Prayut gives the United States the perfect excuse

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
Prayut gives the United States the perfect excuse
The Nation

"One shirt can't fit all" in fact aptly describes american action and diplomacy

BANGKOK: -- We don't need Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to tell us that the United States has been playing a diplomatically dangerous game. Putting all eggs in one "democracy" basket has been an obvious American policy for a few years now, and it seems that the greater the criticism from one half of Thailand, the more galvanised Washington has become in imposing its ideas of good politics in this country. Prayut's frustration only confirms that the strained relationship is not healing, and its future is getting increasingly uncertain.

In fact, Prayut's frustration should be the least of the US administration's concern. He will not be there forever, no matter what Washington may think. The United States should be more worried about the sentiment that has nothing to do with Prayut but is considerably widespread and may seem to echo his anyway. America's "All In!!" diplomacy guarantees that things will never be the same between the two countries, whatever happens next.

America's "busy body" policy, of course, must have earned it some friends here. Ironically, many of them are those who were burning the American flag here four decades ago. So, who says ideologies never change? Which should teach America that nothing holds sway. Most of all, vested interests, not ideologies, are dictating international courses nowadays. The United States of all the countries must realise this.

What the United States may not realise is that its use of "democracy" to shroud its attempt to protect its own vested interests is wearing quite thin. The Thai anger does not necessarily come from bitterness caused by the "one democratic shirt that America wants every?one else in the world to wear" as sug?gested by Prayut. It also comes from see?ing obvious hypocrisy demonstrated day in and day out. It comes from the knowledge or realisation that America only acts when its interests are at stake. It comes from the question of why only the United States can glorify its internal security or national security approaches while demonising those of others.

Diplomacy boils down to being a good friend. A good friend boils down to being understanding, or at least trying to understand. The jury is still out on the Thai crisis, and one side of the divided Thailand is as guilty as the other, to say the least. To be seen as taking sides is not good for US diplomacy, regardless of who the next prime minister will be or who will be ruling Thailand 10 years from now.

Good news for Washington is that Prayut's "One size doesn't fit all" remark about democracy comes from someone who has staged a coup, so he has a credibility problem. Bad news is that it's not just him who think that way. The message has been viral on social media and the US administration may be surprised how many Thais are agree with Prayut on this matter and how many have become disillusioned with US foreign policy.

It doesn't matter how many people support you, as long as you think you are right. That's probably what the US policymakers are thinking at the moment. Something can't simply be explained, like why the United States had to wage some wars in defiance of world opinion. If democracy is unquestionably the utmost ideal, those wars shouldn't have happened, should they?

Maybe Prayut's "One size doesn't fit all" argument is for Washington to use in the event of the above question. Democracy, noble as it is, can't be enforced in exactly the same way in every circumstance known to man. Like shirts, it has to be adjusted or trimmed or enlarged to fit particular wearers. But it could be the biggest irony of it all, for the champion of democracy to get the best defence of its action from someone it considers the biggest threat to its values.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Prayut-gives-the-United-States-the-perfect-excuse-30256551.html


-- The Nation 2015-03-23

[jamesjohnsonthird]

If you read the Wikileaks, you will see the USA Embassy knows a lot more than the average Thai Visa poster that has been just reading The Nation.

You see, there is no free press in Thailand and you are only reading what they want you to read. Sad but true.

The material that is blocked or banned has been read by Washington.

[rijb]

Sounds like some of The Nation's writers work for the government.

[Ricardo]

If you read the Wikileaks, you will see the USA Embassy knows a lot more than the average Thai Visa poster that has been just reading The Nation.

You see, there is no free press in Thailand and you are only reading what they want you to read. Sad but true.

The material that is blocked or banned has been read by Washington.

Good, that explains it, I had always thought that Khaosod and the various red-TV channels were extremely one-sided !

And in my naivety, I'd always put it down, to Democracy being merely a Useful-Tool, and not their Aim !

But now I learn that the American Embassy can see through RA's twisted-P.R. BS, to the reality that Thailand is playing-off the USA vs China, in a new 'Great Game' replacing the British & French Empires.

