Yingluck gets invitation to visit from EU Parliament

[webfact]

POLITICS
Yingluck gets invitation to visit from EU Parliament
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT has invited former premier Yingluck Shinawatra to go to Europe to exchange views on the political situation in Thailand, which it considers "worrying" following the coup.

The venue of the briefing could be conducted either in Brussels or in Strasbourg, France - on any date that Yingluck finds convenient.

The invitation, dated Oct 7, was co-signed by Elmar Brok, chairman of the EP Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Werner Langen, chair of the panel for relations with Southeast Asia and Asean.

The letter said the European Parliament recalled Yingluck's successful visit to the European Union in March 2013, when she was prime minister.

"During your visit the negotiation on the EU-Thailand Partnership and Cooperation Agreement were concluded. We also took particular notice of the value you put on relations with the European Parliament when you met with President Martin Schulz on March 6, 2013."

The letter said the European Parliament had been following the latest developments in Thailand with concern. "The situation since the military coup is indeed worrisome. Your country is still without a democratically elected legislature and will probably remain so at least until mid-2017."

It also referred to Yingluck's impeachment over the rice-pledging scheme, saying the impeachment and trial in the Supreme Court over the scheme was a cause for concern.

It said the current period of "instability" looked likely to continue. Moreover the present government's plan for charter reform had failed, after being rejected by the National Reform Council set up by the junta.

So, the new draft would only be prepared in coming months. The European Parliament believed this was, however, an opportunity for Thailand to have an open debate on the draft constitution.

So, the invitation was extended.

With Yingluck facing a trial in the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders, she would have to ask permission from the court and National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), if she wants to travel abroad.

A close aide of the former PM said any decision on Yingluck going abroad would depend on the NCPO.

If permission was granted she would accept the invitation and find a proper time to go.

Since the coup in May last year, the NCPO permitted Yingluck to visit France in July, then Japan and China with her son in October. She met her brother, former PM Thaksin, in China.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Yingluck-gets-invitation-to-visit-from-EU-Parliame-30273582.html


-- The Nation 2015-11-24

[Skywalker69]

Thank you three times.

[NongKhaiKid]

Good idea, for a reasoned, intellectual briefing on what's happening YL is the one to call on.

Make sure the WiFi is red hot so she can take instructions from her brother on what to say and don't introduce her to the media because when they ask questions she'll leg it. Giggle, Giggle.

By the way where's Europe and what's the EU ? Have I been invited to the opening of a new super mall ?

Edited November 23, 2015 by NongKhaiKid

[webfact]

EU parliament invites Ms Yingluck to share views on political situation



BANGKOK: -- The European Parliament has invited former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to travel to Europe to share her views about political situation in Thailand.

In the invitation letter, the European Parliament referred to Ms Yingluck’s visit to the EU two years ago and the success of the visit as manifested by the conclusion of the EU-Thailand Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the two sides.

The European Parliament said it was impressed with Ms Yingluck’s attachment of importance to the relations between the European Parliament and the Thai Parliament and her meeting with the EU Parliament president then.

In the letter, the European Parliament said it had monitored the political situation in Thailand since the May 22 coup last week with concern and that an elected legislature would not be in place in Thailand until at least in mid-2017.

The European Parliament also expressed concern with the fact that Ms Yingluck was impeached and the fact that she is being tried by the Supreme Court’s criminal division for political office holders.

Ms Yingluck, said the EU Parliament, can travel to Europe at any time of her convenience and the meeting can take place either in Brussels or Strasburg.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/eu-parliament-invites-ms-yingluck-to-share-views-on-political-situation


-- Thai PBS 2015-11-24

[ldiablo]

Well we all know that the Junta is certainly not going to give her permission to travel for that invitation.

[benalibina]

Well we all know that the Junta is certainly not going to give her permission to travel for that invitation.

For the wrong reasons, but that will be a wise decision by the junta.

[NongKhaiKid]

Well we all know that the Junta is certainly not going to give her permission to travel for that invitation.

On the other hand if she goes and doesn't return they can strut and posture and do nothing to bring her back because it's the line of least resistance and convenient.

