Canadian MP urges restoration of democracy in Thailand

[webfact]

Canadian MP urges restoration of democracy
The Nation

A Canadian MP has said he hoped democratic governance would be restored to Thailand as soon as possible.

BANGKOK: -- Blaine Calkins was in Bangkok yesterday to attend several meetings, including ones with members of the Board of Trade and private sector to discuss commercial relations and take stock of the Board of Trade's productive visit to Canada last year. He also discussed the successful Canada-Asean Business Council meetings held in Bangkok last month.

Calkins noted significant opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment, stressing the importance of a predictable business climate and rule of law to trade partners.

He also met with members of the Thai-Canadian Parliamentary Friendship Group.

He reiterated Canada's hope that democratic governance will be restored in Thailand soon through free and fair elections, while also highlighting the importance of a transparent, inclusive reform process.

"Canada and Thailand have a long history of friendship and cooperation," he said. "Once a democratically-elected government is in place, we look forward to renewing official engagement between Canadian and Thai parliamentarians, and strengthening cooperation in such areas as governance, business and people-to-people ties."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Canadian-MP-urges-restoration-of-democracy-30257712.html

-- The Nation 2015-04-09

[NongKhaiKid]

I sincerely hope he's not too upset when his urging is ignored other than to tell him he doesn't understand Thailand or Thainess.

He really needs to watch / listen to govt propaganda broadcasts to learn how much is being done.

Recommended Reading for him are the opinion polls as he will see how popular the PM is and how happy the people are.

[chooka]

"Once a democratically-elected government is in place, we will look forward to renewing official engagement."

Pretty clear I think, give the country back to the people and we will talk. Guess the propoganda lies, and cow poop didn't work on foreign diplomats like it does on some here. Prayuth the world still isn't embracing you or dropping at your feet to praise the almighty Lord and master. You may have to take a totally different path.

[EnglishJohn]

"Once a democratically-elected government is in place, we will look forward to renewing official engagement."

Pretty clear I think, give the country back to the people and we will talk. Guess the propoganda lies, and cow poop didn't work on foreign diplomats like it does on some here. Prayuth the world still isn't embracing you or dropping at your feet to praise the almighty Lord and master. You may have to take a totally different path.

Did you manage to notice how he also said, 'Free and fair elections' and also stressed the importance of the reform process ?.

He clearly approves of the reform process before elections where candidates can campaign without getting shot or the people are bribed with unsustainable populist policies. Just the opposite of what you thought - but hey, you didn't do bad considering English is clearly your second language.

[DaddyWarbucks]

This clueless jerk should have been on the streets of Bangkok a year ago when civil war was about to break out.

At that time Thailand was being run by the intrenched Shinawatra clan whose corrupt schemes were mind-boggling.

[ALLSEEINGEYE]

As a Canadian I would just like to say shut the F up Calkins!!!

[baboon]

Now it is Canada's turn to feel the wrath of The Thaivisa junta fanbois. Let's see now; the US, EU, Australia, France, UN and now Canada are all clueless and you STILL don't think anything may be slightly amiss somewhere? That is some serious Stockholm syndrome..

Edited April 9, 2015 by baboon

[baboon]

This clueless jerk should have been on the streets of Bangkok a year ago when civil war was about to break out.

At that time Thailand was being run by the intrenched Shinawatra clan whose corrupt schemes were mind-boggling.

It's a bit of a crap civil war that only breaks out in a few areas of one city, a bit like saying America is about to erupt into civil war because of the Bronx or south central Los Angeles...

[JAG]

Be interested to see how "a government spokesman" reports the visit. Something along the lines of " Canadian lawmaker understands need to return happiness to the people before before considering when or whether to (risk) holding an election. ..."

[Eric Loh]

"Once a democratically-elected government is in place, we will look forward to renewing official engagement."

Pretty clear I think, give the country back to the people and we will talk. Guess the propoganda lies, and cow poop didn't work on foreign diplomats like it does on some here. Prayuth the world still isn't embracing you or dropping at your feet to praise the almighty Lord and master. You may have to take a totally different path.

