Tanasak's amorous praise for Chinese FM 'may upset Asean'

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DIPLOMATIC TALK
Tanasak's amorous praise for Chinese FM 'may upset Asean'
MARISA ISHIKAWA,
PRAVIT ROJANAPHRUK
THE NATION


Tanasak

WAS IT LOVE, an ingenious diplomatic move, or a diplomatic faux pas

BANGKOK: -- The unexpected public expression of amorous affection by Foreign Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn for his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Wednesday was met with mixed response by critics.

Some of them said such overt expression of love was counterproductive to Thailand's geopolitical interests.

Officials who were part of Tanasak's entourage but asked not to be named defended the foreign minister, saying he had merely expressed admiration for his Chinese counterpart.

At a joint press conference this week in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the Asean Ministerial Meeting, Tanasak told reporters: "If I were a woman, I would fall in love with His Excellency."

Virot Ali, a Thammasat University lecturer on international relations, said such overt expressions of affections were likely to upset other Asean member states that have maritime disputes with China.

"It's inappropriate given the time and place. The context where it took place was a meeting with other Asean member states who have a dispute" with China, Virot said, adding that Thailand's reputation for balancing big powers was being undermined by the current administration's overt expression of affinity towards China.

"It's clear that we chose the side of the Chinese over that of Asean. This might open doors to conflicts with the United States and some Asean members."

Virot said such explicit expression of affection was best used behind closed doors during bilateral meetings. He added that China was not even being especially nice to Thailand and making such public overtures would result in a loss for Thailand. He urged Thailand to ask itself why even countries formerly close to China like Myanmar are currently keeping a distance from it.

Former Thammasat University rector Charnvit Kasetsiri giggled when asked about the uncommon diplomatic overture by Tanasak, and said it's "rather cute and rather Thai", before laughing.

Charnvit added, however, that as someone who had worked at the Thai Foreign Ministry before, the move was "unprecedented", and laughed again.

When asked about whether it serves to benefit Thailand or not, Charnvit said it was up to the public to decide.

Panitan Wattanayagorn, an adviser to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, defended Tanasak by saying the move was his unique way of communicating that Thai-China relations were "special and close" beyond ordinary bilateral relations. He said the issue became news only because the military-led government of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha is being closely monitored.

Panitan added that it was a good opportunity to foster closer ties between the two nations, which would be beneficial to Thailand.

Deputy Government Spokesman Maj-General Werachon Sukondhapatipak said: "I am not in a position to criticise. The media must think for themselves."

Asda Jayanama, a former Thai representative to the United Nations, said it was not funny for the foreign minister to say such a thing in public. It was an expression of "greenhorn diplomacy", he said. "I understand he wanted to be friendly with his Chinese counterpart but [Tanasak] might have forgotten that he is the foreign minister of Thailand," Asda said.

"I'm worried about his political career in the future as foreign counterparts might laugh at him for knowing nothing about diplomatic practice," he said. "The person who holds the position of Thailand's top diplomat should have some skills in these areas."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Tanasaks-amorous-praise-for-Chinese-FM-may-upset-A-30266126.html


-- The Nation 2015-08-07

[NongKhaiKid]

Upset ASEAN, I rather think the neighbours will be rolling around

The PM really needs to remind everybody when they open their mouths they not only make a fool of themselves but also the country.

Let's hope Prayuth then takes his own warning to heart.

[LomSak27]

1. It's clear that we chose the side of the Chinese over that of Asean. This might open doors to conflicts with the United States and some Asean members

No, do not think it has anything to do with the US which is why the article is about the ASEAN community however gentle readers might find that too understandable, so good job including the US, to muddy the water

Bravo Nation

[BigBadGeordie]

"The person who holds the position of Thailand's top diplomat should have some skills in these areas ."

Now that applied to this and all other posts in government would be real "reform!

[mca]

Reports that the Chinese Minister of Health was referred to as a "Chick with a butt that just won't quit" could not be immediately verified.

Edited August 6, 2015 by mca

[Somtamnication]

I don't understand the outrage. At some point in my life, I want my co-workers to express their love to me as well!

[tx22cb]

Just wait until Foreign Minister General Tanasak meets his North Korean counterpart ... a veritable love-fest.

[magnacarta]

I don't understand the outrage. At some point in my life, I want my co-workers to express their love to me as well!

