Why Thailand is boosting ties with Russia and China

[lewy67]

Birds of a feather............. an all that..............

[lostoday]

I guess the USA's "big brother" attitude is wearing thin on many countries these days! I'd love to see in the future, another super power to meddle with US's internal affairs and dictate to them how things are supposed to be! Karma can be a biatch when it boomerangs around!

This is the US, the UN, the EU and others. The US is Thailand's largest trading partner with the EU right there too. China and Russia are not only backwards, lacking in technology and having very poor people as GDP per capita, they are struggling to support themselves.

If Thailand is dumb enough to throw away the West and its biggest export buyers in favor of these backward countries, they can continue to have people in poverty by world standards just as China and Russia do.

Thailand might also be stuck with some third rate military hardware if it couldn't buy from NATO.

It hasn't been that long that China was threatening fishing rights in the S. China Sea and ownership of Islands in SE Asia. The US sailed a Nimitz class carrier group through the area to clear it.

I could go on, but the real problem is what's happening in Thailand and it isn't pretty.

You wrote, "The US is Thailand's largest trading partner" No they are not.

Top 5 Export destinations of Thailand

China (14%), Japan (10%), United States (9.7%), Indonesia (5.2%), and Malaysia (5.0%)

Top 5 Import origins of Thailand

Japan (22%), China (18%), Malaysia (6.3%), United States (5.3%), and South Korea (4.5%)

http://atlas.media.m...le/country/tha/

US is 10 and 5 percent exports and imports not really much to worry about.

[lostoday]

I guess the USA's "big brother" attitude is wearing thin on many countries these days! I'd love to see in the future, another super power to meddle with US's internal affairs and dictate to them how things are supposed to be! Karma can be a biatch when it boomerangs around!

This is the US, the UN, the EU and others. The US is Thailand's largest trading partner with the EU right there too. China and Russia are not only backwards, lacking in technology and having very poor people as GDP per capita, they are struggling to support themselves.

If Thailand is dumb enough to throw away the West and its biggest export buyers in favor of these backward countries, they can continue to have people in poverty by world standards just as China and Russia do.

Thailand might also be stuck with some third rate military hardware if it couldn't buy from NATO.

It hasn't been that long that China was threatening fishing rights in the S. China Sea and ownership of Islands in SE Asia. The US sailed a Nimitz class carrier group through the area to clear it.

I could go on, but the real problem is what's happening in Thailand and it isn't pretty.

Exactly! What does Thailand sell to China/Russia of any note, compared to US/EU?

Top 5 Export destinations of Thailand

China (14%), Japan (10%), United States (9.7%), Indonesia (5.2%), and Malaysia (5.0%)

Top 5 Import origins of Thailand

Japan (22%), China (18%), Malaysia (6.3%), United States (5.3%), and South Korea (4.5%)

http://atlas.media.m...le/country/tha/

[lostoday]

Neither China nor Russia were bashing on Thailand.

Of course not. They are backward countries grasping at straws. It is Japan, Europe, Canada, Australia and the US who have shown deep displeasure at the junta.

Russia and China don't have auto and scooter and smart phone and CPU manufacturing in Thailand. They don't have big investments in Thailand. They won't either because they already have cheap labor and poor people. Russia just offered some kind of relationship with Greece, but no money. Russia and China will befriend a loser any day.

Just remember that the major manufacturing which so highly involves Thai exports belongs to the West. Think of what would happen to Thailand if it got nervous and moved elsewhere.

It appears that Thailand can't even run airlines when someone else provides the planes and parts and training. Chinese and Russian airlines fly almost all Boeing and Airbus planes except a small short haul plane that Russia has built in small numbers. There are a few smaller Brazilian planes mixed in. Where would Thailand get airplanes if not the West?

Where's it going to get decent military hardware?

I could go on but....

Cheers

I believe the USA has to pay Russia 70 million per seat when they want to send an American to the International Space Station. Funny that? Considering what you imply above. Are there a lot of high speed trains in the USA? Does the USA make them for China? Just wondering......

[willyumiii]

I think it may be a window into the future the that the current Thai government has for the country.

Until the coupe, the U.S. was the main supporter of Thailand, in both economic and military aid.

The vast majority of Thai military hardware and training has been supplied by the U.S. for a long time.

The U.S. has made it very clear that they can not and will not continue support for Thailand until there is an elected government and some sort of democracy reinstalled.

There have been estimates and postponement by the current government as to when the next elections will be held in Thailand, but who's to say there will not be more" reasons" for more postponement (s)?

Military hardware gets old and needs repair and/ or replacement sooner or later.

Maybe the government is wise in it's recent interest in Chinese armaments and Russian aircraft ( both in the news this week ).

Maybe those in the know realize it may be a very long time before the U.S. can or will provide military support to Thailand again. ( if ever!)