[rametindallas]

The US was instrumental in the success of 'The Arab Spring' which saw the downfall of a stable Mubarak government in Egypt that was replaced by a more repressive military regime, was responsible for the overthrow of the stable Gaddafi government in Libya that was replaced by 6 (six) different warring factions. Destabilized the once-stable government of Ali Abdullah Saleh in Yemen so that is was overthrown by Shia militants this past January. Is currently destabilizing the government of Bashar al-Asad in Syria by supplying arms to non-government militia (much of which is funneled to ISIS). Has overthrown the stable government of Saddam Hussain in Iraq and left an unstable government incapable of stopping sectarian violence and which is, even now, being taken over by ISIS. None of these government were nice or democratic. What they all had in common was stability and their people didn't face violence in their daily lives. IMO, none of the citizens of any of these countries are better for American intervention/adventurism and citizens of the US have paid through the nose for the privilege of having the World hate us and the rise of Islamic radicals. The West will further suffer when these radicals return to their home countries in the West. Thailand should be proud and worried at the same time that the US isn't happy with them. I hope the bully-boy tactics of the US don't sway the current Thai government. The US will have a new administration in less than two years and one can only expect improved relations as they can't get much worse. The last two US presidents have been a fiasco for US foreign policy.

Yes, Thailand does not, at the moment, have democracy but it does have stability and a calm, peaceful environment for the people to do their business and better their lives. The current government has sworn to and is preparing to return to Thai people a new constitution that will insure a democracy that, hopefully, can't be twisted into something perverted as Dr. Thaksin did. Sometimes the leaders of the US behave as spoiled children: they want what they want and they want it now and to hell what anyone else's feeling is.

Edited March 23, 2015 by rametindallas

[jamesjohnsonthird]

The US was instrumental in the success of 'The Arab Spring' which saw the downfall of a stable Mubarak government in Egypt that was replaced by a more repressive military regime, was responsible for the overthrow of the stable Gaddafi government in Libya that was replaced by 6 (six) different warring factions. Destabilized the once-stable government of Ali Abdullah Saleh in Yemen so that is was overthrown by Shia militants this past January. Is currently destabilizing the government of Bashar al-Asad in Syria by supplying arms to non-government militia (much of which is funneled to ISIS). Has overthrown the stable government of Saddam Hussain in Iraq and left an unstable government incapable of stopping sectarian violence and which is, even now, being taken over by ISIS. None of these government were nice or democratic. What they all had in common was stability and their people didn't face violence in their daily lives. IMO, not of the citizens of any of these countries are better for American intervention/adventurism and citizens of the US have paid through the nose for the privilege of having the World hate us and the rise of Islamic radicals. The West will further suffer when these radicals return to their home countries in the West. Thailand should be proud and worried at the same time that the US isn't happy with them. I hope the bully-boy tactics of the US don't sway the current Thai government. The US will have a new administration in less than two years and one can only expect improved relations as they can't get much worse. The last two US presidents have been a fiasco for US foreign policy.

Yes, Thailand does not, at the moment, have democracy but it does have stability and a calm, peaceful environment for the people to do their business and better their lives. The current government has sworn to and is preparing to return to Thai people a new constitution that will insure a democracy that, hopefully, can't be twisted into something perverted as Dr. Thaksin did. Sometimes the leaders of the US behave as spoiled children: they want what they want and they want it now and to hell what anyone else's feeling is.

Wow. The SE Asian Junta "preparing new constitution that will insure democracy."

Somebody has been reading The Nation (and believing it)

Now go read the stuff they don't want you to know and get back to us with an educated comment please.

Edited March 23, 2015 by jamesjohnsonthird

[ezzra]

I'm waiting for the PM to come up with ' The US is not our father' proclamation....

[Seastallion]

America trying to impose it's idea of democracy around the world has been the direct cause of tens of thousands of deaths.

Best they keep their hanging chad, electoral college, richest lobby group wins style of democracy to themselves.

[Ricardo]

On the other hand, I myself do quite like apple-pie, and respect Mom !

Everyone gets it right, sometimes !

[tbthailand]

We don't need Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to tell us that the United States has been playing a diplomatically dangerous game.

it seems like only the ultra-nationalists and junta cheerleaders could possibly warp the current situation into something like 'the United States is playing a diplomatically dangerous game'...

seriously, these people are lost...

