The UN won't dance to THAILAND'S TUNE

[webfact]

EDITORIAL
The UN won't dance to THAILAND'S TUNE

COUNTRY'S BID FOR A SEAT ON THE SECURITY COUNCIL HAS FALLEN FOUL OF THE COUP

BANGKOK: -- While there's no harm in promoting our culture abroad, sending a Thai classical dance troupe to New York won't help us secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Last week the Foreign and Culture, Tourism and Sport ministries presented a khon performance at Carnegie Hall as part of efforts to promote "people-to-people" relations. The troupe also performed at UN headquarters nearby, where some 200 diplomats had gathered to mark the 70th anniversary of the intergovernmental organisation and also to lobby for non-permanent seats on the Security Council.

Thailand was a member of the body in 1985 and 1986 and has for years been campaigning for a return, eager for a more prominent role in international affairs.

The major theme of its bid for the 2017-18 position is the ambition to bridge gaps between developed and developing countries in order to foster cross-border development and peace.

Prior to the 2014 military coup, the Foreign Ministry highlighted Thailand's value as an international mediator whose diplomatic intervention would champion compromise for the mutual benefit of all parties in disputes. The international community viewed the push positively - Thailand was after all a relatively peaceful democracy that had no major conflict with UN members, and certainly not with any of the so-called big five - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and United States.

Efforts to convince the necessary two-thirds of UN members that Thailand deserves a seat on the Security Council have been ongoing since 2009. The Foreign Ministry will find out whether these attempts have paid off when the UN General Assembly votes in October 2016.

However, the Thai campaign was shorn of a major selling point in May last year when a military coup ousted an elected government and put an end to democracy, at least for now. Since then, rights violations, including the arrest of peaceful demonstrators, have damaged the reputation that Thailand had been building among its international peers. The country subsequently failed in its bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council after the Foreign Ministry tailed off its campaign for any UN position in the wake of the military takeover.

The coup prompted strong criticism from Western countries, notably the US and European Union, and the military-backed government has tilted closer to China.

Lacking clear instruction and direction, the Foreign Ministry, which is now headed by a four-star general, has for the past year remained largely silent on the campaign for a Security Council seat.

The only option that seemingly remains for the government's campaign is to trade for votes among UN members, though many will be having second thoughts about supporting Thailand at the UN. Though backed by a budget worth millions of baht, the ministry can have little idea of how to use it to help secure a seat. Money will certainly not buy votes at the UN.

Another hope for Thailand is China, but Beijing has made no strong commitment to backing Thailand over its chief rival for a seat, Kazakhstan. In fact, China needs the support of Kazakhstan in order to realise its "new Silk Road" initiative for regional trade.

Officials at the Foreign Ministry must now be praying that khon has the magical power to bring Thailand a seat on the Security Council.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/The-UN-wont-dance-to-THAILANDS-TUNE-30264394.html


-- The Nation 2015-07-14

[BSJ]

I fail to see why any western country, little own a country like Thailand, wants to be a part of that parasitic organization.

[AYJAYDEE]

I fail to see why any western country, little own a country like Thailand, wants to be a part of that parasitic organization.

let alone

[HiSoLowSoNoSo]

Efforts to convince the necessary two-thirds of UN members that Thailand deserves a seat on the Security Council have been ongoing since 2009

Why on earth does a country like Thailand deserve a seat on the security council???

[wangsuda]

Why on earth does a country like Thailand deserve a seat on the security council???

Because Thailand will have submarines!

[LannaGuy]

I fail to see why any western country, little own a country like Thailand, wants to be a part of that parasitic organization.

let alone

'little own' is more accurate

[noitom]

Thailand goes to New York with a plan to dance an buy their way in under the table for votes.

[aussieinthailand]

Not a cinders chance in a snow storm.

[Seastallion]

Efforts to convince the necessary two-thirds of UN members that Thailand deserves a seat on the Security Council have been ongoing since 2009

Why on earth does a country like Thailand deserve a seat on the security council???

