Russia, Thailand sign cooperation pacts

[webfact]

THAI-RUSSIA RELATIONS
Russia, Thailand sign cooperation pacts



BANGKOK: -- Thailand and Russia on Wednesday signed five agreements aimed at boosting cooperation as part of the official visit of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

Medvedev, who arrived in Bangkok last night, started his oneday official visit today.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chanocha received his Russian counterpart at the Government House. The inspection of troops by both premiers was moved to inside the Government House because of rain. The two leaders are expected to discuss trade and tourism.

Medvedev’s twoday visit follows criticism from some Western countries and the United Nations of sweeping security powers granted to the military last week after martial law was lifted in most areas.

Both leaders witnessed signings of memorandums of understanding on increasing cooperation on energy, investment, suppressing drug crime, tourism and culture.

A Thai government spokesman said Thailand drew 1.6 million Russian tourists in 2014, down 8.6 per cent over the previous years. Talks aimed at enticing Russian visitors to Thailand despite the Russian currency's depreciation are high on the agenda.

Medvedev's visit, the first by a Russian prime minister in 25 years, will also include stops at Bangkok's Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Russia-Thailand-sign-cooperation-pacts-30257659.html


-- The Nation 2015-04-08

[ourmanflint]

so what exactly is Russia getting out of this?

[Costas2008]

so what exactly is Russia getting out of this?

Who cares?

But the USA and EU are getting a sting up their ass out of this.

[smutcakes]

so what exactly is Russia getting out of this?

Who cares?

But the USA and EU are getting a sting up their ass out of this.

What sting are the USA and EU getting?

[h90]

so what exactly is Russia getting out of this?

The show that Russia is not isolated for supporting the freedom fighters in Ukraine.

Thailand shows it isn't isolated for having a coup.

Showing the USA that there are different options....China, Russia.....

Interesting is that there are no talks about military cooperation. Thailand could buy some new toys?

Tu-95 maybe?

[smutcakes]

so what exactly is Russia getting out of this?

The show that Russia is not isolated for supporting the freedom fighters in Ukraine.

Thailand shows it isn't isolated for having a coup.

Showing the USA that there are different options....China, Russia.....

Interesting is that there are no talks about military cooperation. Thailand could buy some new toys?

Tu-95 maybe?

If you really really truly believe that getting into bed particularly with Russia over more traditional allies is a proactive and good long term step for Thailand then you are completely clueless.

A cursory glance at Russian standards of living throughout the country will tell you all you need to know about how Russia has been run over the years, and that is not to mention their current decline.

Obviously making agreements with Russia and China can bring some benefits to the country, the same as making mutually beneficial agreements with any countries, but doing this and risking ties with other nations is not a good step for the country.

There is a reason why all of the jet set well healed Russians, Chinese and Thais disappear to Europe and US for their education, to live, holiday homes, business etc Its because they are generally orderly, civilized, safe and enjoyable places to be, relax and do business.

I would caution (not that they care) this Government to tread very carefully diplomatically with severing ties and aligning closely with others at their expense to try and prove some kind of point or gain acceptance.

[webfact]

Thailand and Russia sign five agreements to enhance cooperation



BANGKOK: -- Thailand today signed five agreements with Russia to boost their cooperation in political, economical, security and social aspects.

The signing of agreements that covers almost all of the aspects between the two countries was witnesses by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha and the visiting Russian counterpart Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

The Russian prime minister arrived in Bangkok Tuesday night on his two-day official visit.

Medvedev’s visit is the first by a Russian prime minister in 25 years.

Prime Minister Prayut received his Russian counterpart at the Government House.

Heavy rain this morning forced the ceremonial of troops by both premiers to be moved to inside the Government House.

The two premiers are expected to discuss trade and tourism.

Thailand aimed at enticing Russian visitors to Thailand despite the Russian currency’s depreciation are high on the agenda.

Thailand drew 1.6 million Russian tourists in 2014, down 8.6 per cent over the previous years.

The Nation reported that both leaders witnessed signings of memorandums of understanding on increasing cooperation on energy, investment, suppressing drug crime, tourism and culture.

Medvedev’s schedule today include stops at Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/thailand-and-russia-sign-five-agreements-to-enhance-cooperation


-- Thai PBS 2015-04-08

[pmarlin]

"Tu-95 maybe?"

Very odd reply

[berybert]

Military hardware is always needed.

[DLock]

so what exactly is Russia getting out of this?

The show that Russia is not isolated for supporting the freedom fighters in Ukraine.

Thailand shows it isn't isolated for having a coup.

Showing the USA that there are different options....China, Russia.....