[geriatrickid]

The US was instrumental in the success of 'The Arab Spring' which saw the downfall of a stable Mubarak government in Egypt that was replaced by a more repressive military regime, was responsible for the overthrow of the stable Gaddafi government in Libya that was replaced by 6 (six) different warring factions. Destabilized the once-stable government of Ali Abdullah Saleh in Yemen so that is was overthrown by Shia militants this past January. Is currently destabilizing the government of Bashar al-Asad in Syria by supplying arms to non-government militia (much of which is funneled to ISIS). Has overthrown the stable government of Saddam Hussain in Iraq and left an unstable government incapable of stopping sectarian violence and which is, even now, being taken over by ISIS. None of these government were nice or democratic. What they all had in common was stability and their people didn't face violence in their daily lives. IMO, none of the citizens of any of these countries are better for American intervention/adventurism and citizens of the US have paid through the nose for the privilege of having the World hate us and the rise of Islamic radicals. The West will further suffer when these radicals return to their home countries in the West. Thailand should be proud and worried at the same time that the US isn't happy with them. I hope the bully-boy tactics of the US don't sway the current Thai government. The US will have a new administration in less than two years and one can only expect improved relations as they can't get much worse. The last two US presidents have been a fiasco for US foreign policy.

Yes, Thailand does not, at the moment, have democracy but it does have stability and a calm, peaceful environment for the people to do their business and better their lives. The current government has sworn to and is preparing to return to Thai people a new constitution that will insure a democracy that, hopefully, can't be twisted into something perverted as Dr. Thaksin did. Sometimes the leaders of the US behave as spoiled children: they want what they want and they want it now and to hell what anyone else's feeling is.

You have posted multiple incorrect statements:

1. The USA attempted to support the Morsi government. It did not act to support the public uprising that brought down the Islamic Brotherhood rooted government.

2. Italy and France were behind the Libyan regime change. The Uk followed their lead. The US and Canadian governments were forced/dragged into the Libyan conflict.

3. The US government did not destabilize the Yemen government as the Yemen government had been on the verge of collapse for some time. It was Saudi Arabia that tried to stabilize its neighbour.

4, The major source of funding and weapons reaching rebels in Syria is sourced from Qatar, and to a lesser extent the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Syria has been propped up by Russia and its Hizbollah proxy.

5. The threat of radicals returning to their countries is minor compared to the threat of homegrown islamic violence. France, the UK, Germany and the Netherlands have had their own terrorists long before the middle east reignited again. The nutters who went on rampages in Sydney and Ottawa were not associated with the middle east, but were products of immigration and social policy

This then brings us to US policy on Thailand. It has been consistent and straightforward in its position. This policy is the same under Obama as it was under the previous Bush and Clinton administrations. The US does not provide the same support to unelected military regimes as it does to legally elected governments.

You think Thailand is stable. it is not. There are still killings and bombings in the south, many of which are not reported.

Where is the stability when large parts of the country are still under curfew and subject to search without warrant and detention without due process? My friend's village in Issan still has sudden army visits and searches and people are subject to manhandling. You do not see it so assume it does not exist.

Edited March 23, 2015 by geriatrickid

[geriatrickid]

America trying to impose it's idea of democracy around the world has been the direct cause of tens of thousands of deaths.

Best they keep their hanging chad, electoral college, richest lobby group wins style of democracy to themselves.

The USA is not interfering in Thailand. All that the USA has said is that its preferred trade and economic support benefits are extended to countries who meet specific criteria. It is their right to do so.'

I find it astounding that you have fallen for the bash USA trick as it has been the EU that has been the most vocal on the issue of human rights and electoral process. Germany has been far stronger in its actions and condemnation of Thailand than the USA.

Why is the USA targeted when basically it is the US following the EU lead?

Edited March 23, 2015 by geriatrickid

[Somtamnication]

If you read the Wikileaks, you will see the USA Embassy knows a lot more than the average Thai Visa poster that has been just reading The Nation.

You see, there is no free press in Thailand and you are only reading what they want you to read. Sad but true.

The material that is blocked or banned has been read by Washington.

Doesn't matter. The yanks are losing their world power grip and they are slowly becoming insignificant in the world stage.

Their "do as I say not as I do" policies for the past 70 years is going the way of the dinosaur.

[rijb]

If it didn't matter, this thread wouldn't exist.

[TheAppletons]

If you read the Wikileaks, you will see the USA Embassy knows a lot more than the average Thai Visa poster that has been just reading The Nation.

You see, there is no free press in Thailand and you are only reading what they want you to read. Sad but true.

The material that is blocked or banned has been read by Washington.

Doesn't matter. The yanks are losing their world power grip and they are slowly becoming insignificant in the world stage.

Their "do as I say not as I do" policies for the past 70 years is going the way of the dinosaur.

That's wishful thinking, huh?

