US LACKS COHERENT POLICIES on Thailand

[webfact]

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
US LACKS COHERENT POLICIES on Thailand

BANGKOK: -- The US Principal Deputy Assistant State Secretary for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Scot Marciel, was in Bangkok last week to exchange views with Thai authorities and stakeholders. Like his boss, US Secretary of State John Kerry, he wanted to know about political reform - when exactly the upcoming election would be held and its likely aftermath.

The answers were the same as before - despite the pledge to have the poll in the first quarter of next year, Thailand still needs some space to work on overall reform and reconcile remaining differences. The Thais expressed the hope that the US government understood the situation and appreciated the progress that had been achieved so far. Indeed, the ball was in the Americans' court.

Marciel's visit was better received than that of Daniel Russel, Assistant State Secretary for East Asia and Pacific, who provoked harsh criticism from the Thai side over his remarks on the political situation here.

Besides meetings with Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Norachit Sihaseni, and Permanent Secretary for Defense, General Sirichai Disakul, Marciel also met with representatives of Thai political parties and stakeholders as well as American businessmen - but without news headlines. These days, any report on Thai- US relations would be either controversial or negative.

It is interesting to note that when Russel visited Bangkok, it coincided with the visit of Chinese senior defense officials. This time around, Marciel's trip came during the visit of Xu Qiliang, vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission, following hot on the heels of Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Pravit Wongsuwan to Beijing two weeks earlier. The frequency of Thai-Chinese high-level visits is the new hallmark of their relations.

Obviously, the purpose and approach of Marciel's and Qiliang's visits were quite different. Washington expressed its concern and continued to tell the Thais what they needed to do to improve the current situation. Beijing also told the Thais what could be done, especially at this juncture, to strengthen the bilateral relations further. Therefore, the Thai-China comfort level has shot up several fold.

After the Obama administration's recent nomination of Glyn Davies as the new American envoy to Thailand, the US Senate has yet to approve his ambassadorship. Nobody can tell when the Senate will do that. However, any further delay would not bode well with current Thai-US ties. The Thais expected the new envoy to be in the capital before July 4, the national day of the United States. The annual reception on that day is a special event that marks the state of Thai-US relations.

During Marciel's call on the Defense Ministry, he reiterated that the annual Cobra-Gold next year is on schedule. Prior to his visit, news about the postponement of preparatory discussion for the annual military exercise fuelled further rumours of next year's possible cancellation. Due to US domestic circumstances and the lame-duck nature of Obama's last-term administration, there is nothing much the US government can do to boost bilateral ties unless Thailand has an elected government.

Looking ahead, the future of US ties with the region's oldest friend continues to face obstacles. The US assessment of human trafficking and slave labour in Thailand will come out in June. Early indications from US policy and lawmakers were clear that Thailand would still be falling short of making satisfactory improvements to the overall condition. Last week, in his written testimony to the House Committee for Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organisations, Mark Lagon, president of New York-based Freedom House, recommended that Thailand's tier 3 ranking be sustained if the country does not show strong willingness to take corrective action.

In addition, the long-delayed annual US State Department report on human rights will be released later this week that could put Thailand in a hard place again due to increased rights violations both before and after the lifting of martial law. In previous years, the report criticised the harsh punishment of the lese majestic law and continued suppression of freedom of expression and assembly. This year's report could be worse.

Despite all the gloomy talk, the Foreign Ministry highlighted one item of good news - a compliment from US Senator, Orrin Hatch, from Utah, who issued a statement to the US Senate on the eve of the 60th birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn recently. The respected America lawmaker called her "Princess Angel" and praised her achievements in helping the disadvantaged people in Thailand - following in the footsteps of her father, His Majesty the King. Truth be told, apart from Hatch, Thailand does not have a lawmaker in either the US Congress or the Senate to speak on its behalf. Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia have strong groups of advocates in Congress.

In contrast, Thai-China relations are on an upward swing, befitting the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. China has followed a three-pronged approach. First, China's policy towards Thailand has been consistent as it continues to support any Thai government in power and its endeavours without any preconditions. As such, it enables the sustainability of existing policies. Second, China has chosen to accelerate both economic and security cooperation with Thailand at this transitional period. For the time being, closer defense cooperation has been the biggest achievement. Third, Beijing seeks to strengthen multilateral security cooperation with other nations, including the US. China's participation in the Cobra Gold military exercises represents its hallmark of a broader security approach. Last year, China's warships took part for the first time in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, a US-led multinational naval drill.

At this juncture, sensing good opportunities, China has moved fast in forging closer security ties with Thailand. Beijing so far has done so without challenging the Thai-US alliance. That explains why Bangkok feels comfortable engaging with Beijing on a variety of security programmes, especially on the latter's willingness to provide military-industrial and dual-use technology.

