Thai opinion: Lawmakers should leave diplomacy to the professionals

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EDITORIAL
Lawmakers should leave diplomacy to the professionals
The Nation

Politicians involved in a war of words with Washington are ignoring their duty - to return thailand to democracy

BANGKOK: -- In declining an invitation to testify before the National Legislative Assembly's foreign affairs committee this week, United States Chargé d'Affaires W Patrick Murphy has delivered another blow to Thailand's international reputation. The US envoy said appearing before the committee would run counter to diplomatic norms and practices.

Chukiat Rattanachaicharn, as spokesman of the committee, said Murphy, who is acting head of mission at the US Embassy, had been invited to "exchange views" tomorrow on the state of Thailand-US relations.

The American diplomat was polite but firm, replying that it would be inconvenient for a diplomat at the level of charge d'affaires to meet the committee.

What he politely omitted to say was that any career diplomat - including the current members of the NLA - would know that envoys have no obligation to testify before the legislative branch of a foreign power.

The 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations does not prohibit an envoy from offering such testimony, but says it is unnecessary that they do so, and gives them the right to decline any request, invitation or even summons. The proper channel for communication between top diplomats and their host country is the Foreign Ministry.

Diplomatic tensions between Thailand and the US have ratcheted up in the wake of the May 22 coup. The Thai establishment and leaders in Bangkok are upset at Washington's criticism detailing a lack of progress towards democracy and the suppression of rights. Thai leaders who staged and supported the coup had expected more lenient treatment from the Americans, but Washington hasn't let up the pressure since the coup. Suspension of military assistance was followed by harsh criticism and pressure on Thailand to restore democracy and hold elections.

The recent visit of US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel brought more bad news for the Thai leadership. Russel called for martial law to be lifted, for a more inclusive reform process, and for a fair impeachment hearing for former premier Yingluck Shinawatra.

The Foreign Ministry's real motive for inviting Murphy to speak at the NLA was to express its disappointment over Russel's comments. But Washington stood by its officials and reaffirmed its stance on the political setback in Thailand. The US says full relations with Thailand will not be restored until the return of democracy in the Kingdom.

A frank exchange of views between foreign ministries is nothing unusual in international affairs.

However, Thai lawmakers are stepping out of line in joining the military-appointed government's war of words against the US. Of course, as ordinary citizens they would have the freedom to do so, but as lawmakers they are supposed to leave that job to the Foreign Ministry.

Besides making laws, a legislative body - even one in an undemocratic regime - is expected to play the role of a check and balance to the executive branch. The NLA's foreign affairs committee has the key role of scrutinising the government's foreign policy and its implementation. The legislative body has the authority to criticise, warn, suggest, recommend and encourage the government and ministries - the Foreign Ministry, in this case - on policy. Agree or disagree, it is the NLA's obligation to deal with the government of Thailand, not that of any other country.

If NLA members believe the Foreign Ministry needs to clarify some points for Murphy, it would be more appropriate that they recommend the ministry invite him again so as to explain what they want to convey to Washington.

That the lawmakers supported the coup is problematic enough. They should not compound the confusion of their position by showing the international community that they don't know how to perform their duty.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Lawmakers-should-leave-diplomacy-to-the-profession-30253760.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-10

[chainarong]

There's not much that can be said for Thailand, the Coup of 2006 should have left Thailand with no doubt how US and its allies would respond to another one, Thailand had plenty of time to tread the murky waters as the military went on for weeks denying any Coup would take place , don't tell me during this phase phone calls or emails weren't exchanged between countries, if they weren't what fools have we here, Thailand has made it's bed now you must lie in it .

[MaxLee]

You can't convince a stubborn, FACE-obsessed-h*****rny ruling military and influential rich X-tRemist regimes to open their minds in the 21st century....

[jayboy]

It's quite interesting that one of the most prominent foreign supporters of the military government ( Michael Yon) recently did a complete flip on the criticisms of the state department.This happened after a senior Democrat figure contacted him to point out the message from the U.S. was politely expressed and had much valid content.

It's another reminder of the dissatisfaction of the likes of Abhisit and Korn with the current set up - though in reality by doing nothing they helped create it.

[bobmac10]

The Foreign Ministry's real motive for inviting Murphy to speak at the NLA was to express its disappointment over Russel's comments. But Washington stood by its officials and reaffirmed its stance on the political setback in Thailand.

This was a clumsy attempt to claw back some credibility and save face.

US Thai relations have been the cornerstone of Thailand's foreign and security policies since after the second world war. Prayuth's hubris is obvious and every day it appears he has bitten off more than he can chew.

[Don Aleman]

Professional diplomats ? Here........... here in Thailand ? Land of No professionals but my nephew, fresh out of a Thai prison, s a general's son, experienced to making anyone believe anything is available ! In prison for, allegedly, selling bridge in New York !

[Alwyn]

I seem to remember in a previous article on this that the NLA had "summoned" Murphy tp appear and explain his comments.. The fact that the NLA feels it has international authority to do this is just more proof that Mickey Mouse and his colleagues are already in Thailand and running country. The "war of words against the USA" was a cracker too, I wonder if the USA realise they are involved in this "war of words"? I'm no fan of the USA nor it's foreign policies but I'm guessing they might have more pressing things to focus on than a third World country and it's weird views on how foreign affairs work.

[Chris Lawrence]

Another hole in the foot?

[ggold]

Lawmakers should leave diplomacy to the professionals.

They are all amateurs. What next will Thailand recall its ambassador to the US?

[whybother]

Maybe these "Lawmakers" should leave Law Making to the professionals.

[rickirs]

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Lawmakers should leave diplomacy to the professionals.

They are all amateurs. What next will Thailand recall its ambassador to the US?

YES! And follow up with a complete ban of seafood to the USA. No more tuna salad for the American masses! The USA government will collapse overnight. This Junta wears britches bigger than Paul Bunyan; maybe that's why its keeps tripping over its own diplomatic feet.

[rickirs]

"Thai lawmakers are stepping out of line in joining the military-appointed government's war of words against the US. Of course, as ordinary citizens they would have the freedom to do so "

Sorry, but the priviledged few who are favored by the NCPO to participate in its government are hardly "ordinary citizens" simply because they are ALLOWED to speak out. The real ordinary citizens of the nation like the teachers, students, crop growers, news media people, street vendors, etc. must remain muzzled and paralyzed from the neck down when it comes to any freedom of expression. Perhaps the NLA lawmakers should leave governing to the professionals - the Thai Electorate.