Maybe, maybe, maybe...just maybe!

Edited April 9, 2015 by willyumiii

[BuaBS]

The Ruskies (as some other oil producing countries) made a mistake to make there economy/budget too dependend on their vast oil and gas export & reserves. Now that the oil price was manipulated 50 % lower, it hurts.

I have not heard anything about 50 % cheaper gas for europe , and folks at home are not paying less this winter to heat their homes.

This is very temporary , everyday more people will need more oil. The oversupply and overflowing storages will fade away.

Do you see the thai driving less? An economic slowdown of a few % , is halving the oil price ?? BS.

The stupid sanctions are a drag too , but they are working their way around it.

Like I said before , ask the chinese for a pipeline to thailand when the Russian - China pipeline is on line, so Thailand is not so dependend on Myanmar gas.

Deeply dissapointed that the greeks didn't end the sanctions.

[thedude82]

half of you loons make it sound like the balance of power in the world is shifting because Thailand is reaching out to China and Russia...Thailand is a non-factor on the world stage and is a very weak state. This rotting rice republic tried its hand at international relations and burned 10% of its economy in the rice scheme by trying to manipulate the world market. it also probably cant even send its pm abroad due to safety concerns with thai aviation.

The point is this is a nation with an extremely inflated sense of self-importance that should never be taken seriously.

[diehard60]

And Russia is broke or almost. The people there are very nasty to evryone along with the chinese. So this will be good for thailand??????

[BSJ]

Keep in mind that the next global depression is closer than you think thanks to China. The Chinese have destroyed industries in country after country which has lead to a lot of countries not being able to manufacture and trade their way out of trouble. Now because of the global glut they to are experiencing economic problems.

And the ones with copious amounts of raw material are approaching crisis mode as the price the Chinese pay per tonne less and less for commodities month after month causes layoffs and business closures in Western countries.

The Russian's dependence on oil income has devastated that countries economy. Of course the Russian's want to be friends with Thailand. They need to sell as much as they can for what they can to avoid massive trouble at home.

There are those that say the global economy is controlled by a select few. Maybe they are the ones who helped create the environment for a depression so when the masses are feeling the worst living standards and many unpleasant upheavals, they infact will prosper and increase their wealth.

So, is are the conditions for a depression being created by few mega rich businessmen or is it just bad luck?

[mojorison]

I guess the USA's "big brother" attitude is wearing thin on many countries these days! I'd love to see in the future, another super power to meddle with US's internal affairs and dictate to them how things are supposed to be! Karma can be a biatch when it boomerangs around!

Big Brother?? As if China aren't keeping tabs and spying you mean? It has to do with alliances, and who you would rather support, and where you want to be when and if things heat up, or who you think can offer you the most reward. This regime has opted for the Chinese model, (which is not surprising). China is a communist country if you have forgotten. They are one of about 3 nations that have an allegiance with North Korea, (mind you, they would probably kill off KJU at the drop of a hat...) but the point is, there are 2 or 3 players in the world today all trying to eke out a defensive zone, and all the rest are just supporting acts. If the beloved leader chooses to kiss China's a$$ instead of America's then so be it. But at the end of the day, they will still be taking orders... (and kissing a$$).

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Because They are idiots. 'nuff said.

Why??? Birds of a feather flock together.... that's why.

[GinBoy2]

I always marvel at the various comments that continue the tirade against the US, and the 'loss' of Thailand as a strategic ally. Trouble is Thailand was once upon a time one of those 'useful' regimes in the region, when we were all obsessed with those falling dominos. The US, as do most countries, turn a blind eye to problems in useful regimes, but as that usefulness fades, as Thailand's has, they have no qualms saying what think or about whoever or the Bangkok Glitterati decide to cozy up to. The US paradoxically even sees Vietnam as more strategic in the region, and as strange bedfellows go, the Vietnamese see common cause against the hegemony of China in South China Sea. The Vietnamese military is also highly regarded as a fighting force, unlike the Thai military, which is for most US military is a tad too 'inwardly focused' so to speak.

So Prayuth, or whoever may succeed him, can huff, puff, cozy up to the Chinese, but just about the only people who care are themselves and some of the erstwhile commentators on TVF

Edited April 9, 2015 by GinBoy2

[LuckyLew]

Theydo not have much choice, no western democratic country wamts anythingto do with thailand right now

[GreasyFingers]

How ironic that some OP's seem to blame democracy for the Junta turning to Russia and China.You know, democracy where there is freedom of expression no matter how sweet or sour it may be. Yes, the Western, Asian and Pacific democracies are all responsible to tell the Junta what they THINK about the Junta stealing the rights and liberties of the Thai people. If OP's think that was inappropriate, they should consider self-censoring their own criticisms.

Were any economic sanctions imposed? No.

Was foreign imports of Thai products stopped? No.