Edited March 23, 2015 by TheAppletons

[Strangebrew]

Yes the present and past presidents of the US have been idiots No doubt about it. won't even argue the point, but the fact remains if you need help who will you call? North Korea, Russia, maybe China. a lot of American's spilled blood on foreign soil To free people like yourself sometimes yes they get it wrong. Not that is what they wanted but lack of understanding the culture. But you can lead a horse to water You can't make him drink. So with that said Yes If the US went with the intent to take over the country and run it themselves yes this might work, But there go in with the intent to give the country to the people.

[rametindallas]

The US was instrumental in the success of 'The Arab Spring' which saw the downfall of a stable Mubarak government in Egypt that was replaced by a more repressive military regime, was responsible for the overthrow of the stable Gaddafi government in Libya that was replaced by 6 (six) different warring factions. Destabilized the once-stable government of Ali Abdullah Saleh in Yemen so that is was overthrown by Shia militants this past January. Is currently destabilizing the government of Bashar al-Asad in Syria by supplying arms to non-government militia (much of which is funneled to ISIS). Has overthrown the stable government of Saddam Hussain in Iraq and left an unstable government incapable of stopping sectarian violence and which is, even now, being taken over by ISIS. None of these government were nice or democratic. What they all had in common was stability and their people didn't face violence in their daily lives. IMO, none of the citizens of any of these countries are better for American intervention/adventurism and citizens of the US have paid through the nose for the privilege of having the World hate us and the rise of Islamic radicals. The West will further suffer when these radicals return to their home countries in the West. Thailand should be proud and worried at the same time that the US isn't happy with them. I hope the bully-boy tactics of the US don't sway the current Thai government. The US will have a new administration in less than two years and one can only expect improved relations as they can't get much worse. The last two US presidents have been a fiasco for US foreign policy.

Yes, Thailand does not, at the moment, have democracy but it does have stability and a calm, peaceful environment for the people to do their business and better their lives. The current government has sworn to and is preparing to return to Thai people a new constitution that will insure a democracy that, hopefully, can't be twisted into something perverted as Dr. Thaksin did. Sometimes the leaders of the US behave as spoiled children: they want what they want and they want it now and to hell what anyone else's feeling is.

You have posted multiple incorrect statements:

1. The USA attempted to support the Morsi government. It did not act to support the public uprising that brought down the Islamic Brotherhood rooted government.

2. Italy and France were behind the Libyan regime change. The Uk followed their lead. The US and Canadian governments were forced/dragged into the Libyan conflict.

3. The US government did not destabilize the Yemen government as the Yemen government had been on the verge of collapse for some time. It was Saudi Arabia that tried to stabilize its neighbour.

4, The major source of funding and weapons reaching rebels in Syria is sourced from Qatar, and to a lesser extent the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Syria has been propped up by Russia and its Hizbollah proxy.

5. The threat of radicals returning to their countries is minor compared to the threat of homegrown islamic violence. France, the UK, Germany and the Netherlands have had their own terrorists long before the middle east reignited again. The nutters who went on rampages in Sydney and Ottawa were not associated with the middle east, but were products of immigration and social policy

This then brings us to US policy on Thailand. It has been consistent and straightforward in its position. This policy is the same under Obama as it was under the previous Bush and Clinton administrations. The US does not provide the same support to unelected military regimes as it does to legally elected governments.

You think Thailand is stable. it is not. There are still killings and bombings in the south, many of which are not reported.

Where is the stability when large parts of the country are still under curfew and subject to search without warrant and detention without due process? My friend's village in Issan still has sudden army visits and searches and people are subject to manhandling. You do not see it so assume it does not exist.

Point 1, incompetence does not rule out malicious intent.

Points 2, 3, 4, so you would have me believe the CIA and US military have stayed on the sidelines and have not worked through intermediaries/proxies.

Point 5, the number of recruits to radical Islam can be directly connected to increased military intervention into Islamic countries by the US.

Nice try, but you should go on Wikipedia and type in governments overthrown by the US CIA. Several have been Australian governments. The CIA is deeply embedded in the Thai army and the US DEA is deeply embedded in the Royal Thai Police. The Thai government cannot make a phone call without the NSA recording it. Prayut would not be in power now if not for the tacit approval of the CIA. The CIA is independent of the US government despite appearance to the contrary. The CIA is the tail, wagging the dog (US government). Whatever the US shouts out loud is usually a ruse and distraction from what is really happening.