It's power.

Because a seat gives the sitter cards to play back home. When situations arise whereby the UNSC has to vote on something concerning one of the sitter's trading partners, the sitter has something the trading partner wants and gets a better trade deal in exchange for the vote.

Lets say the UNSC has a motion on the table to censure Myanmar. Before the vote, the Thai FM will be talking turkey with Myanmar about some trade deal....and then of course, regardless of conscience, Thailand will vote against the motion.

Thailand would love to be a string in China's UNSC bow, or America's...whoever's.

[englishoak]

Efforts to convince the necessary two-thirds of UN members that Thailand deserves a seat on the Security Council have been ongoing since 2009

Why on earth does a country like Thailand deserve a seat on the security council???

In short ? It dosnt.

[Seastallion]

Thailand goes to New York with a plan to dance an buy their way in under the table for votes.

You have no idea how many of those dancers will be invited as guests to UN member soirees.

[LomSak27]

Another hope for Thailand is China, but Beijing has made no strong commitment to backing Thailand over its chief rival for a seat, Kazakhstan. In fact, China needs the support of Kazakhstan in order to realise its "new Silk Road" initiative for regional trade.

Uh Oh, Thailand's Patron China is going to pass it over for a STAN ?

Yep and they got oil too.

[jerojero]

Thailand on Security Council? Sure, they are so in tune and knowledgeable with many world issues, countries, finance, and international macroeconomics. So full of themselves it seems. Dozens and dozens other countries far more qualified for a Security Council seat. Sheesh!

Edited July 14, 2015 by jerojero

[pogal]

Thailand goes to New York with a plan to dance an buy their way in under the table for votes.

They might have done better with Go-Go dancers

[oneday]

"...The Foreign Ministry will find out whether these attempts have paid off when the UN General Assembly votes in October 2016..."

Not a chance in hell.

I'll make a bet right now. There will be no elections in Thailand in 2016.

[EnglishJohn]

Blaming the coup for anything is nonsense. The country is in a much better position than it was. Only those with vested interests pretend to think otherwise.

Thailand is not fit to sit on any security council IMHO. The 310:0 amnesty vote was a very clear sign of just how deep corruption is in this country. I wouldn't trust it's government with anything - whoever is in charge. They are all the end-product of the same culture where the biggest crooks always win because nobody stops them.

I feel sorry for the Thai people who are used and abused by these people - often without them even realising it.

[fred Kubasa]

Recently the US made "pals again" with Cuba, may also come closer to Iran and each time these "reconciliations"

take place, Thailand, only a DOT on the Washington globe, may just ................disappear altogether !

[Oziex1]

I fail to see why any western country, little own a country like Thailand, wants to be a part of that parasitic organization.

Ego and probably some believe there may be some serious coin to be made.

[rtco]

Thailand a member of the UN = United Nations ... huh. How when Thailand itself is not even a united nation?

[steveyinasia]

So Thailand wants a position at the table so they can advise other countries on what to do, yet, here in Thailand they listen to no one when it comes to advice.

[quandow]

If you are going to sit at the adult table, you have to behave like an adult. Until then, you go sit with the kiddies and play with your submarines.

[Seastallion]

So Thailand wants a position at the table so they can advise other countries on what to do, yet, here in Thailand they listen to no one when it comes to advice.

I take your point, however it's got nothing to do with telling other countries what to do...the 5 permanent members do that by themselves.

It's all about the power of their vote.

[soalbundy]

Efforts to convince the necessary two-thirds of UN members that Thailand deserves a seat on the Security Council have been ongoing since 2009

Why on earth does a country like Thailand deserve a seat on the security council???

because they like security.

[soalbundy]

Instead of a dance troupe ( boring ) the should have sent a bunch of hookers

[Bakseeda]

"...The Foreign Ministry will find out whether these attempts have paid off when the UN General Assembly votes in October 2016..."