The difference being is that where you come from it is called sexual harrassment and can have dire consequences.

[magnacarta]

Just wait until Foreign Minister General Tanasak meets his North Korean counterpart ... a veritable love-fest.

I can think of one poster who has booked a ticket already,no names no pack drill.

[chainarong]

To be frank in political speak this outburst is a no, no , followed by instant dismissal , Tanasak outburst of affection possibly in some quarters just substantiates what many in the international community have thought all along about Thailand. Go figure.

[Usernames]

They're going for Tier 3 forever.

[Just1Voice]

This man should be immediately removed, and barred for LIFE, from ever holding any political position.

But we all know that won't happen because he has the "Good Junta" seal of approval.

[Bodene]

Please God, make it stop...

[Bodene]

Upset ASEAN, I rather think the neighbours will be rolling around

The PM really needs to remind everybody when they open their mouths they not only make a fool of themselves but also the country.

Let's hope Prayuth then takes his own warning to heart.

"rolling around "

And not in a good way. Where do they find these people, and what is it about them that makes Uncle Too think they are good choices to lead the country?

[bamnutsak]

As long as he's not sending any d*ck-pics on Line to his Chinese paramour, what's the harm?

[jerojero]

ROTFL. Gotta love this reality comic show!

[amerasianex]

The American people have been giving Thailand. 10billion dollars in cash foreign aid. For decades. Military training and aid. Humanitarian aid. Saved Thailand in WW2 from foreign agression. As well as allied countries. The human cost was hundreds of thousands of lives. While Thailand surrendered. Stopped communist aggression from reaching Thailand again with allied forces. Human cost again hundreds of thousands of allied lives. And this moron just spit in our faces. Ha can not have any military history or enemy identification education whatsoever. Basically no education

And no loyalty or honor. Why is this idiot a General?....Sad day for Thailand and Thai people. The Chinese have always and will always be the enemy of free nations.

[Bluespunk]

"Tanasak's amorous praise for Chinese FM 'may upset Asean'

Certainly made my stomach churn.

Edited August 7, 2015 by Bluespunk

[WitawatWatawit]

Is he on the ear medicine as well?

[Lopchan]

The American people have been giving Thailand. 10billion dollars in cash foreign aid. For decades. Military training and aid. Humanitarian aid. Saved Thailand in WW2 from foreign agression. As well as allied countries. The human cost was hundreds of thousands of lives. While Thailand surrendered. Stopped communist aggression from reaching Thailand again with allied forces. Human cost again hundreds of thousands of allied lives. And this moron just spit in our faces. Ha can not have any military history or enemy identification education whatsoever. Basically no education

And no loyalty or honor. Why is this idiot a General?....Sad day for Thailand and Thai people. The Chinese have always and will always be the enemy of free nations.

Oh yes, the Americans will be offended.

Enemy Identication? Really? Please tell us who is at war with China? Oh that's right no one. However America(ns) love to hate and enter cold wars (start hot ones for that matter) against any country who doesn't toe their line.

No Loyalty and Honour? Hmm. the US has a pretty shaky record there of using foreign countries as stepping stones and bases for its war efforts / strategic benefit, then dropping them like hot potatoes and bombing the heck out of them as it suits.

POT. KETTLE. BLACK

[Srikcir]

Tanasak told reporters: "If I were a woman, I would fall in love with His Excellency."

Clearly discriminatory to Thailand's Ladyboy and gay population.

[Usernames]

The American people have been giving Thailand. 10billion dollars in cash foreign aid. For decades. Military training and aid. Humanitarian aid. Saved Thailand in WW2 from foreign agression. As well as allied countries. The human cost was hundreds of thousands of lives. While Thailand surrendered. Stopped communist aggression from reaching Thailand again with allied forces. Human cost again hundreds of thousands of allied lives. And this moron just spit in our faces. Ha can not have any military history or enemy identification education whatsoever. Basically no education

And no loyalty or honor. Why is this idiot a General?....Sad day for Thailand and Thai people. The Chinese have always and will always be the enemy of free nations.

Oh yes, the Americans will be offended.

Enemy Identication? Really? Please tell us who is at war with China? Oh that's right no one. However America(ns) love to hate and enter cold wars (start hot ones for that matter) against any country who doesn't toe their line.

