Obama Offered Handshake to Prayuth, Govt Says

[lounger]

Mr President did you know who that is?

[realenglish1]

This is just propaganda. Who reached out to shake who's hand A way for the Junta to legitimize itself. The old saying " A picture is worth a thousand words

In the end WHO CARES ?

[louse1953]

So the U.S. President is polite ... Sometimes a hand shake is just a hand shake

I don't think it was meant as an endorsement of all the general has done or will ever do..

Of course it is also a sign that the U.S. Does not completely condemn the general and consider him 'persona non grata' either

Just seems a normal polite greeting between the President / PM... Just what one would expect given the situation

Yes, in the scheme of things, the good general only ruined another presidential visit to Thailand. He is not as bad as other world leaders who have usurped power. He will be gone soon enough and forgotten, except for giving the Thai people bile lanes and guidance beach chairs. For that, he will always be honored as a great statesman.

I n my opinion he stop a civil war,for that,all Thai should be greatful as well as myself.

[louse1953]

It is amazing how important this picture is, and that Government leaders are so "star-struck". I wonder how many of them also asked for Obama's autograph in their diary. The only Obama autograph I seek is on his resignation.

Can't wait for Hilary,huh.

[speedtripler]

It is amazing how important this picture is, and that Government leaders are so "star-struck". I wonder how many of them also asked for Obama's autograph in their diary. The only Obama autograph I seek is on his resignation.

Can't wait for Hilary,huh.

Any woman who can't figure out how to use email addresses should be automatically disqualified from running a country....

[johncat1]

So the U.S. President is polite ... Sometimes a hand shake is just a hand shake

I don't think it was meant as an endorsement of all the general has done or will ever do..

Of course it is also a sign that the U.S. Does not completely condemn the general and consider him 'persona non grata' either

Just seems a normal polite greeting between the President / PM... Just what one would expect given the situation

What may appear to be a quaint Western custom is actually a way of judging a person's character and depending on the strength of the handshake and the body language, how much that person can be trusted.

[Srikcir]

Offer of hand shake - it's just diplomacy

[louse1953]

So the U.S. President is polite ... Sometimes a hand shake is just a hand shake

I don't think it was meant as an endorsement of all the general has done or will ever do..

Of course it is also a sign that the U.S. Does not completely condemn the general and consider him 'persona non grata' either

Just seems a normal polite greeting between the President / PM... Just what one would expect given the situation

Quite wrong. A handshake in this environment is very significant.

All the fuss is because we have been bombarded by the Thai media with claims that Thailand is an outcast in world politics after the coup.

It has clearly touched a nerve of some people here : another small part of their lies and hypocrisy has been exposed for what it is and they respond like a schoolboy in a tantrum.

To the rest of us, it has been quite clear all along. The USA have done the exact minimum they have to do by law when dealing with a military Junta. They know full well what a bunch of dirty scumbags Thailand had before.

Seriously, you can't be that out of touch.

Thailand is absolutely an outcast right now, there are sanctions already in place and to the Western democracies Prayuth is not seen as an elected leader. Nothing he does will matter except handing the power back to the people so they democratically elect a civilian government. It does not matter what you or I think, that is the way it is.

The US President is not comparing the previous government to this one, all he will likely ask is when are the people going to get an elected government in power.

If you think the US or EU is thinking anything different you are delusional.

If you think this is all about elected and good governments you are the one who is way out of touch.Governments and big biz go hand in hand in screwing the taxpayer over.A few morsels are thrown at the mass to keep the image up.Just look at USA policy in South America,any country with a slight left leaning.Not just USA,Aust has just sold it's tradespeople down the river in favour of Chinese tradies with no qualifications.It's all about screwing the maximum out of the population and giving the least back of our own money.

[lounger]

Give me Thai law and order anyday over the lie down policies of European governments when faced with aggressive refugees

[LannaGuy]

So the U.S. President is polite ... Sometimes a hand shake is just a hand shake

I don't think it was meant as an endorsement of all the general has done or will ever do..

Of course it is also a sign that the U.S. Does not completely condemn the general and consider him 'persona non grata' either

Just seems a normal polite greeting between the President / PM... Just what one would expect given the situation

What may appear to be a quaint Western custom is actually a way of judging a person's character and depending on the strength of the handshake and the body language, how much that person can be trusted.

