EP's foreign affairs chairman reiterates invitation to Yingluck important

[webfact]

EP's foreign affairs chairman reiterates invitation to Yingluck important



BANGKOK: -- The chairman of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mr Elmar Brok, yesterday reiterated his call for the Thai authorities to allow former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to travel to the European Parliament for an exchange of views.

In a letter to the Thai ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg Nopadol Gunavibool, Mr Brok said in the name of his Committee, and ASEAN Delegation chairman Dr Werner Langen, they stressed the importance of having an exchange of views with former Prime Minister of Thailand Ms Yingluck Shinawatra in a meeting at the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Delegation for relations with the ASEAN at the earliest.

They said they were surprised and deeply disappointed with the decision of the Thai authorities to block her appearance in an open debate in the European Parliament.

Both called for the government to take appropriate and urgent action to enable Ms Yingluck to travel to Europe freely.

Both said they are ready to continue also the meetings with the Thai authorities in Brussels.

They also criticize that Thai officials tried to give the wrong impression that Brok and Dr Langen had not sent their invitation to the former prime minister in their official capacity.

They underline the desire of the European Parliament to visit Thailand in 2016 and to meet at this occasion the Parliament, government’s representatives, civil society and opposition leaders including Ms Yingluck.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/eps-foreign-affairs-chairman-reiterates-invitation-to-yingluck-important


-- Thai PBS 2015-12-09

[trogers]

And answering her case at the Supreme Court is less important?

[aussiesteve63]

Won't that just peeve the men with guns goverment off

Edited December 9, 2015 by aussiesteve63

[thelonius]

And answering her case at the Supreme Court is less important?

The invitation is open dated so I don't think they'll be a clash - perhaps the EU and the Supreme Court could compare diaries if you're that worried.

[worgeordie]

For an exchange of views.....what on shopping.

regards Worgeordie

[thesetat2013]

If they really wanted to talk to her so badly they could have come here. If they just wanted to speak to the opposition they could have called her brother or another redshirt leader. They seem to be trying to force her exit from Thailand for reasons whereas there are other solutions to get what information they want. Besides, if she went there she would need her entourage with her to tell her what to say or how to answer them. Unless they want some shopping advice

[taony]

"They also criticize that Thai officials tried to give the wrong impression that Brok and Dr Langen had not sent their invitation to the former prime minister in their official capacity."

Putting words in other people's mouths is their speciality.

[sjaak327]

If they really wanted to talk to her so badly they could have come here. If they just wanted to speak to the opposition they could have called her brother or another redshirt leader. They seem to be trying to force her exit from Thailand for reasons whereas there are other solutions to get what information they want. Besides, if she went there she would need her entourage with her to tell her what to say or how to answer them. Unless they want some shopping advice

The article states she is to appear in an open debate in the European parliament. That parliament's debating room is in Brussels and Strasbourg, not anywhere in Thailand. The article also is clear that they are not after shopping advice either...

Of course denying an innocent person to travel is what should be criticized and it is.

[thesetat2013]

If they really wanted to talk to her so badly they could have come here. If they just wanted to speak to the opposition they could have called her brother or another redshirt leader. They seem to be trying to force her exit from Thailand for reasons whereas there are other solutions to get what information they want. Besides, if she went there she would need her entourage with her to tell her what to say or how to answer them. Unless they want some shopping advice

The article states she is to appear in an open debate in the European parliament. That parliament's debating room is in Brussels and Strasbourg, not anywhere in Thailand. The article also is clear that they are not after shopping advice either...

Of course denying an innocent person to travel is what should be criticized and it is.

Isn't it up to a court to decide that? Until they decide her innocence she can be held here. But that is off topic now.

[sjaak327]

If they really wanted to talk to her so badly they could have come here. If they just wanted to speak to the opposition they could have called her brother or another redshirt leader. They seem to be trying to force her exit from Thailand for reasons whereas there are other solutions to get what information they want. Besides, if she went there she would need her entourage with her to tell her what to say or how to answer them. Unless they want some shopping advice

The article states she is to appear in an open debate in the European parliament. That parliament's debating room is in Brussels and Strasbourg, not anywhere in Thailand. The article also is clear that they are not after shopping advice either...

Of course denying an innocent person to travel is what should be criticized and it is.

Isn't it up to a court to decide that? Until they decide her innocence she can be held here. But that is off topic now.

Whatever happened to innocent before proven guilty ? That court case is said to take all of next year, pretty ridiculous to deny someone traveling for something she already received a 5 year ban from politics for. Come to think of it, that court case in itself is pretty ridiculous. Thai reconciliation !

[pedro01]

Someone's been 'lobbying' these guys pretty hard $$$$.

[lovelomsak]

I am getting the feeling the free world is starting to make a case against the junta for future restrictions and cutting of relationship. Statements by 2 ambassadors going against the grain,European Parliament asking twice to have Yingluck come to speak. Thailand can deny and not take notice but the free world will notice and probably act on these things. I told a friend 2 years ago Thailand was headed for North Korea status he said no way I wonder what he thinks now.

Oh and lets not forget not enforcing the law made by the junta no more than 5 people can gather for protest was over looked when it came to marching on to the American Embassy.That is quite the slap in the face to America. It is like saying laws pertaining to Thailand in Thailand donot mean any thing when we go against America

Edited December 9, 2015 by lovelomsak

[Ricardo]

For balance in their research, they will naturally also wish to meet with former-PM Abhisit and a representative of the present government too, if they wouldn't wish to get a single-sided view of Thai political affairs ?

Perhaps they should come here, instead ?