No Loyalty and Honour? Hmm. the US has a pretty shaky record there of using foreign countries as stepping stones and bases for its war efforts / strategic benefit, then dropping them like hot potatoes and bombing the heck out of them as it suits.

POT. KETTLE. BLACK

Without the United States, Thailand would simply be a larger version of Laos or Cambodia.

[Lopchan]

The American people have been giving Thailand. 10billion dollars in cash foreign aid. For decades. Military training and aid. Humanitarian aid. Saved Thailand in WW2 from foreign agression. As well as allied countries. The human cost was hundreds of thousands of lives. While Thailand surrendered. Stopped communist aggression from reaching Thailand again with allied forces. Human cost again hundreds of thousands of allied lives. And this moron just spit in our faces. Ha can not have any military history or enemy identification education whatsoever. Basically no education

And no loyalty or honor. Why is this idiot a General?....Sad day for Thailand and Thai people. The Chinese have always and will always be the enemy of free nations.

Oh yes, the Americans will be offended.

Enemy Identication? Really? Please tell us who is at war with China? Oh that's right no one. However America(ns) love to hate and enter cold wars (start hot ones for that matter) against any country who doesn't toe their line.

No Loyalty and Honour? Hmm. the US has a pretty shaky record there of using foreign countries as stepping stones and bases for its war efforts / strategic benefit, then dropping them like hot potatoes and bombing the heck out of them as it suits.

POT. KETTLE. BLACK

Without the United States, Thailand would simply be a larger version of Laos or Cambodia.

I think you mean without the US, Britain, Australia, France and others...the US is not the be all and end all, contrary to what they publicize and promote about themselves.

[Si Thea01]

All this over a hypothetical "If I were a woman, I would fall in love with His Excellency." He ain't, so it won't happen. Just another slow news day methinks.

[Usernames]

The American people have been giving Thailand. 10billion dollars in cash foreign aid. For decades. Military training and aid. Humanitarian aid. Saved Thailand in WW2 from foreign agression. As well as allied countries. The human cost was hundreds of thousands of lives. While Thailand surrendered. Stopped communist aggression from reaching Thailand again with allied forces. Human cost again hundreds of thousands of allied lives. And this moron just spit in our faces. Ha can not have any military history or enemy identification education whatsoever. Basically no education

And no loyalty or honor. Why is this idiot a General?....Sad day for Thailand and Thai people. The Chinese have always and will always be the enemy of free nations.

Oh yes, the Americans will be offended.

Enemy Identication? Really? Please tell us who is at war with China? Oh that's right no one. However America(ns) love to hate and enter cold wars (start hot ones for that matter) against any country who doesn't toe their line.

No Loyalty and Honour? Hmm. the US has a pretty shaky record there of using foreign countries as stepping stones and bases for its war efforts / strategic benefit, then dropping them like hot potatoes and bombing the heck out of them as it suits.

POT. KETTLE. BLACK

Without the United States, Thailand would simply be a larger version of Laos or Cambodia.

I think you mean without the US, Britain, Australia, France and others...the US is not the be all and end all, contrary to what they publicize and promote about themselves.

Britain and France wanted to dismember Thailand after World War II. The US stopped them. Virtually all of the investment in Thai infrastructure during the Vietnam War came from the US. Britain and France were either sitting on the sideline or carping. Australia did contribute.

[Jonmarleesco]

'Panitan Wattanayagorn ... said the issue became news only because the military-led government of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha is being closely monitored.' Or because HE was referring to a he.

'Asda Jayanama ... said "The person who holds the position of Thailand's top diplomat should have some skills in these areas."' Hmm. Just some skills. Don't think that quite meets the public's, or foreign government's, expectations.
​

[maewang99]

we're into the pageantry of the US presidential election cycle. Thailand paints a stark contrast and needs to keep it's head down... but then hands out this Trump style morsel. and believe it, the folks at the top know how important that cycle and it's choreography are. it is stupendous. it's bigger than two American football seasons put together... or of any of our almost-on-a-cycle-of-their-own-now strategic Middle Eastern 'endeavors', let's put it. do not underestimate this at all. the Owner of the World. borrowing from Chomsky, is as focused as ever on what goes on everywhere.

Edited August 11, 2015 by maewang99

[jerojero]

What a fool. Need more be said?