Was there a show of military force to cower the Junta? No.

Were there UN condemnations against the Junta? No.

Was any diplomatic actions taken against the Junta leadership? No, except for Australia.

The US did suspend military aid as per a plainly written law that the Junta would have fully known. Surely the Junta can appreciate a government obeying the law.

But if the Junta wants to ISOLATE itself from democracies with a roadmap that only leads to its continued suppression of the Thai people's soverneignty, then it will INVITE reprissals from democratic countries. The Junta will cry, "They don't understand." But it's the Junta that doesn't understand those nation's respect and honor for people's inalienable rights and liberties.

Surely you are not saying the seppos have respect and honour for people's inalienable rights and liberties. You have to be joking or a mushroom.

Edited April 9, 2015 by GreasyFingers

[h90]

And Russia is broke or almost. The people there are very nasty to evryone along with the chinese. So this will be good for thailand??????

By no means Russia is broke, they have huge reserves on foreign currencies and gold. The huge devalue of the ruble actually helps Russia.

And Russian people aren't nasty, actually some of the most friendly one.....

It isn't that Russia and Thailand are married....they just talk about some minor cooperation....

[h90]

Theydo not have much choice, no western democratic country wamts anythingto do with thailand right now

Yes....actually two blocks are forming: The countries under control of USA and on the other side Russia, China and some smaller ones snuggeling together. That is global not a good development. Hope politics will change again....

[BuaBS]

I always marvel at the various comments that continue the tirade against the US, and the 'loss' of Thailand as a strategic ally. Trouble is Thailand was once upon a time one of those 'useful' regimes in the region, when we were all obsessed with those falling dominos. The US, as do most countries, turn a blind eye to problems in useful regimes, but as that usefulness fades, as Thailand's has, they have no qualms saying what think or about whoever or the Bangkok Glitterati decide to cozy up to. The US paradoxically even sees Vietnam as more strategic in the region, and as strange bedfellows go, the Vietnamese see common cause against the hegemony of China in South China Sea. The Vietnamese military is also highly regarded as a fighting force, unlike the Thai military, which is for most US military is a tad too 'inwardly focused' so to speak.

So Prayuth, or whoever may succeed him, can huff, puff, cozy up to the Chinese, but just about the only people who care are themselves and some of the erstwhile commentators on TVF

The Viets like the ruskies more...

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2015-04-08/vietnam-shuns-us-joins-russia-led-economic-union

Who can blame them ? It has been 40 years after the mass murders, but hey ask the Greeks what they think of the germans after 70 years.

[rijb]

Zero Hedge^[1] is a batshit insane Austrian economics-based finance blog run by a pseudonymous founder who posts articles under the name "Tyler Durden," after the character from Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. It has accurately predicted 200 of the last 2 recessions.

http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Zero_Hedge

[Wat dee]

Sitting thinking back to 2004 When Thailand needed help who rushed in to help? Which country opened there hearts and there wallets pouring in millions of US dollars supplies man power, search and rescue animals, Doctors, Nurses, Water, food, Planes, ships and god knows what else Yet did anyone hear them ask for repayment? And who ran the operation or was in Control? If memory serves me I believe Thailand was. In the months and years after aid still came and help was offered in rebuilding. It was there if you needed it and if the same were to happen again today God forbid, The US would be first in line with the needed help no questions asked, With political differences put aside. Now the question you have to ask yourself is simple Can you without a doubt say the same for those your getting close to now? What separates American's from the rest is our compassion for fellow man. Our politician's aren't America it's our people who is America. Said my peace rest is up to you.

1 million Iraqi child and infant are one of the latest to be forever grateful for your compassion.

Unfortunately USA's foreign policy causes more damage it could ever fix. The aid,rebuilding and wars have always been very beneficially to those who really matter in the USA.

By the way, EU is the biggest "aid" in the world!

[BuaBS]

Zero Hedge^[1] is a batshit insane Austrian economics-based finance blog run by a pseudonymous founder who posts articles under the name "Tyler Durden," after the character from Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. It has accurately predicted 200 of the last 2 recessions.

http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Zero_Hedge

Mainstream media are batshit insane keynesian economics based , owned by government & big industry,...

vomiting lies to the sheeple like you.

[Old Man River]

Sure, why not try communism while at it. Worked so well for those two.

Thailand has no need nor intent on adopting communism, but you know that already.

[lostoday]

Zero Hedge^[1] is a batshit insane Austrian economics-based finance blog run by a pseudonymous founder who posts articles under the name "Tyler Durden," after the character from Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. It has accurately predicted 200 of the last 2 recessions.

http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Zero_Hedge

Mainstream media are batshit insane keynesian economics based , owned by government & big industry,...

vomiting lies to the sheeple like you.

Is this the Keynes you mean?