Interesting is that there are no talks about military cooperation. Thailand could buy some new toys?

Tu-95 maybe?

If you really really truly believe that getting into bed particularly with Russia over more traditional allies is a proactive and good long term step for Thailand then you are completely clueless.

A cursory glance at Russian standards of living throughout the country will tell you all you need to know about how Russia has been run over the years, and that is not to mention their current decline.

Obviously making agreements with Russia and China can bring some benefits to the country, the same as making mutually beneficial agreements with any countries, but doing this and risking ties with other nations is not a good step for the country.

There is a reason why all of the jet set well healed Russians, Chinese and Thais disappear to Europe and US for their education, to live, holiday homes, business etc Its because they are generally orderly, civilized, safe and enjoyable places to be, relax and do business.

I would caution (not that they care) this Government to tread very carefully diplomatically with severing ties and aligning closely with others at their expense to try and prove some kind of point or gain acceptance.

Agree.

...and don't forget North Korea.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/790130-thailand-to-celebrate-close-relations-with-north-korea/

As my Father always said, "show me your friends, and I'll show you your future".

Interesting times.

[JingerBen]

Five agreements on the first day?

That was fast.

[Chris Lawrence]

The cat that swallowed the canary. The General is just happy he can have someone over.

OK, but what trade concession agreements did Thailand get. Russia is not in a box seat economically?

If its tourists, I would be making sure they can pay their bills whilst in Thailand.

[h90]

"Tu-95 maybe?"

Very odd reply

Why not a Tu-95.....It would fit perfectly into the same concept that required that aircraft carrier that Thailand bought

As non expert of military I guess they are equal useful.....

[jerojero]

Two have much in common. Big egos, dictatorial tendencies and big mouths. And both their respective countries in shambles.

Edited April 8, 2015 by jerojero

[jerojero]

Five agreements on the first day?

That was fast.

Agreed to visit, talk, eat, s**t and leave. 5 agreements, we'll done. Call the Thai press!

[h90]

so what exactly is Russia getting out of this?

The show that Russia is not isolated for supporting the freedom fighters in Ukraine.

Thailand shows it isn't isolated for having a coup.

Showing the USA that there are different options....China, Russia.....

Interesting is that there are no talks about military cooperation. Thailand could buy some new toys?

Tu-95 maybe?

If you really really truly believe that getting into bed particularly with Russia over more traditional allies is a proactive and good long term step for Thailand then you are completely clueless.

A cursory glance at Russian standards of living throughout the country will tell you all you need to know about how Russia has been run over the years, and that is not to mention their current decline.

Obviously making agreements with Russia and China can bring some benefits to the country, the same as making mutually beneficial agreements with any countries, but doing this and risking ties with other nations is not a good step for the country.

There is a reason why all of the jet set well healed Russians, Chinese and Thais disappear to Europe and US for their education, to live, holiday homes, business etc Its because they are generally orderly, civilized, safe and enjoyable places to be, relax and do business.

I would caution (not that they care) this Government to tread very carefully diplomatically with severing ties and aligning closely with others at their expense to try and prove some kind of point or gain acceptance.

Actually it is more the USA who is pushing Thailand out of the bed.....It is not that Thailand started to cool down the relations. Naturally that Thailand is getting more friendly with other powers.

That the current US government is cooling down the relations with Thailand is in my opinion a strange move....

What has Russia to offer.....tourists, purchase of frozen chicken, good weapons and military training...that isn't much. Nuclear power stations and Vodka they produce but else I can't think of any great Russian products.

China is of course another case...Industrial heavyweight.

[h90]

Two have much in common. Big egos, dictatorial tendencies and big mouths. And both their respective countries in shambles.

Dimitry Medvedev: Big ego, dictatorial tendencies and big mouth? You sure you don't confuse him with Putin or Obama?

[Thian]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

so what exactly is Russia getting out of this?

Who cares?

But the USA and EU are getting a sting up their ass out of this.

Yup and if this picture is in al the EU newspapers there will be less quality tourists.

The half world boycots the russians and what do the Thai? Did they forget about flight MH-17 from Malaysia airlines and who shot it down?

[JAG]

Russia is a country, run effectively by one man. The nations wealth is controlled by and benefits a small elite. Dissent is stifled, the press is muzzled, and if you are considered to be an effective opposition that often leads to imprisonment on trumped up charges.

Now what on earth does Russia have in common with the country which Thailand has become over the last year?

[webfact]

PM says Russia is a friend of Thailand

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha told his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev that Russia has shown itself of being a friend of Thailand and he would keep this friendship intact.

