comply [with US wishes] … and lift martial law and it leads to problems, how will those people who are asking for the lifting of martial law take responsibility?" Don said. "In reality, Thais don't even know there is martial law."

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha commented that Thai-US relations would continue as normal because the latest incident shouldn't affect the overall relationship.

"It saddens me that the United States does not understand the reason why I had to intervene and does not understand the way we work, even though we have been close allies for years," he added.

Russel's remark hit a nerve among many Thais, who are yet to recover from a bitter political divide that has lasted for a decade. Russel seemed to show his sympathy towards Yingluck and the Pheu Thai Party, at a time when many Thais are agitated over her role in presiding over a disastrous rice pledging scheme that cost the Kingdom almost Bt700 billion.

"The Ugly American" stars Marlon Brando and MR Kukrit Pramoj, and depicts the US's overbearing attitude in trying to ward off the threat of communism in Sarkhan, a fictitious country in Southeast Asia. US officials offer Sarkhan foreign aid but it comes with conditions that further America's narrow self-interest without taking into account the local conditions, culture or way of life. "The Ugly American" reportedly prompted US president Dwight Eisenhower to call for an adjustment of US foreign policy. President John F Kennedy is thought to have sent a copy of the book on which the film is based to every US senator.

So it seems strange that, more than 50 years later, the ugly American attitude in foreign policy has apparently worsened rather than improved. The US administration now adopts multiple standards for the different countries it deals with. For Thailand, now under a military regime, the US is calling for democracy and a general election. For Cuba, the US is trying to re-establish diplomatic relations despite the rigid communist regime there. Notably, Washington is not calling for a return to democracy as a precondition to re-establishing relations with Havana. In Egypt, the US backed a military coup to oust the democratically elected government of Mohamed Morsi. The US and its allies did the same thing in Ukraine, where a democratically elected government had been leaning towards Russia. Meanwhile the US considers Saudi Arabia its main ally in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has no parliament, political parties, politicians or elections, and does not tolerate dissent.

If the US continues to practise double standards in its foreign policy and to display its "Ugly American" attitude, Thais have the right to say enough is enough. Times have changed. The US should learn to treat other countries on equal terms.

If it cannot do so, Thailand and the US should go their separate ways.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/The-Ugly-American-is-alive-and-kicking-30252976.html

-- The Nation 2015-01-30

[MJP]

Yup. Go their separate ways it should be.

And let's see what happens to all the preferential near one way trade agreements benefiting Thailand at the next round of WTO meetings.

I should grow a pair really and say what I really think.

[Dannyboy666]

I hope no Visa Issues in the future...

[Thai at Heart]

"third-world country."

Didn't bother to read the rest. This is the apparent truth certainly in terms of diplomacy and many other aspects. Yes, Thailand, your current behaviour deserves to be patronised.

You are proving their point perfectly.

Sit down and start behaving like a grown up.

Go your separate ways? Where would Thailand prefer to go? Into the loving arms of China?

Hahahaha. Reap your own crop from that plan if you like. Either man up and play by the rules or take the criticism and make your own path.

I have a feeling,that soon enough someone is going to have a quiet word with this NLA and tell them to wind their necks in. Because if this rhetoric keeps up like this the USA might just take it seriously and tell them to f*** right off and go and get into bed with China.good luck.

Edited January 29, 2015 by Thai at Heart

[Robby nz]

Unfortunately the US does not always restrict its attempts to force its will on others to words, sometimes leaving things far worse than they were before their intervention.

Iraq being a prime example.

[Kooweerup]

The Ugly American is alive and kicking

Isn't this comment against forum rules, American Bashing. I'm an Aussie and don't really care just wondering.

When they say many Thais who exactly do the mean, is it the Junta or the populous? The Thais I know have never heard of Mr Russell or were even aware of his comment.

Edited January 29, 2015 by Kooweerup

[MJP]

Unfortunately the US does not always restrict its attempts to force its will on others to words, sometimes leaving things far worse than they were before their intervention.

Iraq being a prime example.

There's no chance Thailand will try and trade oil in Euro's . . . don't worry . . . they have neither.

[NongKhaiKid]

" Many Thais reacted with fury " but how many ordinary Thais know anything about this ? They don't seem to react unless somebody winds them up or there's an incentive.

I've never seen Thais exhibit much interest in the news, only this week I asked a friend what she thought about having to register her SIM card and she had no idea what I was talking about. She doesn't read newspapers !

[tbthailand]

The Ugly American is alive and kicking

Ahhhh, Thanong is cranking up the yellow fascist clown car.

Bet he never even listened to or read the actual speech and is just playing his normal role of junta lap-dog.

what an idiot.

[ultimate weapon]

Now i see a problem with the usual self righteous thai bashers.

Here's the deal. If you have been reading this forum long enough you would know that the shinawatras aren't loved here and the fact that they have chinese blood in them makes it even worse.

