Thailand disappointed with European Parliament’s resolution on human rights

[sawadee1947]

THAI-EU RELATIONS

EU criticism misguided: Sek

THE NATION

THAILAND has voiced disappointment over the European parliament's damning resolution on human rights in the Kingdom, saying it did not reflect the reality on the ground.

The resolution did not reflect a clear understanding of the situation and developments in Thailand and the government's efforts to protect and promote human rights, Foreign Ministry spokesman Sek Wannamethee said. "Thailand respects and is committed to its international obligations on human rights and it clings onto the road map towards an election," he said.

On Thursday the European parliament adopted a non-binding resolution by 581 votes to 35, with 35 abstentions, to express its concern over "deteriorating human rights situation in Thailand following the coup of May 2014".

It urged the government to lift repressive restrictions on the right to liberty and the peaceful exercise of other human rights. It also called on the authorities to overturn convictions and sentences, withdraw charges and release individuals and media operators who have been sentenced or charged for exercising their right to freedom of expression or assembly.

The European parliament also urged the government to abolish the death penalty and asked the European External Action Service and the EU Delegation to use all available instruments to ensure respect for human rights and the rule of law in Thailand, in particular by continuing to observe investigations and trials of opposition leaders.

Sek said Thailand was ready to listen to constructive recommendations based on accurate information and would cooperate with the EU in all aspects and levels. Thailand would fully work as a coordinator between Asean and the EU in order to have closer relations for the mutual benefit of the two regions.

The EU strongly criticised Thailand after the military coup in May last year and prohibited high-level engagement with the government until democracy is restored in the country.

The junta, or National Council for Peace and Order, imposed restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly over the past year.

Journalists, activists and politicians were arrested or summoned to "adjust their attitude" after criticising the junta and the government.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/EU-criticism-misguided-Sek-30270590.html

-- The Nation 2015-10-10

The resolution did not reflect a clear understanding of the situation and developments in Thailand

always this stupid EU. First they don't like where and how we are fishing, then how we treated refugees and now on top they start again with human rights.... Who gave them the right to interfere??? We are Thai and fear nobody....only ourselves....?

[dageurreotype]

EU seems quite determined on pressing this issue and appears not to really care that Thailand is disappointed.

Ryszard Czarnecki said e.g. during this debate that "we should indicate that our economic cooperation may actually be hinged on Thailand’s cooperation with human rights”. So EU is seriously considering economic sanctions or other actions against Thailand?

Link to some of the debate: http://www.euractiv.com/sections/global-europe/cross-party-condemnation-thai-junta-european-parliament-318348

Wow. Required reading for those posters who say Thailand is just a blip on the World's radar.

[cms22]

Yep, more proof that foreign governments understand very well what is happening in Thailand. You can try and succeed pulling the wool over the eyes of Thais in Thailand but it just doesn't wash in an international context.

[Thai at Heart]

In his speech to the UN, Prayut made a point of saying “What we do today will become tomorrow's history. Therefore, we must make the best of today, so that ten or twenty years from now we will be remembered for our actions”.

Well, Mr PM, you haven’t been making the best of today, and the European Parliament have simply responded to your actions!

If the EU response disappoints, then maybe you should make a serious attempt at reconciliation in this country. Start by overturning the convictions of those who don’t conform to your homespun ideal. Oh yes, and while you’re at it, lift repressive restrictions on the rights to liberty, and the peaceful exercise of other human rights.

Contrary to the spin from Khun Sek, I think the European Parliament’s negative resolution clearly reflects their very accurate understanding of the situation and developments in Thailand.

Please don't tell me that this PM talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk. Surely not.

[Thai at Heart]

"It calls on the Thai authorities to overturn convictions and sentences, to withdraw charges and to release individuals and media people who have been sentenced or charged for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression or assembly."

Who is giving them their information ?. Who are these individuals and media people who need to be released ?. How many have been even been sentenced and charged ?. I wish the EU had paid more attention during the amnesty disgrace and ensuing protests.

And to those who think the amnesty the Junta gave themselves for performing the coup is in any way whatsoever comparable to the amnesty bill : pop down the hospital and see if they've got a spare brain you can have. The notion is ridiculous. Of course their first job is their own protection - but they didn't do it to cancel 25,000 pending cases of corruption against themselves. As things move on, your excuses to vent spite and hatred are getting weaker and weaker and your real character is showing through.