Edited March 23, 2015 by rametindallas

[JOC]

The US was instrumental in the success of 'The Arab Spring' which saw the downfall of a stable Mubarak government in Egypt that was replaced by a more repressive military regime, was responsible for the overthrow of the stable Gaddafi government in Libya that was replaced by 6 (six) different warring factions. Destabilized the once-stable government of Ali Abdullah Saleh in Yemen so that is was overthrown by Shia militants this past January. Is currently destabilizing the government of Bashar al-Asad in Syria by supplying arms to non-government militia (much of which is funneled to ISIS). Has overthrown the stable government of Saddam Hussain in Iraq and left an unstable government incapable of stopping sectarian violence and which is, even now, being taken over by ISIS. None of these government were nice or democratic. What they all had in common was stability and their people didn't face violence in their daily lives. IMO, none of the citizens of any of these countries are better for American intervention/adventurism and citizens of the US have paid through the nose for the privilege of having the World hate us and the rise of Islamic radicals. The West will further suffer when these radicals return to their home countries in the West. Thailand should be proud and worried at the same time that the US isn't happy with them. I hope the bully-boy tactics of the US don't sway the current Thai government. The US will have a new administration in less than two years and one can only expect improved relations as they can't get much worse. The last two US presidents have been a fiasco for US foreign policy.

Yes, Thailand does not, at the moment, have democracy but it does have stability and a calm, peaceful environment for the people to do their business and better their lives. The current government has sworn to and is preparing to return to Thai people a new constitution that will insure a democracy that, hopefully, can't be twisted into something perverted as Dr. Thaksin did. Sometimes the leaders of the US behave as spoiled children: they want what they want and they want it now and to hell what anyone else's feeling is.

You have posted multiple incorrect statements:

1. The USA attempted to support the Morsi government. It did not act to support the public uprising that brought down the Islamic Brotherhood rooted government.

2. Italy and France were behind the Libyan regime change. The Uk followed their lead. The US and Canadian governments were forced/dragged into the Libyan conflict.

3. The US government did not destabilize the Yemen government as the Yemen government had been on the verge of collapse for some time. It was Saudi Arabia that tried to stabilize its neighbour.

4, The major source of funding and weapons reaching rebels in Syria is sourced from Qatar, and to a lesser extent the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Syria has been propped up by Russia and its Hizbollah proxy.

5. The threat of radicals returning to their countries is minor compared to the threat of homegrown islamic violence. France, the UK, Germany and the Netherlands have had their own terrorists long before the middle east reignited again. The nutters who went on rampages in Sydney and Ottawa were not associated with the middle east, but were products of immigration and social policy

This then brings us to US policy on Thailand. It has been consistent and straightforward in its position. This policy is the same under Obama as it was under the previous Bush and Clinton administrations. The US does not provide the same support to unelected military regimes as it does to legally elected governments.

You think Thailand is stable. it is not. There are still killings and bombings in the south, many of which are not reported.

Where is the stability when large parts of the country are still under curfew and subject to search without warrant and detention without due process? My friend's village in Issan still has sudden army visits and searches and people are subject to manhandling. You do not see it so assume it does not exist.

>>taly and France were behind the Libyan regime change. The Uk followed their lead. The US and Canadian governments were forced/dragged into the Libyan conflict.<<

Who exactly forced the US to get involved in Libya? Apart from their greed for oil!!

Not a fan of the general, but if he is brave enough to tell the US to mind their own business, at least he got something right!!

[rijb]

That's your idea of brave?

[arrowsdawdle]

If you read the Wikileaks, you will see the USA Embassy knows a lot more than the average Thai Visa poster that has been just reading The Nation.

You see, there is no free press in Thailand and you are only reading what they want you to read. Sad but true.

The material that is blocked or banned has been read by Washington.

And they know a lot more than local politicians, lawmakers, and elite hi-so-know-it-alls as well.

[Seastallion]

America trying to impose it's idea of democracy around the world has been the direct cause of tens of thousands of deaths.

Best they keep their hanging chad, electoral college, richest lobby group wins style of democracy to themselves.

The USA is not interfering in Thailand. All that the USA has said is that its preferred trade and economic support benefits are extended to countries who meet specific criteria. It is their right to do so.'

I find it astounding that you have fallen for the bash USA trick as it has been the EU that has been the most vocal on the issue of human rights and electoral process. Germany has been far stronger in its actions and condemnation of Thailand than the USA.

Why is the USA targeted when basically it is the US following the EU lead?

Simply replying to the OP. If I was to start bashing the EU, I would be off-topic.

