PM to push for people-centred Asean community

[Lite Beer]

ASEAN SUMMIT
PM to push for people-centred Asean community
THE SUNDAY NATION, AGENCIES

BANGKOK: -- THAILAND will push for a people-centred Asean community and centrality of Asean in the international community when government leaders from the regional grouping's member countries meet in Kuala Lumpur this week.

This year's summit is expected to be overshadowed by territorial disputes between some member countries and China, which has recently created new island footholds in contested seas.

Promoting Asean centrality within the world community will be among the issues to be raised by Thailand during the Asean Summit, according to Sek Wanmethi, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry.

Thailand will also encourage more mutual cooperation, particularly on border economic zones, Government Spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said.

He said that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha would propose at the Asean Summit, to be held tomorrow and Tuesday, that Asean should jointly strengthen the agriculture sector so that the region becomes the world's food supplier.

The grouping should also prepare to handle the negative impact from sophisticated threats, the spokesman said.

Malaysia will propose at the summit for the leaders to sign three documents - the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on a People-Centred Asean; the Langkawi Declaration on Global Movement of Moderates; and the Declaration on Institutionalising the Resilience of Asean and Its Communities and Peoples to Disasters and Climate Change.

Prayut will leave for Kuala Lumpur tomorrow to attend the summit, which will be held this year under the theme of "Our People, Our Community, Our Vision", with the nine other Asean leaders. The summit is the first this year under the chairmanship of Malaysia.

The Asean leaders will meet representatives of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Asean Business Advisory Council, Asean youth and civil society. Prayut on Tuesday will attend the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle summit on the Malaysian island of Langkawi before returning to Bangkok on the same day.

In Kuala Lumpur, senior Southeast Asian officials addressed mutual issues yesterday such as conflict with China over maritime claims ahead of their annual regional summit amid beefed-up securityat the venue in Malaysia’s economic capital. China's creation of new island footholds in contested seas will hover over a Southeast Asian summit that has become an annual test of the region's nerve in standing up to its massive neighbour.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/PM-to-push-for-people-centred-Asean-community-30258764.html

-- The Nation 2015-04-26

[BSJ]

I was hoping the PM would be bringing up the need for a fast track to 'permanent resident' status for those of us who choose to live here full-time. Cut out all the hoo haa and simplify the process.

Maybe that's on the agenda for the next Summit???

[yellowboat]

"people-centred Asean community, negative impact from sophisticated threats" and "Asean should jointly strengthen the agriculture sector"

As per usual specifics are lacking. Universal suffrage would insure a people centered approach and is sadly lacking in Asia. Would be nice to see a Chinese or Indian PM in Malaysian. In Thailand, the departure of Mr. Article 44 would be a step in the right direction as he is just protecting the elite.

[halloween]

"people-centred Asean community, negative impact from sophisticated threats" and "Asean should jointly strengthen the agriculture sector"

As per usual specifics are lacking. Universal suffrage would insure a people centered approach and is sadly lacking in Asia. Would be nice to see a Chinese or Indian PM in Malaysian. In Thailand, the departure of Mr. Article 44 would be a step in the right direction as he is just protecting the elite.

Which of the Asean countries doesn't have universal suffrage?

While it might be nice to see an Indian or Chinese (race) PM in Malaysia, look at how long it took to get a non-white President in the US, and consider how long it will be before an atheist is elected.

[jayboy]

"people-centred Asean community, negative impact from sophisticated threats" and "Asean should jointly strengthen the agriculture sector"

As per usual specifics are lacking. Universal suffrage would insure a people centered approach and is sadly lacking in Asia. Would be nice to see a Chinese or Indian PM in Malaysian. In Thailand, the departure of Mr. Article 44 would be a step in the right direction as he is just protecting the elite.

Which of the Asean countries doesn't have universal suffrage?

While it might be nice to see an Indian or Chinese (race) PM in Malaysia, look at how long it took to get a non-white President in the US, and consider how long it will be before an atheist is elected.

All ASEAN countries have universal suffrage.One however does not respect or trust the choices regularly made by its people and thus through seizing power by military intervention,politicised courts and rigged constitutiomns seeks to preserve the hegemony of entrenched elites.

As to the US I would be very surprised if there hadn't been any atheist presidents but of course none would admit their lack of belief openly.

[yellowboat]

"people-centred Asean community, negative impact from sophisticated threats" and "Asean should jointly strengthen the agriculture sector"

As per usual specifics are lacking. Universal suffrage would insure a people centered approach and is sadly lacking in Asia. Would be nice to see a Chinese or Indian PM in Malaysian. In Thailand, the departure of Mr. Article 44 would be a step in the right direction as he is just protecting the elite.

Which of the Asean countries doesn't have universal suffrage?

While it might be nice to see an Indian or Chinese (race) PM in Malaysia, look at how long it took to get a non-white President in the US, and consider how long it will be before an atheist is elected.

Japan, Taiwan and India have universal suffrage.

When it comes to diversity, the US is not a good model. Thailand had a female Prime Minister, sadly deposed. Taiwan had a female Vice President and India has a Shikh Prime Minister. Asia's young representative governments are a better examples of diversity. Too bad, Thailand had to mar it's achievement.

Edited April 26, 2015 by yellowboat

[DrTuner]

Yeah sure, as in easing the movement of work forces into Thailand. Dream on.