Not a chance in hell.

I'll make a bet right now. There will be no elections in Thailand in 2016.

Of course there Will be elections.... we are just about to vote a new committee for our pool league... That's an election, sure there will be no General Election for Thai peoples but there will be many "elections" and the UN General Assembly" will certainly vote in October 2016. Please TV, ask posters to take a little IQ test before allowing just anyone to post here.......

[Lupatria]

…sending a Thai classical dance troupe to New York won't help us secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council.

What is wrong with these people in charge?

I wonder if they will set up a traditional Thai fishing village in the lobby of the EU Parliament to solve the UUI problem. Or how about a traditional bird freeing session at the FAA Headquarters to promote air safety Thai-style, and Thai poetry performances at the office of “Reporters sans frontières, RSF” to gain credibility for the country’s press freedom under junta rule, and a mor lam performance with dancing sperms under the microscope at the International Forensic Research Institute?

[Rob8891]

I fail to see why any western country, little own a country like Thailand, wants to be a part of that parasitic organization.

let alone

'little own' is more accurate

....only in that it is totally nonsensical.

[TheAppletons]

So Thailand wants a position at the table so they can advise other countries on what to do, yet, here in Thailand they listen to no one when it comes to advice.

I take your point, however it's got nothing to do with telling other countries what to do...the 5 permanent members do that by themselves.

It's all about the power of their vote.

Kinda funny that the Thai government wants a vote in the UN Security Council but won't let its own citizens vote for a government.

[Fat Haggis]

Blaming the coup for anything is nonsense. The country is in a much better position than it was. Only those with vested interests pretend to think otherwise.

Thailand is not fit to sit on any security council IMHO. The 310:0 amnesty vote was a very clear sign of just how deep corruption is in this country. I wouldn't trust it's government with anything - whoever is in charge. They are all the end-product of the same culture where the biggest crooks always win because nobody stops them.

I feel sorry for the Thai people who are used and abused by these people - often without them even realising it.

The country is in a much better position than it was

Followed by

"I wouldn't trust its (this) government with anything "

Then

"They are all the end product where the biggest crooks always win. "

So in other words the Country is exact the same as it was Prior to the coup?

Finally you get it, that all that's changed is the colour of the snouts in the trough!!

[Baerboxer]

Blaming the coup for anything is nonsense. The country is in a much better position than it was. Only those with vested interests pretend to think otherwise.

Thailand is not fit to sit on any security council IMHO. The 310:0 amnesty vote was a very clear sign of just how deep corruption is in this country. I wouldn't trust it's government with anything - whoever is in charge. They are all the end-product of the same culture where the biggest crooks always win because nobody stops them.

I feel sorry for the Thai people who are used and abused by these people - often without them even realising it.

The country is in a much better position than it was

Followed by

"I wouldn't trust its (this) government with anything "

Then

"They are all the end product where the biggest crooks always win. "

So in other words the Country is exact the same as it was Prior to the coup?

Finally you get it, that all that's changed is the colour of the snouts in the trough!!

Not quite Fatty.

The Shin clan and their allies had lost control and were loosing the plot. Their bully boys and intimidation tactics, including violent attacks (which we know you think had nothing to do with the Shins, PTP/UDD, the red shirts or their allies) were no longer scaring people off the streets and into silence.

That impasse could have lead to escalations in violence, very bad ones.

Now we don't have the almost daily but not exactly and only figuratively daily shooting, bombings, violence and sometimes murders.

Because the group that took control have tanks, aircraft, lots of automatic weapons and military at their disposal. And they do scare the shit out of people.

So yes it has changed. People are more inclined to do as they're told. The country is no longer governed by an exiled crook and ran for his advantage but has returned to being run by and for the hierarchical elite.

Would you let Thailand anywhere a seat on the UNSC? Regardless of which faction was controlling the country.

Edited July 14, 2015 by Baerboxer