[trogers]

I think they are trying to get her killed...

The EU is on high alert!

[Somtamnication]

Wrong time to be brave. Better shut up and wait.

[Jessi]

They are looking for 2 sides of the story as they dont trust the junta.

Sift through all the B/S on both sides and they might find the truth.

Im sure big brother Khun Thaksin will show up to support his sister.

If they let her leave Thailand?

[derator01]

A post violating forum rules has been removed from view. Please be careful with your comments.

[billphillips]

I can think of one person in particular that this news is going to irritate and anger. 5555 I wonder if this news article will find its way into the Thai news programs. Unlikely methinks.

[yellowboat]

Could be a loss of face if the junta does not let her go. The junta might want to think twice if they want the EU to buy Thai sea food products again.

[chainarong]

Under the circumstances the EU Parliament has every right to be alarmed , the Junta leader retired General Prayut - O looks to be settling in for the long term and believing any promises from this man as to when Thailand will return back to Democratic held elections is like believing in the tooth fairy , although Ms Yingluck was regarded as a puppet Prime Minister in some quarters she can shed some extra light on the present situation which possibly the EU know they are not getting from the Junta and of course Ms Yingluck can speak without going through the attitude adjustment process, all this will only happen if the Junta is man enough to allow it to happen , as they are frightened of the students , I back a NO, surprise me...............................................

Edited November 24, 2015 by chainarong

[Artisi]

They are looking for 2 sides of the story as they dont trust the junta.

Sift through all the B/S on both sides and they might find the truth.

Im sure big brother Khun Thaksin will show up to support his sister.

If they let her leave Thailand?

If.

[seajae]

have to wonder why they would invite someone than cannot even speak english let alone construct a sentence without someone else writing it for her, bet there is no question and answer time as that would really show how pathetic she is. Seems they are simply trying to cause more problems for Thailand with this crap, maybe they are trying to deflect all the sh*t they have caused with their immigration stunt with all the muslims that has backfired spectacularly on them. So far all europe has done is show the world how not to run a nation/continent succesfully, inviting yl just confirms it, there are a lot more people that are a lot more intelligent and able to write their own speaches than her in Thailand that would be better suited but then they wouldnt cause as much conflict as yl would.

[Ricardo]

Where is the shopping better, Brussels or Strasbourg, decisions decisions !

[yellowboat]

have to wonder why they would invite someone than cannot even speak english let alone construct a sentence without someone else writing it for her, bet there is no question and answer time as that would really show how pathetic she is. .

Pathetic or not, poor orator or not, she was elected and then deposed. As for trouble, Thailand is responsible for its own problems. It was pretty pathetic to deport UN refugees.

[waldroj]

A glowing endorsement of the junta by the European Parliament.

[whatproblem]

Freeze all her assets before letting her go except for an allowance ,give her a time limit and if not adhere to confiscate her assets with a no appeal clause,easy

[lovelomsak]

Perhaps the Eu is using this as a disquise to get her out of Thailand and protect her from the junta.

Edited November 24, 2015 by lovelomsak

[Toknarok]

Despite all the problems that the EU has, it is still an extremely powerful and important organisation. The Junta have been given a real dilemma here, if they refuse to let her go they risk souring relations with the EU even further, and with millions of baht on the trade table they risk loosing such things as fish imports.

On the other hand if they do let her go she will no doubt give the EU representatives first hand knowledge about what is going on in this Country at present, after all she has plenty of experience of 'attitude adjustment' and personal vendetta through the so called Thai 'justice system'

As for the nonsense post about her not speaking English well, President Xi of China has just had a very successful tour of Britain. I'm sure David Cameron spoke to him in fluent Mandarin all the time - that's what interpreters are employed for.

Edited November 24, 2015 by Toknarok

[MobileContent]

The European Commission has an office in Thailand and so do all embassies of EU countries. They have direct access to all information need with or without YS going to Europe.

[jayboy]

Despite all the problems that the EU has, it is still an extremely powerful and important organisation. The Junta have been given a real dilemma here, if they refuse to let her go they risk souring relations with the EU even further, and with millions of baht on the trade table they risk loosing such things as fish imports.