However, I do have a suggestion to BigP: promote the farming of proper beef cattle in Thailand. Nobody wants to buy walking rubber bands.

Edited April 26, 2015 by DrTuner

[bangkokfrog]

Out of character... I think it could be a slip of the tongue. I think what he may have meant was that he wants a Thai-people centered Asean community

[yellowboat]

Out of character... I think it could be a slip of the tongue. I think what he may have meant was that he wants a Thai-people centered Asean community

Thai elite centered Asean community, because they all want more more more

[ExPratt]

You know I thought" he's going for a people/community based ASEAN" when he went shopping for weapons in China

[halloween]

"people-centred Asean community, negative impact from sophisticated threats" and "Asean should jointly strengthen the agriculture sector"

As per usual specifics are lacking. Universal suffrage would insure a people centered approach and is sadly lacking in Asia. Would be nice to see a Chinese or Indian PM in Malaysian. In Thailand, the departure of Mr. Article 44 would be a step in the right direction as he is just protecting the elite.

Which of the Asean countries doesn't have universal suffrage?

While it might be nice to see an Indian or Chinese (race) PM in Malaysia, look at how long it took to get a non-white President in the US, and consider how long it will be before an atheist is elected.

Japan, Taiwan and India have universal suffrage.

When it comes to diversity, the US is not a good model. Thailand had a female Prime Minister, sadly deposed. Taiwan had a female Vice President and India has a Shikh Prime Minister. Asia's young representative governments are a better examples of diversity. Too bad, Thailand had to mar it's achievement.

Their is nothing sad or marred in removing from office a corrupt PM, even if he/she happens to fit one of the PC desirable categories.

Japan, Taiwan and India? Are they relevant?

[dragonfly94]

Aint democracy people centered? might be a start

[quandow]

This seems to be more of the horse-puckey garbage he can gloss over, say a bunch of meaningless words, and brag about successes. Still waiting for those soap operas, PM Cha-cha . . .

[phil2407]

When ASEAN comes into "full effect" does that mean anyone from say Philippines can just move to Thailand - no visa required no work permit etc or do things stay the same need tourist visa work permit cannot buy land etc

[yellowboat]

"people-centred Asean community, negative impact from sophisticated threats" and "Asean should jointly strengthen the agriculture sector"

As per usual specifics are lacking. Universal suffrage would insure a people centered approach and is sadly lacking in Asia. Would be nice to see a Chinese or Indian PM in Malaysian. In Thailand, the departure of Mr. Article 44 would be a step in the right direction as he is just protecting the elite.

Which of the Asean countries doesn't have universal suffrage?

While it might be nice to see an Indian or Chinese (race) PM in Malaysia, look at how long it took to get a non-white President in the US, and consider how long it will be before an atheist is elected.

Japan, Taiwan and India have universal suffrage.

When it comes to diversity, the US is not a good model. Thailand had a female Prime Minister, sadly deposed. Taiwan had a female Vice President and India has a Shikh Prime Minister. Asia's young representative governments are a better examples of diversity. Too bad, Thailand had to mar it's achievement.

Their is nothing sad or marred in removing from office a corrupt PM, even if he/she happens to fit one of the PC desirable categories.

Japan, Taiwan and India? Are they relevant?

They are more relevant than your question, as they both answer your question and they offer hope to their people Hope dashed by yet another coup in Thailand, corrupt or not. Adults use legal means and public opinions, not threats of violence to remove the corrupt. Perhaps civics are no longer required courses in US and UK schools. Doubtful they are in Greece.

Taiwan offers hope to those in Hong Kong who were forsaken by the British government. Taiwan offers a chance for the Chinese people showing that they are capable of devising a government that stands for the people without western "help". India and Japan are relevant to those who do not sit around and drink all day.

I have never found Halloween nor the fall of western civilization particularly terrifying until reading your comment.

[Srikcir]

"people-centred Asean community, negative impact from sophisticated threats" and "Asean should jointly strengthen the agriculture sector"

As per usual specifics are lacking. Universal suffrage would insure a people centered approach and is sadly lacking in Asia. Would be nice to see a Chinese or Indian PM in Malaysian. In Thailand, the departure of Mr. Article 44 would be a step in the right direction as he is just protecting the elite.

Which of the Asean countries doesn't have universal suffrage?

While it might be nice to see an Indian or Chinese (race) PM in Malaysia, look at how long it took to get a non-white President in the US, and consider how long it will be before an atheist is elected.

Which of the Asean countries doesn't have universal suffrage?

Right now that would be Thailand where elections are currently FORBIDDEN. There is not even a constitution that guarantees elections must less universal sufferage. Maybe there will be elections in 2016, maybe later depending on how secure the Junta feels about letting go of the government to elected officials.

[Srikcir]

"THAILAND will push for a people-centred Asean community "

Should read:

"Thailand will push for a Thai-centered Asean community."

And to reinforce that concept, General Prayut would like to remind the other ASEAN countries that he has now several military partnerships with the Chinese, including planned military maneuvers.

[phoenixdoglover]

"Promoting Asean centrality within the world community will be among the issues to be raised by Thailand during the Asean Summit, according to Sek Wanmethi, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry."

Centrality within the world community.

Well, you could start WW III with China in the South China Sea. Other than that, I'm not sure the rest of the world really wants much from you, except your cheap goods and hospitality.

Got any specifics?