Did you manage to notice how he also said, 'Free and fair elections' and also stressed the importance of the reform process ?.

He clearly approves of the reform process before elections where candidates can campaign without getting shot or the people are bribed with unsustainable populist policies. Just the opposite of what you thought - but hey, you didn't do bad considering English is clearly your second language.

Deliberately omitting key and important words like "transparent" and "inclusive" reform doesn't make you any smarter or your argument more palatable. Just as important are elections to be free from PDRC blockages and intimidation.

[fxe1200]

The Canadian MP should spare his remarks and have a look into his own "Canadian Democracy", where recently an Ukrainian born, American pianist named Valentina Lisitsa, was banned from performing with the Toronto Symphonic Orchestra because of her political stance.

[JAG]

As a Canadian I would just like to say shut the F up Calkins!!!

I'm sure he would have an equally considered response!

[ldiablo]

EnglishJohn. Nowhere in the article does it give any indication that he approves of the reform process. The term free and fair elections is used by many democratic governments but does not define support. He is also making clear that any reforms must be transparent and inclusive which again doesn't necessarily show support. And then there is the fool Daddywarbucks and his cry about civil war. Thailand was far from civil war but I guess you know more than the Canadian government knows.

Edited April 9, 2015 by ldiablo

[chooka]

"Once a democratically-elected government is in place, we will look forward to renewing official engagement."

Pretty clear I think, give the country back to the people and we will talk. Guess the propoganda lies, and cow poop didn't work on foreign diplomats like it does on some here. Prayuth the world still isn't embracing you or dropping at your feet to praise the almighty Lord and master. You may have to take a totally different path.

Did you manage to notice how he also said, 'Free and fair elections' and also stressed the importance of the reform process ?.

He clearly approves of the reform process before elections where candidates can campaign without getting shot or the people are bribed with unsustainable populist policies. Just the opposite of what you thought - but hey, you didn't do bad considering English is clearly your second language.

My apologies for offending you with my English as it was not intended and I didn't realised that this was an English test. My I suggest you report me to the moderators for my English and request my post is removed.

Again my deepest and most sincere apologies for my post not meeting your required standard.

[wabothai]

MP stands for Military Police.

[jorgenbo]

This Canadian MP is clearly out of his intellectual depth. His country is a revisionist Theocracy under the rule of a Christian Fundamentalist Fanatic in service to the Zionist masters. Their nut case Prime Minister most certainly does not represent the people of Canada. He hangs with the Jews instead of attending UN meetings. He is so ill informed he donates Canadian taxpayer dollars to the Ismaelite Assasins Guild in nice photo op with Aga Khan IV.

Hang your head in SHAME. Go back where you come from, Boy! We live under the benevolent rule of a gentle Monarchy. Dump Harper and restore Canadian Democracy such as previously managed by great leaders Diefenbaker, Pearson and best of all The honorable, Pierre Elliot Trudeau.

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

I hate to break it to Thai media and readers here, but Calkins is a backbench MP who I had never heard of until now. Not only did he deliver standard forward-looking motherhood statements, his low status as a visitor means his statements are worth just about 000.00.

[dragonfly94]

He's right, democracy is more legitimate than a military installed Junta. There was never a threat of 'civil war' only the threat of violence that took place by the interests of the elite who could never get elected themselves, you know who they are the 0.5% who own over 50% of the wealth here.

[GeckosDiving]

This Canadian pm like all Canadian government employee are nothing more then absolute dip shits that should be strung up by their balls and kicked in the nuts till they plink !!! And as much as I hate to say it I'M CANADIAN !!

[Eric Loh]

This Canadian MP is clearly out of his intellectual depth. His country is a revisionist Theocracy under the rule of a Christian Fundamentalist Fanatic in service to the Zionist masters. Their nut case Prime Minister most certainly does not represent the people of Canada. He hangs with the Jews instead of attending UN meetings. He is so ill informed he donates Canadian taxpayer dollars to the Ismaelite Assasins Guild in nice photo op with Aga Khan IV.