Then you have america supporting the shinawatras and questioning the present thai govt which causes the US to be bashed and that's a big no no here it's just the typical farang reaction obviously. It's also not a coincidence that the ones that support america and the rest of the west happen to be anti thaksin/shinawatra so now they are in a fix. Thaksin being chinese = china and an american official asking for a fair trial and getting bashed by the thai side well they cannot support the american side now cos that means supporting thaksin and the chinese side.

[Thai at Heart]

What the writer doesn't realise is that NO ONE CARES about Thailand courting this or that.

The world will still turn if Thailand chooses to unfriendly the USA, and the USA won't bat an eyelid. Thailand has an economy half the size of California and you want to crack whip.and make the USA jump?

Sit down young man, you are waaaay out of your league.

Edited January 29, 2015 by Thai at Heart

[MJP]

What the writer doesn't realise is that NO ONE CARES about Thailand courting this or that.

The world will still turn if Thailand chooses to unfriendly the USA, and the USA won't bat an eyelid.

What's the usual response in the UK or the US from people when you mention Thailand?

Don't say it. We'll get banned.

Honestly, Thailand needs to wake up to the fact it's in its own little introspective bubble and the rest of the World considers it to be the World's [fill the blank, begins with 'B']

[docshock13]

Now i see a problem with the usual self righteous thai bashers.

Here's the deal. If you have been reading this forum long enough you would know that the shinawatras aren't loved here and the fact that they have chinese blood in them makes it even worse.

Then you have america supporting the shinawatras and questioning the present thai govt which causes the US to be bashed and that's a big no no here it's just the typical farang reaction obviously. It's also not a coincidence that the ones that support america and the rest of the west happen to be anti thaksin/shinawatra so now they are in a fix. Thaksin being chinese = china and an american official asking for a fair trial and getting bashed by the thai side well they cannot support the american side now cos that means supporting thaksin and the chinese side.

Huh?

[MJP]

You know what, they endlessly go on about 'face', yet millions in their population live in poverty with poor educational standards whilst the rich cream the lot. We can see it. Other countries can see it. Internationally Thailand has no 'face'. Hell, look at the human trafficking and slavery category they just won!

Start sorting out the problems, get back to a democratic system and learn to live by the rule of law, take care of your people's futures and maybe, just maybe, you Thailand, might just get the 'face' you so crave.

Edited January 29, 2015 by MJP

[Jeremy50]

Like Thais could do without seven-eleven.

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

Shouldn't the OP be: Inability to face the truth is still alive and kicking in Thailand?

[thesetat2013]

The Ugly American is alive and kicking

Isn't this comment against forum rules, American Bashing. I'm an Aussie and don't really care just wondering.

When they say many Thais who exactly do the mean, is it the Junta or the populous? The Thais I know have never heard of Mr Russell or were even aware of his comment.

Agreed!

Another mute point is that if most thais don't even know there is a martial law and that has been happening here for many months now then how would they know about russels comments and about lifting the martial law. This writer doesn't understand the conundrum he has in his story.

[marinediscoking]

During the last coup after about 6 months in the Junta conjured up the boarder dispute with Cambodia over the Preah Vihear temple which was never in dispute that it belonged to Cambodia. They played this card in press daily until the international court ruled in Cambodia's favor. Things have been "wearing thin" lately with the Thai's over this coup so now they are playing the imperialist American, we know better,stay out of our business card. Only the Kool-Aid drinking Yellow followers will believe this diversion tactic as any critical thinking person has seen this strategy before.

[NongKhaiKid]

What the writer doesn't realise is that NO ONE CARES about Thailand courting this or that.

The world will still turn if Thailand chooses to unfriendly the USA, and the USA won't bat an eyelid.

What's the usual response in the UK or the US from people when you mention Thailand?

Don't say it. We'll get banned.

Honestly, Thailand needs to wake up to the fact it's in its own little introspective bubble and the rest of the World considers it to be the World's [fill the blank, begins with 'B']

Yes, LoS is ready to integrate into the AEC.

When the inevitable squabbles start, a la the EU, will Thailand start summoning representatives from the other member nations ?

Edited January 30, 2015 by NongKhaiKid

[aussieinthailand]

Now i see a problem with the usual self righteous thai bashers.

Here's the deal. If you have been reading this forum long enough you would know that the shinawatras aren't loved here and the fact that they have chinese blood in them makes it even worse.

Then you have america supporting the shinawatras and questioning the present thai govt which causes the US to be bashed and that's a big no no here it's just the typical farang reaction obviously. It's also not a coincidence that the ones that support america and the rest of the west happen to be anti thaksin/shinawatra so now they are in a fix. Thaksin being chinese = china and an american official asking for a fair trial and getting bashed by the thai side well they cannot support the american side now cos that means supporting thaksin and the chinese side.

Off your med's again? "The shinawatras aren't loved" err sorry mate but you are so far off the mark it's almost sad, how do you think they keep wining elections if they are not loved? and please not the buying votes BS.

"It's also not a coincidence that the ones that support America and the rest of the west happen to be anti thaksin/shinawatra so now they are in a fix"

Do you even live here mate? or just a once a year type guy? that thinks he knows it all? You don't have a clue really now do ya.