"And to those who think the amnesty the Junta gave themselves for performing the coup is in any way whatsoever comparable to the amnesty bill : pop down the hospital and see if they've got a spare brain you can have"

Funny how EJ misses no opportunity to talk about the stupidity of other people (and in particular the less-than-human farmers of the north-east) while clearly demonstrating in post after post that he's not exactly a rocket scientist himself and that his grasp on reality is tenuous - at best. And that's clearly demonstrated by the next quote:

"Of course their first job is their own protection"

Oh, John. Try asking members of the UK armed forces what their first priority is and I'm pretty sure you get a very different answer. But hey, don't let that disturb your delusions!

"....but they didn't do it to cancel 25,000 pending cases of corruption against themselves."

No John. They did it because they overthrew an elected government, tore up the constitution, implemented article 44, started attitude adjusting people, etc, etc, etc. They even gave themselves an amnesty for any future actions they might take. Now, if that's not the get out of jail card for free of all times I don't know what is!

The UK is unlikely to ever face a military coup, true enough. It's also unlikely to tolerate a government that openly lies, cheats, and refuses to obey the law or court's decisions and especially one that openly hands over government to a non elected criminal fugitive who pays a salary to it's MP's and Ministers.

Whilst not perfect, the UK judicial system and police are mostly impartial although there is still some political interference. The days of elite privilege, the old boy network and one law for the rich is not that far in the past though.

Here, the whole system is a joke, riddled with corruption, most make it up as the go along, and the amount of litigation is laughable especially around defamation.

Thailand is one on it's own. And unlikely to ever accept change, as change must come from within, and there isn't really any desire within.

The only thing that makes Thailand "one on its own", is their astonishing ability to continually do things without equality or principal and expect a good strong solid outcome for society.

They really do believe that treating everyone in an even handed manner is unnecessary for social cohesion. Special people are granted free passes whilst others are hauled over coals in a draconian fashion and they really believe people will accept this forever.

The coup has happened. Amnesty has been granted to themselves. But that's OK, they are good guys and the others are bad. They have chased one side of the political spectrum mercilessly while largely ignoring the other for wrongdoing and corruption, whilst largely ignoring the other. But that's OK because we are the good guys and they aren't.

And the problem continues whereby the poor get slammed and the rich and connected keep winning.

And they genuinely believe the people are so stupid they will stand for this forever.

Even worse is when so called educated foreigners on here buy this insulting right wing authoritarian nonsense about freedom of rights and speech. The junta has lied about its motivation from the beginning. It isn't there to save anyone but itself and it's backers from any possibility of change .

They don't care about the Shinawatra corruption. They care that it was interfering with theirs. They don't care that the Shinawatra govt was running the country in an authoritarian way.. They care that it prevented them having their customary influence.

And to think foreigners could ever possibly see the junta as a positive thing in Thai politics or thinking. They are the insidious part of Thai politics because they come and go when THEY please with a gun to kill you if they choose.

All the rest come and go when THE PEOPLE choose.

Edited October 10, 2015 by Thai at Heart

[waldroj]

Khun Sawadee1947

Be afraid, be very afraid!

[fred Kubasa]

UK " disappointed" in Thailand and good relations remain ?

Sorta like" you slapped me" but I forgive you ?

[heybruce]

"It calls on the Thai authorities to overturn convictions and sentences, to withdraw charges and to release individuals and media people who have been sentenced or charged for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression or assembly."

Who is giving them their information ?. Who are these individuals and media people who need to be released ?. How many have been even been sentenced and charged ?. I wish the EU had paid more attention during the amnesty disgrace and ensuing protests.

And to those who think the amnesty the Junta gave themselves for performing the coup is in any way whatsoever comparable to the amnesty bill : pop down the hospital and see if they've got a spare brain you can have. The notion is ridiculous. Of course their first job is their own protection - but they didn't do it to cancel 25,000 pending cases of corruption against themselves. As things move on, your excuses to vent spite and hatred are getting weaker and weaker and your real character is showing through.

"And to those who think the amnesty the Junta gave themselves for performing the coup is in any way whatsoever comparable to the amnesty bill : pop down the hospital and see if they've got a spare brain you can have."

We understand the difference. The amnesty bill was pushed by an elected government. The amnesty the generals granted themselves is backed up by an army with guns. There's a huge difference.