Hang your head in SHAME. Go back where you come from, Boy! We live under the benevolent rule of a gentle Monarchy. Dump Harper and restore Canadian Democracy such as previously managed by great leaders Diefenbaker, Pearson and best of all The honorable, Pierre Elliot Trudeau.

Ain't he an elected MP since 2006? That's what count.

[bruceybonus]

This clueless jerk should have been on the streets of Bangkok a year ago when civil war was about to break out.

At that time Thailand was being run by the intrenched Shinawatra clan whose corrupt schemes were mind-boggling.

Absolute piffle

[FangFerang]

"Once a democratically-elected government is in place, we will look forward to renewing official engagement."

Pretty clear I think, give the country back to the people and we will talk. Guess the propoganda lies, and cow poop didn't work on foreign diplomats like it does on some here. Prayuth the world still isn't embracing you or dropping at your feet to praise the almighty Lord and master. You may have to take a totally different path.

Did you manage to notice how he also said, 'Free and fair elections' and also stressed the importance of the reform process ?.

He clearly approves of the reform process before elections where candidates can campaign without getting shot or the people are bribed with unsustainable populist policies. Just the opposite of what you thought - but hey, you didn't do bad considering English is clearly your second language.

What rubbish -- one-sided and deliberately incomplete, so please consider adding "where voters can attend polls without being held off by the neck, where candidates can win and not be overthrown by the latest coup; however, it is still acceptable for the current junta to create unsustainable populist policies like rubber subsidies, education subsidies for private schools, and paid subsidies for the military-controlled lottery (which is not even conducted publicly)."

Not bad, considering English might be your first language, but your command of it is mediocre at best.

[brucec64]

"Once a democratically-elected government is in place, we will look forward to renewing official engagement."

Pretty clear I think, give the country back to the people and we will talk. Guess the propoganda lies, and cow poop didn't work on foreign diplomats like it does on some here. Prayuth the world still isn't embracing you or dropping at your feet to praise the almighty Lord and master. You may have to take a totally different path.

Did you manage to notice how he also said, 'Free and fair elections' and also stressed the importance of the reform process ?.

He clearly approves of the reform process before elections where candidates can campaign without getting shot or the people are bribed with unsustainable populist policies. Just the opposite of what you thought - but hey, you didn't do bad considering English is clearly your second language.

Considering that English is your first language, you obviously don't understand adjectives, or you would not have ignored the words "transparent, inclusive" in front of "reform process", and would have understood the meaning of this.

I will give you the benefit of the doubt and just assume you ignored them because they didn't fit your agenda.

Several governments have used the words "transparent, inclusive" when referring to the reform process, because the current reform process is neither, and while there is approval of a reform process, there is no approval of this reform process.

[brucec64]

This Canadian MP is clearly out of his intellectual depth. His country is a revisionist Theocracy under the rule of a Christian Fundamentalist Fanatic in service to the Zionist masters. Their nut case Prime Minister most certainly does not represent the people of Canada. He hangs with the Jews instead of attending UN meetings. He is so ill informed he donates Canadian taxpayer dollars to the Ismaelite Assasins Guild in nice photo op with Aga Khan IV.

Hang your head in SHAME. Go back where you come from, Boy! We live under the benevolent rule of a gentle Monarchy. Dump Harper and restore Canadian Democracy such as previously managed by great leaders Diefenbaker, Pearson and best of all The honorable, Pierre Elliot Trudeau.

The tin foil hat brigade is out in full force today!

[h90]

"Calkins noted significant opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment, stressing the importance of a predictable business climate and rule of law to trade partners."

Rule of law.....When the Shinawatras were in power......Not really. Now improving.

"He reiterated Canada's hope that democratic governance will be restored in Thailand soon through free and fair elections, while also highlighting the importance of a transparent, inclusive reform process."

Why "restored". Before the coup was no democratic governance and surely no free and fair elections.....

[laubau]

"Once a democratically-elected government is in place, we will look forward to renewing official engagement."

Pretty clear I think, give the country back to the people and we will talk. Guess the propoganda lies, and cow poop didn't work on foreign diplomats like it does on some here. Prayuth the world still isn't embracing you or dropping at your feet to praise the almighty Lord and master. You may have to take a totally different path.