It remains to be seen how Thailand's relations with the US and China will play themselves out in the future - strategically in particular. One development is inevitable - there is no turning back the progress made on the Thai-China relations during this transitional period.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/US-LACKS-COHERENT-POLICIES-on-Thailand-30258811.html


-- The Nation 2015-04-27

[zaphod reborn]

I see nothing incoherent about US foreign policy towards Thailand. I see everything incoherent about Thailand's charter drafting process, improvement on human rights violations, trafficking and its fisheries industry, its progress on national reconciliation and its roadmap towards some form of democratic government.

[Bluespunk]

"Obviously, the purpose and approach of Marciel's and Qiliang's visits were quite different. Washington expressed its concern and continued to tell the Thais what they needed to do to improve the current situation. Beijing also told the Thais what could be done, especially at this juncture, to strengthen the bilateral relations further."

One said what you needed to hear, the other said what you wanted to be hear.

[Strangebrew]

What does Thailand don't understand? US stated it would like to see a return to democracy. If memory serves me I believe they were told by August this year there would be elections, Is that hard to understand? Then section 44 happens the PM hinting he may stay longer. Yes fact the US dose not understand Thainess but then again who dose? Look speak straight forward You say one thing and do another. It is confusing look at your record. Have you solved corruption? You got yellow card from EU on fishing then stated will meet 6 month deadline, then turn around few days later and say won't meet deadline. You say human trafficking under control yet no arrests of kingpins, then you post story of saving Thai's from it , still no arrests. You take what little rights Thai's have away from them, and expect them to be happy. Look I'm American and live here and even I'm confused. I may understand reason behind coup but the follow up as promised is lacking. Yes you cleared the vendors off the streets the unrest is calm for now. I give you high marks on that but your word is shaky. Your playing dangerous game with a close friend that just may come back and bite you.

[Badbanker]

The long term goals of the US is to continue to exercise its influence in Asia. With the obviously resurgent thinly veiled neo-colonialist agenda of China, the US can ill afford to exercise any policy that will cause it strategic loss.

All the whispers of downgrading ties and canceling of Cobra Gold, are just the US trying to exercise some form of control as it has done in Asia for as long as it has been here.

The US has long had the ability to exercise different ways of dealing with the autocratic regimes in ASEAN and this should not change.

Regardless of everything presently happening, Thailand is still the US's staunchest ally in South-east Asia. As history has shown, irrespective of the present regime, this should never be compromised for the good of all concerned.

[NeverSure]

Neither the US nor Thailand have coherent foreign policies right now. Both have incredibly inexperienced... Never mind.

Edited April 26, 2015 by NeverSure

[Soutpeel]

Neither the US nor Thailand have coherent foreign policies right now. Both have incredibly inexperienced... Never mind.

WOW anti-American rhetoric coming out of you NS...quick get me a chair...

[thedude82]

and who exactly said Thailand was a priority? limited strategic value and a weak government at best...

[TomJoad]

In America we have freedom of speech.*

____________________

* Didn't do much good in 2003, though. Bush still decided to do his own thing in the Middle East. But at least we could protest his policies.

[2fishin2]

Why does this post have to be about US policy? Why dont we have a thread about EU policy? Oh thats right its all about bashing the US thread again.

[CMBob]

The US, like many other countries, has had a long-standing policy of friendship toward the Thai people and that's never changed; however, no country possibly could have a "coherent" policy with the Thai government given the zoo that's been for the last 80+ years.

I'd suggest Thailand do something new and adopt a coherent government in the first place ........and then do something totally unexpected - govern for a while without the need for one of their laughingly frequent military coups!

[phoenixdoglover]

The headline makes a claim, and the article fails to support that claim.

Evidently, according to The Nation, a coherent policy consists of unwavering support and lack of criticism, no matter the behaviors in evidence. This is an immature expectation for foreign relations.

[craigt3365]

There is an excellent, and frank, article in the Bangkok Post today. About the burdern of "Thainess". Worth a read if you have the time. But please, no links here.

[h90]

4 periods of the worst president (Bush and the same Bush in different color) shows, might even get another 2 periods of Bush politics (this time in the female version but still the same)

[2fishin2]

4 periods of the worst president (Bush and the same Bush in different color) shows, might even get another 2 periods of Bush politics (this time in the female version but still the same)

What are you babbling about?

[issanaus]

Every country has inconsistent external affairs policies towards other countries unless the competing policy pressure are resolved in the country. Overseas trade and security normally over ride human and political rights within the country. The significance of Thailand to the USA is threefold; relationships with China, relations the region (ASEAN) and the relationship with a country that is weak (economically and military) and insignificant to the USA except in the context of the first 2 relationships.

Trade between the two countries is insignificant to the USA except in as much as it can be used as a tool to pressure Thailand; whereas for Thailand trade is the most significant part of the relationship. The strategic importance of Thailand as a low maintenance bulkhead needs to be considered in the context of the geographical and political context of the region. The USA would be stupid (and they are not) to want to walk away from that position because of the easily won advantage that it would give China (the significant element in the relationship). Of course the Thai government feels slighted by what some would consider USA interference and application of double standards.