"Of course their first job is their own protection"

Really? My first job (duty) in the military I served in was to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic". Though that was a military that took orders from an elected leader and didn't stage coups.

It's no surprise the Thai military has different priorities. They certainly have a different attitude towards constitutions, even those written at their own direction.

The Amnesty Bill was pushed by an elected government which was openly controlled by a non elected criminal fugitive who paid all their MP's and Ministers a salary to do his bidding. He reshuffled the cabinet to his liking and to accommodate his mates on several occasions. And of course, the bill was cheated through parliament, then illegally amended so that he himself would be the chief beneficiary. When called out by the people, the PM, his younger sister lied and repeatedly lied, that the bill had been killed when in reality it hadn't.

But hey, they were elected, so they can do anything they like. Just as your Mr. Nixon thought.

American democracy - wonderfully thought out by the founding revolutionaries (did they pardon themselves for their treason when they became revolutionaries by the way). But corrupted by man. Now controlled by big business, financiers, the banks, powerful lobby groups etc. But, yey, dog catchers are still elected.

Do you understand the difference between being elected, obeying the law, and governing in the interests of all citizens, including those who didn't vote for you, in a transparent and accountable way; and being elected, ignoring the law, doing as you please, governing in the interests of a few and especially your own interests and cavorting with criminals?

Yes, the US military doesn't stage coups. But some of their actions in Korea, Laos and Vietnam have been a tad questionable. Whose orders were they following?

Rehashing the old nonsense again.

"The Amnesty Bill was pushed by an elected government which was openly controlled by a non elected criminal fugitive who paid all their MP's and Ministers a salary to do his bidding. He reshuffled the cabinet to his liking and to accommodate his mates on several occasions."

Yingluck campaigned on a promise to consult with her brother (I think her exact words were something about being Thaksin's twin) and her party won a resounding victory. It was what the voters wanted. Thaksin can ask, plead, cajole and try to bribe from far away, but he can't control anything. If he actually did pay a "salary" (bribe, and I've seen no evidence) it should have been dealt with through the legal system.

"And of course, the bill was cheated through parliament, then illegally amended so that he himself would be the chief beneficiary."

If the bill had not handled properly it should have been dealt with by the courts, not the military.

"When called out by the people, the PM, his younger sister lied and repeatedly lied, that the bill had been killed when in reality it hadn't."

The bill was killed as thoroughly as the constitution (the one written to the military's satisfaction after the 2006 coup) would allow. I take it you are one of those who think the only proper way to kill the amnesty bill was to overthrow the elected government, suspend the constitution, dissolve all elected institutions, etc. Most people consider that view extreme.

"Do you understand the difference between being elected, obeying the law, and governing in the interests of all citizens, including those who didn't vote for you, in a transparent and accountable way; and being elected, ignoring the law, doing as you please, governing in the interests of a few and especially your own interests and cavorting with criminals?"

Yes, and I consider the coup and junta to be a big step away from transparency, accountability, democracy, and rule of law. Democracy in Thailand wasn't perfect, and its biggest flaw was an above the law military (lots of unprosecuted criminals in uniform) that overthrew governments with impunity. Democracy in the US also isn't perfect. But most people in the US and Thailand prefer imperfect democracy to military rule.

[TKDfella]

In parallel to Sir I. Newton, whatever one does there is a price to pay, a consequence. Any army that stages a coup, for whatever reason, must expect to be criticized. Martial, curfews, 'attitude adjustment' etc all impinge on people's rights. On second thoughts maybe the Thai junta never studied Newton's Laws.

[daveAustin]

How does one negotiate with a child? Thailand would probably be on par with Burma [emoji39](mentally) were it not such a puerile little brat.

[Toany]

I wonder what the EU is saying about human rights relative to the USA and Guantanimo bay and the bombing of a hospital.

[inzman]

The EU is in need attitude adjustment. Uncle can now send in his goon squad to instill understanding.

[Srikcir]

"It calls on the Thai authorities to overturn convictions and sentences, to withdraw charges and to release individuals and media people who have been sentenced or charged for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression or assembly."

Who is giving them their information ?. Who are these individuals and media people who need to be released ?. How many have been even been sentenced and charged ?. I wish the EU had paid more attention during the amnesty disgrace and ensuing protests.