[cmsally]

Maybe organise it so that all the elite cannot holiday in the countries that don't seem to 'understand' them. That might sort out their priorities fairly quick.

It seems to me that more and more of them are willing to trash their country and take trips abroad for what they can't get at home. Of course Beijing has wonderful pollution this time of year. Enjoy!!

[selftaopath]

" Many Thais reacted with fury " but how many ordinary Thais know anything about this ? They don't seem to react unless somebody winds them up or there's an incentive.

I've never seen Thais exhibit much interest in the news, only this week I asked a friend what she thought about having to register her SIM card and she had no idea what I was talking about. She doesn't read newspapers !

I've seen very FEW Thais read anything... well lottery winning numbers..... but anything substantial/informative ? LOL Not lately. They seem to really live in a "bubble/shell." At least that's my impression of most of the Isaan folks.

[Bluespunk]

'The incident brings to mind "The Ugly American", a film made more than 50 years ago during the cold war. It portrayed America's arrogant behaviour towards a third-world country.'

Arrogance is a two way street.

The author of this piece needs to think on their own attitudes.

Ugly, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.

And as for this

"If the US continues to practise double standards in its foreign policy and to display its "Ugly American" attitude, Thais have the right to say enough is enough. Times have changed. The US should learn to treat other countries on equal terms."

Double standards? Treating others as equals?

​Hilarious.

Edited January 30, 2015 by Bluespunk

[selftaopath]

You know what, they endlessly go on about 'face', yet millions in their population live in poverty with poor educational standards whilst the rich cream the lot. We can see it. Other countries can see it. Internationally Thailand has no 'face'. Hell, look at the human trafficking and slavery category they just won!

Start sorting out the problems, get back to a democratic system and learn to live by the rule of law, take care of your people's futures and maybe, just maybe, you Thailand, might just get the 'face' you so crave.

EXACTLY. Thanks.

Poverty? Yea...... hell in our village there are "home dwellings" that only have 2-3 walls/ no in house running water (forget about hot water) no trash pickup/ etc. and not hope for a better future b/c no real education. Yea "face" lol lol lol The world is more completely understanding what Thailand is really about.

[NongKhaiKid]

" Many Thais reacted with fury " but how many ordinary Thais know anything about this ? They don't seem to react unless somebody winds them up or there's an incentive.

I've never seen Thais exhibit much interest in the news, only this week I asked a friend what she thought about having to register her SIM card and she had no idea what I was talking about. She doesn't read newspapers !

I've seen very FEW Thais read anything... well lottery winning numbers..... but anything substantial/informative ? LOL Not lately. They seem to really live in a "bubble/shell." At least that's my impression of most of the Isaan folks.

Maybe news, important announcements etc should be produced in ' Ko mic ' book fashion and then some might actually open them.

[Bluespunk]

Like Thais could do without seven-eleven.

None of us can.

[noitom]

Preposterous tripe written by an inconsequential amateur journalist. The US and Thailand should definitely go their separate ways. Built on the back of US military aid and funding skim, black market trading, drug dealing and narco traffic, prostitution, and counterfeit goods, Bangkok and Thailand stand tall in South East Asia. Tall and exemplary as shining examples of the way a real free country should be run.

[kaiyaibob]

During the last coup after about 6 months in the Junta conjured up the boarder dispute with Cambodia over the Preah Vihear temple which was never in dispute that it belonged to Cambodia. They played this card in press daily until the international court ruled in Cambodia's favor. Things have been "wearing thin" lately with the Thai's over this coup so now they are playing the imperialist American, we know better,stay out of our business card. Only the Kool-Aid drinking Yellow followers will believe this diversion tactic as any critical thinking person has seen this strategy before.

I am critically thinking that perhaps somebody has not paid their rent in this particular "boarder" dispute ??

[marinediscoking]

During the last coup after about 6 months in the Junta conjured up the boarder dispute with Cambodia over the Preah Vihear temple which was never in dispute that it belonged to Cambodia. They played this card in press daily until the international court ruled in Cambodia's favor. Things have been "wearing thin" lately with the Thai's over this coup so now they are playing the imperialist American, we know better,stay out of our business card. Only the Kool-Aid drinking Yellow followers will believe this diversion tactic as any critical thinking person has seen this strategy before.

I am critically thinking that perhaps somebody has not paid their rent in this particular "boarder" dispute ??

I haven't the slightest idea what you are referring to. The temple was clearly Khmer in origin and even most Thai's agreed it was not theirs.

[RickBradford]

Thailand is a cargo cult society which thinks that if you create the appropriate structures -- committees, commissions, and authorities, then everything will run perfectly. They don't seem to grasp that even if you have passed the most comprehensive labor protection laws in the world, they are meaningless unless they are followed and enforced.

Thailand's elite just doesn't like being reminded of how poorly the country is regarded by much of the rest of the world, hence the outraged over-reaction.