Thailand needs to eat cement and HTFU - it would also be a good idea for the Government to reduce the number of press statements. USA really needs to consider the implication in a holistic approach and reduce public statements (which they appeared to have done)

[billd766]

Why does this post have to be about US policy? Why dont we have a thread about EU policy? Oh thats right its all about bashing the US thread again.

As the whole OP is about the US policy why would you want to bring up EU policy?

Conversely if it was about EU policy whay would anyone want to bring up US policy.

Try reading the headline to find out what the thread is all about.

If you want a thread on EU policy then simply start one and try not to derail this one into something else.

[GinBoy2]

I often wonder why US policy towards Thailand seems to tweak so many nerves on TVF. US policy towards Thailand is quite simple, they don't really care anymore. Thailand has little or no strategic value to the US and it shows in US attitude towards this, and past regimes.

Thailand has had it's 'day in the sun', but thats long gone. It's time to move recognize it's new pecking order. So the whole idea that the US doesn't have a coherent policy is more symptomatic of the fact that no-one of any importance in the State Dept is actually giving it any attention

[Pib]

The article title was wrong, it should have read: THAILAND LACKS COHERENT POLICIES

[h90]

4 periods of the worst president (Bush and the same Bush in different color) shows, might even get another 2 periods of Bush politics (this time in the female version but still the same)

What are you babbling about?

That USA has incompetent leadership and that it will continue

[GinBoy2]

4 periods of the worst president (Bush and the same Bush in different color) shows, might even get another 2 periods of Bush politics (this time in the female version but still the same)

What are you babbling about?

That USA has incompetent leadership and that it will continue

Which part? The House, The Senate, The President, Supreme Court, The States?

The beauty of the dysfunction of the US system is that no-one can ever rule absolutely. Maybe that is a lesson Thailand could embrace, along with many other countries I might add

[Pib]

Which part? The House, The Senate, The President, Supreme Court, The States?

The beauty of the dysfunction of the US system is that no-one can ever rule absolutely. Maybe that is a lesson Thailand could embrace, along with many other countries I might add

The Thailand government (past, current, and probably future) has plenty of dysfunction also. However, Thailand thinks it overcomes that dysfunction by overthrowing the government every half dozen years or so....start all over...create a new dysfunctional government....but hopefully it gets less dysfunctional each time...kinda like the Ground Hog Day movie.

[GinBoy2]

Which part? The House, The Senate, The President, Supreme Court, The States?

The beauty of the dysfunction of the US system is that no-one can ever rule absolutely. Maybe that is a lesson Thailand could embrace, along with many other countries I might add

The Thailand government (past, current, and probably future) has plenty of dysfunction also. However, Thailand thinks it overcomes that dysfunction by overthrowing the government every half dozen years or so....start all over...create a new dysfunctional government....but hopefully it gets less dysfunctional each time...kinda like the Ground Hog Day movie.

Good point, of course the major obstacle to avoiding Ground Hog day is having a military that stays in the barracks and doesn't see it's primary role as a pseudo Supreme Court

[Somtamnication]

Incoherent policies since Bush 2 was elected.

But I was coherent when I gave up my citizenship after his election.

[GinBoy2]

Incoherent policies since Bush 2 was elected.

But I was coherent when I gave up my citizenship after his election.

If you gave up citizenship just based on a President you have a poor understanding of how democracy in the US works, so maybe the nation is better without your input

[h90]

Incoherent policies since Bush 2 was elected.

But I was coherent when I gave up my citizenship after his election.

If you gave up citizenship just based on a President you have a poor understanding of how democracy in the US works, so maybe the nation is better without your input

Democracy?

It is 150 years ago that USA had a president who was neither Democrats nor Republicans. Democracy like the Democratic Republic of Germany.

[h90]

4 periods of the worst president (Bush and the same Bush in different color) shows, might even get another 2 periods of Bush politics (this time in the female version but still the same)

What are you babbling about?

That USA has incompetent leadership and that it will continue

Which part? The House, The Senate, The President, Supreme Court, The States?

The beauty of the dysfunction of the US system is that no-one can ever rule absolutely. Maybe that is a lesson Thailand could embrace, along with many other countries I might add

All, they are all from the same 2 parties who share power. A 2 party system.....

[Godders]

Looking ahead, the future of US ties with the region's oldest friend continues to face obstacles.

The US doesn't have friends. It has vassals. Unfortunately, the same can probably be said for China.

[Alwyn]

US LACKS COHERENT POLICIES on Thailand... Thailand also lacks coherent policies on Thailand

[animatic]

I would think incoherent polices would be right up the alley for any Thailand government

Edited April 27, 2015 by animatic