Am I allowed to keep to the topic at hand?

[arrowsdawdle]

If the Nation ever rises to provide content that reflects their headlines they will be on their way to becoming a nice school newsletter.

[jamesjohnsonthird]

If you read the Wikileaks, you will see the USA Embassy knows a lot more than the average Thai Visa poster that has been just reading The Nation.

You see, there is no free press in Thailand and you are only reading what they want you to read. Sad but true.

The material that is blocked or banned has been read by Washington.

And they know a lot more than local politicians, lawmakers, and elite hi-so-know-it-alls as well.

Wonder why The Nation never covered the Wikileaks story?

3,000 private emails from the US Embassy, Bangkok to Washington DC, detailing the cause of the political conflict.

The biggest news story in a decade and ignored?

Funny.

[Laughing Gravy]

Another message letting people know that a free democratic election won't happen. There maybe elections but not a democratic one. We keep getting bombarded with the message of 'democracy isn't suited for Thailand" Why not? Thailand is not Burma unless you want to regress and go backwards. It certainly would seem that's the way the ruling elite want to go.

It is a dangerous game to play going from democracy to an undemocratic one IMHO for so many reasons.. The General shouldn't be giving excuses but reasons.

Edited March 23, 2015 by Laughing Gravy

[h90]

If you read the Wikileaks, you will see the USA Embassy knows a lot more than the average Thai Visa poster that has been just reading The Nation.

You see, there is no free press in Thailand and you are only reading what they want you to read. Sad but true.

The material that is blocked or banned has been read by Washington.

Of course, USA has at least two spy center in Thailand

[anon467367354]

America trying to impose it's idea of democracy around the world has been the direct cause of tens of thousands of deaths.

Best they keep their hanging chad, electoral college, richest lobby group wins style of democracy to themselves.

Not "tens of thousands of deaths" Millions upon millions!

[Your Thainess]

[sigh]

This pompous editorial from The Nation has done an admirable job attempting to set a world record in rhetological fallacies used in a 600 word piece. But sifting through all the red herrings, straw man arguments, false equivalences, appeals to spite, ad hoc rescues, ad hominem attacks, false dilemmas, and circular logic (and for old time’s sake, two wrongs make a right), it is clear that the editorial board is suffering from either profound ignorance or willful ignorance (I suspect the latter) on the supposed role the US plays in Thailand’s current sociopolitical misadventure.

So, now it’s my time to drop some knowledge on you. Brace yourselves.

#1 Thailand’s beloved institution of the monarchy would never have survived the advance of communism in Southeast Asia without the help of the United States. Whether the US involvement in Thailand was for its own interests or to be altruistic is irrelevant. We were your friend of your country and monarchy then, and we still are now. Stop and really think about that for a &lt;deleted&gt; minute.

#2 Twelve coups d’état and 19 out of 20 constitutions written by generals since 1932 prove that the military—not politicians, and certainly not democracy—are the culprit for Thailand’s never-ending governmental malaise. The current junta is no different. “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss” never rang truer.

#3 Shifting attention to the US decision to scale back diplomatic ties until martial law is rescinded, human rights are restored, and free elections are held once again, as if the US is attempting to bully the average Thai person is a disingenuous cover for the elites’ own failings in understanding what their role ought to be in a modern Thailand. The US is not ‘intervening’ in Thailand’s affairs, period.

That said, I continue to believe in the potential of Thailand and its people. My country is a true friend of Thailand, despite our failings in dealing with many others, which I acknowledge. But, attacking the stance of the American government, as if we are constantly bad-mouthing ordinary Thais, their honor and their unique character, is absolute out of line and just another case of smoke and mirrors on the part of the junta, the elite, those who stand to gain from suppressing a free society, and those sheep who choose to cast their lot with such people.

Shame on The Nation for this rubbish.

[yellowboat]

This whining about the US is a bit boring. The US government has taken done Unconstitutional things, but without that document, things would be far worse and may not be reservsed.

[klauskunkel]

"One shirt can't fit all", "All In!!", "busy body", "The jury is still out", "One size doesn't fit all"

This editorial is quite opinionated, but it is nicely dressed up in American idioms. Makes it easy on the eye, makes it sound "hip", makes it look as if the author knows what he's talking about...Perception is everything, substance comes second, maybe.

[canuckamuck]

Just another attempt to bring up the US as a threat to Thai interests, so they can bang the drum of nationalism.

You can't have fascism without xenophobia.