On the other hand if they do let her go she will no doubt give the EU representatives first hand knowledge about what is going on in this Country at present, after all she has plenty of experience of 'attitude adjustment' and personal vendetta through the so called Thai 'justice system'

As for the nonsense post about her not speaking English well, President Xi of China has just had a very successful tour of Britain. I'm sure David Cameron spoke to him in fluent Mandarin all the time - that's what interpreters are employed for.

Actually she speaks perfectly serviceable English but it has become the mantra among the "good people" that she does not.The slightly comical aspect is that when the "good people" made this point on social media (invariably in a vile and abusive way) their own English was deplorable as is too often the case among the "educate" Sino Thai middle class.

[Fritzz]

"Seems they are simply trying to cause more problems for Thailand with this crap, maybe they are trying to deflect all the sh*t they have caused with their immigration stunt with all the muslims that has backfired spectacularly on them. So far all europe has done is show the world how not to run a nation/continent successfully"

Well spoken frangipani man. I am sure this is very close to the truth

Also consider that 45,000 EU ants are cut off from one of their HQs, so no more visiting for 'very important' meetings, collecting of allowances and tax free car fuel. Also weather is getting bad and war-mongering in Ukraine turns out to be less fun due to Zar Vladimir's resoluteness. Therefore what better way to spend the winter than turning one's attention to Asia. Perhaps a few trips to Bangkok even?!

Makes one wonder what the resident ambassadors of countries like UK, Germany, France have to say to this diplomatic master piece.

The EU got it wrong in a big way and might very soon be eating shrimp from Lousiana instead.

Bonvoyage YL

[brewsterbudgen]

The European Commission has an office in Thailand and so do all embassies of EU countries. They have direct access to all information need with or without YS going to Europe.

Yes, but there is an important point about democracy which would be good to be made in public.

[Srikcir]

The very gratutious invitation by the EU Parliament may be just a trap to solicit an over reaction from Prayut to the attention his favorite nemisis is getting. And you know his emotions do get the better of diplomacy.

I don't think the EU really expects Yingluck to be allowed out of Thailand but it may want a public record of Prayut acting out his unelected Head of Government role of an undemocratic regime. I suspect the EU is preparing a seafood ban against Thailand and a vendictive response from Prayut would provide political justification.

[Lovekorat]

Now this is an interesting political development.

This is a personal snub to the old general, and the EU saying "we don't believe you"

Having been fed junta controlled media reporting, pre-arranged popularity survey results and the rest they want to hear another side.

I don't suppose they particularly trust Yingluckl either but it is a way of telling him we don't believe a word and we are opening dialogue with an alternative.

Can you imagine what is happening in the halls of the unelected mighty?

Having thrown his own toys out of the pram so many times they are all in pieces he's probably throwing other peoples toys.

Make no mistake, this is a personal snub and a wake up call for him.

It's his own fault

It is clear he has no intention of returning some form of democracy to this country and is going to be here as long as he can get away with it.

He has not delivered an election, freedom of speech or rid the country of corruption. They are the big issues not clearing up a few illegal beach workers.

He may think he lives in a protected bubble but he doesn't.

And the 'real' powerbrokers behind all this. What are they thinking?

Very clever diplomacy from Europe.

He's a long way out of his depth trying to deal with those people.

I wonder if they will let her go.

If they don't then he will prove to the EU what they probably already know anyway.

[sawadee1947]

Well we all know that the Junta is certainly not going to give her permission to travel for that invitation.

No, just the opposite. The general can't deny her permission. He would lose his face and the EU and UN would point on human rights. So with gritting teeth he would say YES.

[sawadee1947]

The European Commission has an office in Thailand and so do all embassies of EU countries. They have direct access to all information need with or without YS going to Europe.

Yes, but there is an important point about democracy which would be good to be made in public.

in public? Where? Thailand or EU?

As a result of conversation with Yingluck in EU the EU might publish something, but it would be better for Y. to talk behind the doors