John Maynard Keynes, "National Self-Sufficiency," The Yale Review, Vol. 22, no. 4 (June 1933), pp. 755-769.

[h90]

Zero Hedge^[1] is a batshit insane Austrian economics-based finance blog run by a pseudonymous founder who posts articles under the name "Tyler Durden," after the character from Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. It has accurately predicted 200 of the last 2 recessions.

http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Zero_Hedge

It was also in the main stream news. " Vietnam has agreed all of the principle aspects in creating a free trade zone between the countries of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union" doesn't mean much yet. And sure no brake with the USA.

It is not joining the Eurasian Union, it is just free trade. Like the ASEAN has with Australia.

[BuaBS]

Zero Hedge^[1] is a batshit insane Austrian economics-based finance blog run by a pseudonymous founder who posts articles under the name "Tyler Durden," after the character from Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. It has accurately predicted 200 of the last 2 recessions.

http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Zero_Hedge

Mainstream media are batshit insane keynesian economics based , owned by government & big industry,...

vomiting lies to the sheeple like you.

Is this the Keynes you mean?

John Maynard Keynes, "National Self-Sufficiency," The Yale Review, Vol. 22, no. 4 (June 1933), pp. 755-769.

Keynesian economics . Don't ask me , ask Bernanke , Yellen , Draghi and every central bank , socialist money printing <deleted>.

[mojorison]

Sitting thinking back to 2004 When Thailand needed help who rushed in to help? Which country opened there hearts and there wallets pouring in millions of US dollars supplies man power, search and rescue animals, Doctors, Nurses, Water, food, Planes, ships and god knows what else Yet did anyone hear them ask for repayment? And who ran the operation or was in Control? If memory serves me I believe Thailand was. In the months and years after aid still came and help was offered in rebuilding. It was there if you needed it and if the same were to happen again today God forbid, The US would be first in line with the needed help no questions asked, With political differences put aside. Now the question you have to ask yourself is simple Can you without a doubt say the same for those your getting close to now? What separates American's from the rest is our compassion for fellow man. Our politician's aren't America it's our people who is America. Said my peace rest is up to you.

I am sure America asked for repayment....Thailand tortured for USA, there are 2 or 3 large spy stations in Thailand. Recently USA asked to be allowed to fly their spy planes. That is a kind of repayment.

It is not the American people that messed the relations, it is the US politicians and Oligarchs. USA had the two worst presidents in a row that shows everywhere......

Edit: 2011 the Chinese help was the most efficient one, as they had the local knowledge and bypassed the corrupt politicians and delivered the goods direct to the Thai military (and made the Yingluck government a bit upset)

US and Australia are inseparable. With modern tech, US already has all it needs in the way of a launching place. Australia is America's willing and able proxy in the region. Thailand is expendable in the global domination sense, it was nice of the yanks to be concerned at all. Thailand will be known as a fair weather friend, and will probably come off second best. Now being China's biatches.

[lostoday]

Mainstream media are batshit insane keynesian economics based , owned by government & big industry,...

vomiting lies to the sheeple like you.

Is this the Keynes you mean?

John Maynard Keynes, "National Self-Sufficiency," The Yale Review, Vol. 22, no. 4 (June 1933), pp. 755-769.

Keynesian economics . Don't ask me , ask Bernanke , Yellen , Draghi and every central bank , socialist money printing <deleted>.

You wrote, "Mainstream media are batshit insane keynesian economics based" So you should know what that means. You wrote it. Socialists are the reverse of capitalists. No? Keynes wrote. "National Self-Sufficiency." I thought maybe you knew something about it.

Edited April 9, 2015 by lostoday

[fobuff]

The only reason the PM is going eastwards is that he needs glorification at any cost. The west will not do it since this is an illegal coup, denies democracy, so he turns to similar types of regimes... to boost his ego...

[rijb]

Zero Hedge^[1] is a batshit insane Austrian economics-based finance blog run by a pseudonymous founder who posts articles under the name "Tyler Durden," after the character from Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. It has accurately predicted 200 of the last 2 recessions.

http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Zero_Hedge

Mainstream media are batshit insane keynesian economics based , owned by government & big industry,...

vomiting lies to the sheeple like you.

Oh god! Please help me! I don't want to be a sheeple. What should I read, besides Zero Hedge?

[JAG]

Zero Hedge^[1] is a batshit insane Austrian economics-based finance blog run by a pseudonymous founder who posts articles under the name "Tyler Durden," after the character from Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk. It has accurately predicted 200 of the last 2 recessions.

http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Zero_Hedge

Mainstream media are batshit insane keynesian economics based , owned by government & big industry,...

vomiting lies to the sheeple like you.

Your tinfoil hat is on crooked......

[Stradavarius37]

Should have all you fracking geniuses run Thailand / then we would really be up sh@t cheek

Edited April 9, 2015 by Stradavarius37