Did you manage to notice how he also said, 'Free and fair elections' and also stressed the importance of the reform process ?.

He clearly approves of the reform process before elections where candidates can campaign without getting shot or the people are bribed with unsustainable populist policies. Just the opposite of what you thought - but hey, you didn't do bad considering English is clearly your second language.

No, you are wrong EnglishJohn and the OP was correct! I am a Canadian and knows how this diplomat clearly feels by the comments he makes on home soil where diplomacy is not an issue! Just because you interpret as you do, does not make it the correct interpretation, POM. For your info, when the current government recently gave money to all Thais that hold 15 rai or less for growing rice, why was this not considered vote buying when anything like this given to the people by former governments is called vote buying? Hmmmm...

[brucec64]

"Once a democratically-elected government is in place, we will look forward to renewing official engagement."

Pretty clear I think, give the country back to the people and we will talk. Guess the propoganda lies, and cow poop didn't work on foreign diplomats like it does on some here. Prayuth the world still isn't embracing you or dropping at your feet to praise the almighty Lord and master. You may have to take a totally different path.

Did you manage to notice how he also said, 'Free and fair elections' and also stressed the importance of the reform process ?.

He clearly approves of the reform process before elections where candidates can campaign without getting shot or the people are bribed with unsustainable populist policies. Just the opposite of what you thought - but hey, you didn't do bad considering English is clearly your second language.

No, you are wrong EnglishJohn and the OP was correct! I am a Canadian and knows how this diplomat clearly feels by the comments he makes on home soil where diplomacy is not an issue! Just because you interpret as you do, does not make it the correct interpretation, POM. For your info, when the current government recently gave money to all Thais that hold 15 rai or less for growing rice, why was this not considered vote buying when anything like this given to the people by former governments is called vote buying? Hmmmm...

John, I'll direct you to this post http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/815971-why-thailand-is-boosting-ties-with-russia-and-china/

You can find lots of quotes from the hotbeds of democracy and human rights - China and Russia - that will support your distorted worldview. This way you won't have to twist the reasonable words from a representative of a democratic country.

[Alwyn]

This clueless jerk should have been on the streets of Bangkok a year ago when civil war was about to break out.

At that time Thailand was being run by the intrenched Shinawatra clan whose corrupt schemes were mind-boggling.

what a ridiculous comment. The only reason there was civil war about to break out on the streets of BKK is because, rather than wait for the next election, Suthep went running around causing chaos at the behest of his puppet masters in BKK! He even prevented an election... . You were correct about clueless jerk though, just not the Canadian. Try the mirror.

[ginjag]

Now it is Canada's turn to feel the wrath of The Thaivisa junta fanbois. Let's see now; the US, EU, Australia, France, UN and now Canada are all clueless and you STILL don't think anything may be slightly amiss somewhere? That is some serious Stockholm syndrome..

YEAH suits your rhetoric doesn't it ?? a mediocre back bench MP. and 2 headlines here---URGES from who Canada ?? from a backwater MP.??

The other headline that you lot of PM bashers skipped, was this guy hoped that the democratic process wouldn't be too long.

Strange how things get blown out of proportion, careful --as you all could be called up by the PM for brain manipulation as you keep telling us---or camps set up from anyone speaking against the PM

Edited April 9, 2015 by ginjag

[JAG]

Now it is Canada's turn to feel the wrath of The Thaivisa junta fanbois. Let's see now; the US, EU, Australia, France, UN and now Canada are all clueless and you STILL don't think anything may be slightly amiss somewhere? That is some serious Stockholm syndrome..

YEAH suits your rhetoric doesn't it ?? a mediocre back bench MP. and 2 headlines here---URGES from who Canada ?? from a backwater MP.??

The other headline that you lot of PM bashers skipped, was this guy hoped that the democratic process wouldn't be too long.

Strange how things get blown out of proportion, careful --as you all could be called up by the PM for brain manipulation as you keep telling us---or camps set up from anyone speaking against the PM

Why do I have the feeling that if one such camp was set up for the likes of us, you would be at the gate to check us in?