It originates from Knights in Armour as a way of showing you have no weapon and no ill intent. Anyway this is all much ado about nothing as it's just polite and indicates ZERO. We know what civilised countries think of Junta's.

[toybits]

It all becomes clear when you ponder who has more to gain with that photo opportunity.

[connda]

So the U.S. President is polite ... Sometimes a hand shake is just a hand shake

I don't think it was meant as an endorsement of all the general has done or will ever do..

Of course it is also a sign that the U.S. Does not completely condemn the general and consider him 'persona non grata' either

Just seems a normal polite greeting between the President / PM... Just what one would expect given the situation

I'm sure he has shaken hands with Putin to. It means nothing.

[darren84310]

'It was Obama who first noticed Prayuth in the room where nation leaders were mingling with each other and approached him to offer personal greetings, Weerachon said.'

So what is all the fuss about then? Why is this proving such a big issue?

Because they want this to be kept in the news for as long as possible just to make sure everyone sees it.

[GAZZPA]

At least the General presents the country in a positive move of trying hard to change the decades of corruption the former PM and her brother did to the country. The Tashkins would of tried to hand the president a brown envelope with baht inside, like every other time they did in the pass with local leaders.

And how do you explain the wealth of the PM and his brother?

[GAZZPA]

So the U.S. President is polite ... Sometimes a hand shake is just a hand shake

I don't think it was meant as an endorsement of all the general has done or will ever do..

Of course it is also a sign that the U.S. Does not completely condemn the general and consider him 'persona non grata' either

Just seems a normal polite greeting between the President / PM... Just what one would expect given the situation

Quite wrong. A handshake in this environment is very significant.

All the fuss is because we have been bombarded by the Thai media with claims that Thailand is an outcast in world politics after the coup.

It has clearly touched a nerve of some people here : another small part of their lies and hypocrisy has been exposed for what it is and they respond like a schoolboy in a tantrum.

To the rest of us, it has been quite clear all along. The USA have done the exact minimum they have to do by law when dealing with a military Junta. They know full well what a bunch of dirty scumbags Thailand had before.

Seriously, you can't be that out of touch.

Thailand is absolutely an outcast right now, there are sanctions already in place and to the Western democracies Prayuth is not seen as an elected leader. Nothing he does will matter except handing the power back to the people so they democratically elect a civilian government. It does not matter what you or I think, that is the way it is.

The US President is not comparing the previous government to this one, all he will likely ask is when are the people going to get an elected government in power.

If you think the US or EU is thinking anything different you are delusional.

If you think this is all about elected and good governments you are the one who is way out of touch.Governments and big biz go hand in hand in screwing the taxpayer over.A few morsels are thrown at the mass to keep the image up.Just look at USA policy in South America,any country with a slight left leaning.Not just USA,Aust has just sold it's tradespeople down the river in favour of Chinese tradies with no qualifications.It's all about screwing the maximum out of the population and giving the least back of our own money.

Oh please. You sound like a conspiracy theory driven class warrior, and not a good one with convincing argument.

Thailand is a democratic country, or at least it is supposed to be. The world is a complicated place and democracy does not mean perfect, but the current status should not happen and it is a big deal to the US, EU and other democratic countries. It is that simple and when Thailand returns the country back to the people you will see sanctions lifted and a re engagement of negotiation on GSP issues (which are going nowhere right now)

I know this because I am involved with a lobbyist in Washington trying to restore a particular GSP tariff so my employer can start trading wit the US again, but this current political situation means it is a dead discussion,,,,however it will be back on the table when democracy is restored.

I hope the current PM does as he promises for Thailand and cleans house before he hands the power back.

As for selling its tradespeople etc,,, these decisions are made by private companies not government. The government can try and create a landscape where companies can thrive but thats all they can do.

[GAZZPA]

Give me Thai law and order anyday over the lie down policies of European governments when faced with aggressive refugees

oh dear, you are wrong on every single level

[elgordo38]

'It was Obama who first noticed Prayuth in the room where nation leaders were mingling with each other and approached him to offer personal greetings, Weerachon said.'

So what is all the fuss about then? Why is this proving such a big issue?

Guess who wants to bask in someone else's shadow. As things stand now every handshake helps.