And to those who think the amnesty the Junta gave themselves for performing the coup is in any way whatsoever comparable to the amnesty bill : pop down the hospital and see if they've got a spare brain you can have. The notion is ridiculous. Of course their first job is their own protection - but they didn't do it to cancel 25,000 pending cases of corruption against themselves. As things move on, your excuses to vent spite and hatred are getting weaker and weaker and your real character is showing through.

"And to those who think the amnesty the Junta gave themselves for performing the coup is in any way whatsoever comparable to the amnesty bill : pop down the hospital and see if they've got a spare brain you can have."

We understand the difference. The amnesty bill was pushed by an elected government. The amnesty the generals granted themselves is backed up by an army with guns. There's a huge difference.

"Of course their first job is their own protection"

Really? My first job (duty) in the military I served in was to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic". Though that was a military that took orders from an elected leader and didn't stage coups.

It's no surprise the Thai military has different priorities. They certainly have a different attitude towards constitutions, even those written at their own direction.

The Amnesty Bill was pushed by an elected government which was openly controlled by a non elected criminal fugitive who paid all their MP's and Ministers a salary to do his bidding. He reshuffled the cabinet to his liking and to accommodate his mates on several occasions. And of course, the bill was cheated through parliament, then illegally amended so that he himself would be the chief beneficiary. When called out by the people, the PM, his younger sister lied and repeatedly lied, that the bill had been killed when in reality it hadn't.

But hey, they were elected, so they can do anything they like. Just as your Mr. Nixon thought.

American democracy - wonderfully thought out by the founding revolutionaries (did they pardon themselves for their treason when they became revolutionaries by the way). But corrupted by man. Now controlled by big business, financiers, the banks, powerful lobby groups etc. But, yey, dog catchers are still elected.

Do you understand the difference between being elected, obeying the law, and governing in the interests of all citizens, including those who didn't vote for you, in a transparent and accountable way; and being elected, ignoring the law, doing as you please, governing in the interests of a few and especially your own interests and cavorting with criminals?

Yes, the US military doesn't stage coups. But some of their actions in Korea, Laos and Vietnam have been a tad questionable. Whose orders were they following?

"the US military doesn't stage coups. But some of their actions in Korea, Laos and Vietnam have been a tad questionable. Whose orders were they following?"

The USA military follows the orders of its Commander in Chief who is also the Head of State and Head of Government - that is the nature of a Republic. But that's not to say that an insecure President might be goaded by military commanders and the military-industrial complex to make poor decisions that do not benefit the whole of the nation.

[chrisrazz]

Time for economic sanctions. Thailand to apply economic sanctions on the EU that is. That'll teach them for not understanding.

[jesimps]

"It calls on the Thai authorities to overturn convictions and sentences, to withdraw charges and to release individuals and media people who have been sentenced or charged for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression or assembly."

Who is giving them their information ?. Who are these individuals and media people who need to be released ?. How many have been even been sentenced and charged ?. I wish the EU had paid more attention during the amnesty disgrace and ensuing protests.

And to those who think the amnesty the Junta gave themselves for performing the coup is in any way whatsoever comparable to the amnesty bill : pop down the hospital and see if they've got a spare brain you can have. The notion is ridiculous. Of course their first job is their own protection - but they didn't do it to cancel 25,000 pending cases of corruption against themselves. As things move on, your excuses to vent spite and hatred are getting weaker and weaker and your real character is showing through.

"And to those who think the amnesty the Junta gave themselves for performing the coup is in any way whatsoever comparable to the amnesty bill : pop down the hospital and see if they've got a spare brain you can have."

We understand the difference. The amnesty bill was pushed by an elected government. The amnesty the generals granted themselves is backed up by an army with guns. There's a huge difference.

"Of course their first job is their own protection"

Really? My first job (duty) in the military I served in was to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic". Though that was a military that took orders from an elected leader and didn't stage coups.

It's no surprise the Thai military has different priorities. They certainly have a different attitude towards constitutions, even those written at their own direction.

The Amnesty Bill was pushed by an elected government which was openly controlled by a non elected criminal fugitive who paid all their MP's and Ministers a salary to do his bidding. He reshuffled the cabinet to his liking and to accommodate his mates on several occasions. And of course, the bill was cheated through parliament, then illegally amended so that he himself would be the chief beneficiary. When called out by the people, the PM, his younger sister lied and repeatedly lied, that the bill had been killed when in reality it hadn't.