“The word friend is most important when he is in trouble and needs encouragement and support from a friend. Today, Russia shows itself of being a friend. I will keep this friendship and thanks for everything,” the prime minister was quoted to have said.

General Prayut said he was pleased with the visit of Mr Medvedev – the first by a Russian prime minister in 25 years. He added that Mr Medvedev and himself agreed to enhance the relationship between the two countries to the next 120 years after 2017 when the bilateral relations will mark its 120th anniversary.

He disclosed that he had asked Russia to participate in the auction for implementing infrastructure mega – projects in Thailand while, at the same time, the Thai private sector has shown interest to invest in food and automobile spare parts production in Russia.

He further said that Thailand was interested in science and technological cooperation with Russia.

The Russian prime minister, meanwhile, said that Russia wanted to increase two-way trade between the two countries by another four billion dollars a year.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/pm-says-russia-is-a-friend-of-thailand


-- Thai PBS 2015-04-08

[DLock]

so what exactly is Russia getting out of this?

The show that Russia is not isolated for supporting the freedom fighters in Ukraine.

Thailand shows it isn't isolated for having a coup.

Showing the USA that there are different options....China, Russia.....

Interesting is that there are no talks about military cooperation. Thailand could buy some new toys?

Tu-95 maybe?

If you really really truly believe that getting into bed particularly with Russia over more traditional allies is a proactive and good long term step for Thailand then you are completely clueless.

A cursory glance at Russian standards of living throughout the country will tell you all you need to know about how Russia has been run over the years, and that is not to mention their current decline.

Obviously making agreements with Russia and China can bring some benefits to the country, the same as making mutually beneficial agreements with any countries, but doing this and risking ties with other nations is not a good step for the country.

There is a reason why all of the jet set well healed Russians, Chinese and Thais disappear to Europe and US for their education, to live, holiday homes, business etc Its because they are generally orderly, civilized, safe and enjoyable places to be, relax and do business.

I would caution (not that they care) this Government to tread very carefully diplomatically with severing ties and aligning closely with others at their expense to try and prove some kind of point or gain acceptance.

Actually it is more the USA who is pushing Thailand out of the bed.....It is not that Thailand started to cool down the relations. Naturally that Thailand is getting more friendly with other powers.

That the current US government is cooling down the relations with Thailand is in my opinion a strange move....

What has Russia to offer.....tourists, purchase of frozen chicken, good weapons and military training...that isn't much. Nuclear power stations and Vodka they produce but else I can't think of any great Russian products.

China is of course another case...Industrial heavyweight.

Besides a strategic location in Asia, what does Thailand really have that the US really needs?

Honest question.

[webfact]

Thai PM eyes doubling of trade with Russia to $10 bn
AFP

BANGKOK: -- Thailand and Russia aim to double their annual bilateral trade to $10 billion next year, Thai junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha said Wednesday, after agreeing to cooperate on sectors from energy to tourism with visiting Russian premier Dmitry Medvedev.

The two premiers met in Bangkok as Prayut, a former army chief, seeks to widen alliances amid tensions with Western nations over his coup in May last year and the kingdom's deteriorating human rights situation.

For its part, Moscow has been buffeted by an economic slump deepened by sanctions imposed on Russia by the European Union and United States last year over its backing of separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.

The leaders oversaw the signing of a series of agreements to deepen Thai and Russian cooperation over the economy, infrastructure, energy, the war on drugs, tourism and culture in the first visit to Thailand by a Russian prime minister for 25 years.

"Thailand and Russia have agreed to increase bilateral trade from $5 billion to $10 billion by next year," said Prayut, who was installed as premier shortly after last May's coup, in front of an audience of more than 200 officials and reporters in Government House.

"We have asked the Russian prime minister to consider importing rubber and other agricultural products, food, rice, frozen pork and fresh fruit," he said, adding the countries would "continue cooperation on energy".

The emphasis on food exports follows Moscow's embargo on many Western food products in retaliation for sanctions.

The Thai junta chief also reassured his Russian counterpart that the kingdom was "a safe place" for tourists.

Medvedev said that he had discussed security issues with the Thai premier, adding: "Thailand is the favourite holiday destination for many of our citizens. Last year 1.6 million Russians visited Thailand."

Last Wednesday the Thai junta lifted martial law in the kingdom, 10 months after the army takeover, following pressure to rescind the legislation from western allies, business and the tourism industry, which usually accounts for around 10 percent of GDP.

But Prayut immediately replaced the controversial law with new powers retaining sweeping security measures for the ruling generals in a move sparking widespread criticism from the international community.