[elgordo38]

At least the General presents the country in a positive move of trying hard to change the decades of corruption the former PM and her brother did to the country. The Tashkins would of tried to hand the president a brown envelope with baht inside, like every other time they did in the pass with local leaders.

And how do you explain the wealth of the PM and his brother?

Good karma and I think they won the lottery?

[bamnutsak]

There are two sides to this "story". One is the Junta's version, the other is the truth.

The vain, thin-skinned cannot handle the truth. No sense bursting his bubble, he'll just go ballistic.

[GAZZPA]

I suppose Obama posed with most leaders who requested it over the course of the few days. They just change the flag behind the group. Protocol.

The UN is international territory, so that is important in the protocol. Now, a picture of a handshake in the Oval Office would have been gold dust!

Do you notice how the leader is referred too as the junta chairman and not Prime Minister.? That tells us something.

All that way and expense simply for a photo, that is now causing indignant controversy. OMG

Junta chairman,, did not notice that, well spotted.

[SOTIRIOS]

...let the 'sore losers' try to twist it around...

[manhood]

What an overstressing of a simple shake hand to say : hello - means not more not less!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Smurkster]

Do not mistake being polite as an acknowledgement of your legitimacy.

you kidding me? of course he will. Our dear general loves acknowledgment!!

[thaiguzzi]

I recently posted that the Thai PM met with President Obama at the UNGA and some members posting on TV didn't believe me as they are just negative on the government and Thailand.

This government is here to stay so maybe the nayers should start accepting the truth or maybe look elsewhere

I have always maintained that this government is best for Thailand given the opposing fractions who just want to create insecurity.

Thailand is moving forward to build a better and more prosperous nation. Not forgetting that when the General Prayuth took over the country was in a mess due to instability within the predecessor controversial PM's government, the mismanaged rice scheme being just one example that cost the country billions ......

The country and the Thai people were subjected to daily security concerns with shootings and mayhem by opposing fractions, street protests that blocked major intersections which caused loss off revenue for many Thai companies that relied on daily product delivery.

You cannot hide facts ( reference to 81% approval rating by the thai people ) this is substantial evidence that the PM and his hard work to push Thailand ahead, increase stability and increase foreign investment is paying off.

Thailand will continue to become more proficient and developed country with the planned China high speed rail project, energy projects are planned and further rail and BTS extensions.

Following the PM's visit to the US the UNGA and President Obama have seen what Thailand is doing to reinstall trust and confidence in the Thai economy, and further strengthen the Thai-US relationship.

Are you related to DJJamie in any way? Husband, wife, son?

[Songhua]

Can you imagine the fuss if Obama had offered him a sandwich!

He'd probably toss it in the bin.

"Thais should eat rice and not bread," Prayut said on 10/10/14.

[NovaBlue05]

I suppose the US interest in Thailand, and some other SE Asian countries, probably begins and ends with the extent of their usefulness for stagng US military assets to annoy the Chinese. The whole "Democracy" for the Thai people thing sounds better in the media however

So does that mean you are in favor of Chinese expansionism into SE Asia? Hope you aren't that ignorant.

Is that really what your mind told you my post was about?

[NovaBlue05]

At least the General presents the country in a positive move of trying hard to change the decades of corruption the former PM and her brother did to the country. The Tashkins would of tried to hand the president a brown envelope with baht inside, like every other time they did in the pass with local leaders.

And how do you explain the wealth of the PM and his brother?

Good clean living and hard work?

[aboctok]

Believe me I know what support we give Thailand, they would never bemuse a situation with the United States of America and they are smart to do so. Thailand know we like war, they wouldn't have a chance to even get out of their compounds.

I was in three wars as a 2nd lieutenant United States of America Army and believe what I say they only fight for the guy who is next to them

Sincerely hope

Thailand is a smart country

Indeed? Three wars in the relatively short time one spends as a Second Lieutenant! My you must have been a busy chap.

I hope you don't mind me mentioning but your command of English seems rather less than the level required to be commissioned in the US Army.

See here JAG, I hope you're not trying to bemuse a situation.

[waitforusalso]

[MockingJay]

A photo that shows two crooks shaking hands, what's all the fuzz about?

Edited October 6, 2015 by MockingJay