But hey, they were elected, so they can do anything they like. Just as your Mr. Nixon thought.

American democracy - wonderfully thought out by the founding revolutionaries (did they pardon themselves for their treason when they became revolutionaries by the way). But corrupted by man. Now controlled by big business, financiers, the banks, powerful lobby groups etc. But, yey, dog catchers are still elected.

Do you understand the difference between being elected, obeying the law, and governing in the interests of all citizens, including those who didn't vote for you, in a transparent and accountable way; and being elected, ignoring the law, doing as you please, governing in the interests of a few and especially your own interests and cavorting with criminals?

Yes, the US military doesn't stage coups. But some of their actions in Korea, Laos and Vietnam have been a tad questionable. Whose orders were they following?

"the US military doesn't stage coups. But some of their actions in Korea, Laos and Vietnam have been a tad questionable. Whose orders were they following?"

The USA military follows the orders of its Commander in Chief who is also the Head of State and Head of Government - that is the nature of a Republic. But that's not to say that an insecure President might be goaded by military commanders and the military-industrial complex to make poor decisions that do not benefit the whole of the nation.

And at the next election he could be voted out by the people.

[bangon04]

All together now... close your eyes, click your ruby slippers together 3 times and repeat the sentence:

"The EU is not my Father, The EU is not my Father, The EU......."

[speedtripler]

"It calls on the Thai authorities to overturn convictions and sentences, to withdraw charges and to release individuals and media people who have been sentenced or charged for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression or assembly."

Who is giving them their information ?. Who are these individuals and media people who need to be released ?. How many have been even been sentenced and charged ?. I wish the EU had paid more attention during the amnesty disgrace and ensuing protests.

And to those who think the amnesty the Junta gave themselves for performing the coup is in any way whatsoever comparable to the amnesty bill : pop down the hospital and see if they've got a spare brain you can have. The notion is ridiculous. Of course their first job is their own protection - but they didn't do it to cancel 25,000 pending cases of corruption against themselves. As things move on, your excuses to vent spite and hatred are getting weaker and weaker and your real character is showing through.

"And to those who think the amnesty the Junta gave themselves for performing the coup is in any way whatsoever comparable to the amnesty bill : pop down the hospital and see if they've got a spare brain you can have."

We understand the difference. The amnesty bill was pushed by an elected government. The amnesty the generals granted themselves is backed up by an army with guns. There's a huge difference.

"Of course their first job is their own protection"

Really? My first job (duty) in the military I served in was to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic". Though that was a military that took orders from an elected leader and didn't stage coups.

It's no surprise the Thai military has different priorities. They certainly have a different attitude towards constitutions, even those written at their own direction.

The Amnesty Bill was pushed by an elected government which was openly controlled by a non elected criminal fugitive who paid all their MP's and Ministers a salary to do his bidding. He reshuffled the cabinet to his liking and to accommodate his mates on several occasions. And of course, the bill was cheated through parliament, then illegally amended so that he himself would be the chief beneficiary. When called out by the people, the PM, his younger sister lied and repeatedly lied, that the bill had been killed when in reality it hadn't.

But hey, they were elected, so they can do anything they like. Just as your Mr. Nixon thought.

American democracy - wonderfully thought out by the founding revolutionaries (did they pardon themselves for their treason when they became revolutionaries by the way). But corrupted by man. Now controlled by big business, financiers, the banks, powerful lobby groups etc. But, yey, dog catchers are still elected.

Do you understand the difference between being elected, obeying the law, and governing in the interests of all citizens, including those who didn't vote for you, in a transparent and accountable way; and being elected, ignoring the law, doing as you please, governing in the interests of a few and especially your own interests and cavorting with criminals?

Yes, the US military doesn't stage coups. But some of their actions in Korea, Laos and Vietnam have been a tad questionable. Whose orders were they following?

"the US military doesn't stage coups. But some of their actions in Korea, Laos and Vietnam have been a tad questionable. Whose orders were they following?"

The USA military follows the orders of its Commander in Chief who is also the Head of State and Head of Government - that is the nature of a Republic. But that's not to say that an insecure President might be goaded by military commanders and the military-industrial complex to make poor decisions that do not benefit the whole of the nation.

And at the next election he could be voted out by the people.

What next election?... Its going to be delayed to death by circumstances so he can be important for longer....