Medvedev arrived in Bangkok late Tuesday after a two-day visit to Vietnam to spur trade.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2015-04-08

[Always18]

"Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly..................

[MZurf]

Russia is a country, run effectively by one man. The nations wealth is controlled by and benefits a small elite. Dissent is stifled, the press is muzzled, and if you are considered to be an effective opposition that often leads to imprisonment on trumped up charges.

Now what on earth does Russia have in common with the country which Thailand has become over the last year?

More like assassination...

[chainarong]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

so what exactly is Russia getting out of this?

Who cares?

But the USA and EU are getting a sting up their ass out of this.

The US or the EU couldn't give a frogs tit and neither could anyone else including Somalia.

[chainarong]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

so what exactly is Russia getting out of this?

Who cares?

But the USA and EU are getting a sting up their ass out of this.

Yup and if this picture is in al the EU newspapers there will be less quality tourists.

The half world boycots the russians and what do the Thai? Did they forget about flight MH-17 from Malaysia airlines and who shot it down?

Thailand has never been the brightest apple in the bag but it dose try , the patience generally.

[robertson468]

so what exactly is Russia getting out of this?

Who cares?

But the USA and EU are getting a sting up their ass out of this.

What sting are the USA and EU getting?

Suggest you read the article - Thailand are seeking to increase investment, power supply and tourism, all of which have finite capacities therefore those less favoured like USA and Europe will get a lesser share. Not that difficult to work out

[BestBitterPhuket]

What a HUGE mistake! The thai people (from the elite to the poor) don't want anything to do with Russians or their products. It is a country more mismanaged than any ASEAN country. If the generals are doing this to piss USA and EU off, they risk pushing them into the hands of Thaksin, who can be their "man" in getting back into Thailand. At the same time, when Thailand is flooded with ill behaved Russians and Chinese, and further alienated from the west, the people (including the elite) will turn against this government. They need to stop flirting with the devil, because they will get burnt. This is tragic.

[h90]

The show that Russia is not isolated for supporting the freedom fighters in Ukraine.

Thailand shows it isn't isolated for having a coup.

Showing the USA that there are different options....China, Russia.....

Interesting is that there are no talks about military cooperation. Thailand could buy some new toys?

Tu-95 maybe?

If you really really truly believe that getting into bed particularly with Russia over more traditional allies is a proactive and good long term step for Thailand then you are completely clueless.

A cursory glance at Russian standards of living throughout the country will tell you all you need to know about how Russia has been run over the years, and that is not to mention their current decline.

Obviously making agreements with Russia and China can bring some benefits to the country, the same as making mutually beneficial agreements with any countries, but doing this and risking ties with other nations is not a good step for the country.

There is a reason why all of the jet set well healed Russians, Chinese and Thais disappear to Europe and US for their education, to live, holiday homes, business etc Its because they are generally orderly, civilized, safe and enjoyable places to be, relax and do business.

I would caution (not that they care) this Government to tread very carefully diplomatically with severing ties and aligning closely with others at their expense to try and prove some kind of point or gain acceptance.

Actually it is more the USA who is pushing Thailand out of the bed.....It is not that Thailand started to cool down the relations. Naturally that Thailand is getting more friendly with other powers.

That the current US government is cooling down the relations with Thailand is in my opinion a strange move....

What has Russia to offer.....tourists, purchase of frozen chicken, good weapons and military training...that isn't much. Nuclear power stations and Vodka they produce but else I can't think of any great Russian products.

China is of course another case...Industrial heavyweight.

Besides a strategic location in Asia, what does Thailand really have that the US really needs?

Honest question.

Well the strategic location is worth a lot.....Lao, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam....all were often not so US friendly. If Thailand would be unfriendly that would be a big place. With Thailand US friendly they can spy on all these. + it is on the doorstep to China.

So the strategic location might be (in the long range) more worth than it seems. In the Vietnam war it was helpful, Thais soldiers also fought in the Vietnam war. It was useful when USA supported Pol Pot. It was useful to support uprisings in Myanmar. It was useful for secret torture...but that could be done in many countries. That all isn't important at the moment, but in 10 years it can change again.

[wonder6281]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

so what exactly is Russia getting out of this?

Who cares?

But the USA and EU are getting a sting up their ass out of this.

Yup and if this picture is in al the EU newspapers there will be less quality tourists.

The half world boycots the russians and what do the Thai? Did they forget about flight MH-17 from Malaysia airlines and who shot it down?

Who shot it down? They haven't decided that yet! But they found what went wrong pretty quickly with Germanwings!