Edited December 9, 2015 by Ricardo

[aussiesteve63]

For an exchange of views.....what on shopping.

regards Worgeordie

There not inviting you are they so obviously her intelligence and opinion is rated a lot more than yours

[halloween]

Whatever happened to innocent before proven guilty ? That court case is said to take all of next year, pretty ridiculous to deny someone traveling for something she already received a 5 year ban from politics for. Come to think of it, that court case in itself is pretty ridiculous. Thai reconciliation !

Her brother was allowed to travel overseas while facing serious criminal charges. That worked out well, didn't it.

[lovelomsak]

For balance in their research, they will naturally also wish to meet with former-PM Abhisit and a representative of the present government too, if they wouldn't wish to get a single-sided view of Thai political affairs ?

Perhaps they should come here, instead ?

May be it is her side of the story they are want. Perhaps they wish to talk in a safe environment for her. They cannot bring the European Parliament here she must go there to talk read the article.

[Pimay1]

If they really wanted to talk to her so badly they could have come here. If they just wanted to speak to the opposition they could have called her brother or another redshirt leader. They seem to be trying to force her exit from Thailand for reasons whereas there are other solutions to get what information they want. Besides, if she went there she would need her entourage with her to tell her what to say or how to answer them. Unless they want some shopping advice

The article states she is to appear in an open debate in the European parliament. That parliament's debating room is in Brussels and Strasbourg, not anywhere in Thailand. The article also is clear that they are not after shopping advice either...

Of course denying an innocent person to travel is what should be criticized and it is.

Yingluck would lose a debate with a door knob.

[sjaak327]

If they really wanted to talk to her so badly they could have come here. If they just wanted to speak to the opposition they could have called her brother or another redshirt leader. They seem to be trying to force her exit from Thailand for reasons whereas there are other solutions to get what information they want. Besides, if she went there she would need her entourage with her to tell her what to say or how to answer them. Unless they want some shopping advice

The article states she is to appear in an open debate in the European parliament. That parliament's debating room is in Brussels and Strasbourg, not anywhere in Thailand. The article also is clear that they are not after shopping advice either...

Of course denying an innocent person to travel is what should be criticized and it is.

Yingluck would lose a debate with a door knob.

The EP isn't interested in a door knob, they do seem interested in the last PM of Thailand who became PM following a general election in which her party got 265 out of 500 seats in parliament. She was voted into the office by 299 MP's.

[Ricardo]

For balance in their research, they will naturally also wish to meet with former-PM Abhisit and a representative of the present government too, if they wouldn't wish to get a single-sided view of Thai political affairs ?

Perhaps they should come here, instead ?

May be it is her side of the story they are want. Perhaps they wish to talk in a safe environment for her. They cannot bring the European Parliament here she must go there to talk read the article.

I didn't realise that she would be addressing the whole of the European Parliament, I thought it was just their committee, my bad.

But my point remains, she represents just one of many different factions and points-of-view, and for a balanced view of Thai affairs they will need more input, perhaps from local diplomats too. A visit in-person would surely be a better way to study the complex local situation.

[aussieinthailand]

Someone's been 'lobbying' these guys pretty hard $$$$.

Haaaa,, you sound as bad as those idiots that go running around saying Thaksin bought US after it gave support too the elected government, followed by Australia, new Zealand England,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

But ok They also got caught trying to say the invitation was not in official capacity and now some well deserved PUBLIC FACE SLAPING for their decit

Also one could think about not p*zzing off your larges sea food customer's, but lets not let Thailand's dismal economy get in the way of a good witch hunt.

Last but not least is she a flight risk? She's had plenty of opportunity before and still here man.

[tbthailand]

They also criticize that Thai officials tried to give the wrong impression that Brok and Dr Langen had not sent their invitation to the former prime minister in their official capacity.

well, glad that's settled. Now we know that the current batch of Generals aren't smart enough (to order a minion) to pick up the phone and call these guys to ask if they are serious about the invitation.... Nooooooo, they just have to make $4!t up like they do eeeeeeeevryyyyyyyyyy day.

Morons...

[lovelomsak]

For balance in their research, they will naturally also wish to meet with former-PM Abhisit and a representative of the present government too, if they wouldn't wish to get a single-sided view of Thai political affairs ?

Perhaps they should come here, instead ?

May be it is her side of the story they are want. Perhaps they wish to talk in a safe environment for her. They cannot bring the European Parliament here she must go there to talk read the article.

I didn't realise that she would be addressing the whole of the European Parliament, I thought it was just their committee, my bad.

But my point remains, she represents just one of many different factions and points-of-view, and for a balanced view of Thai affairs they will need more input, perhaps from local diplomats too. A visit in-person would surely be a better way to study the complex local situation.

Perhaps they have heard the other side all ready and are now looking and asking for her in put. Maybe its her turn to be heard who knows what order they did things in.

[Ricardo]

Sorry, I just read the full linked article, and at the bottom, it says ...

"They underline the desire of the European Parliament to visit Thailand in 2016 and to meet at this occasion the Parliament, government’s representatives, civil society and opposition leaders including Ms Yingluck."

So they are intending to visit Thailand, and meet other politicians too, good !

[soalbundy]

And answering her case at the Supreme Court is less important?

depends on whether you like kangaroo's or not.

[oneday]

"...in an open debate in the European Parliament..."

An 'open debate' in a major western power's parliament and a huge trading partner of Thailand. Oh, heaven's no, the illegal military government is too afraid of the truth. Though it's not like everyone in the world doesn't know what they are doing, but still they can't have anyone from Thailand talking about it openly. They'd have to arrest her when she returned because of all the violations to national security she committed by telling the truth.

[Artisi]

Someone's been 'lobbying' these guys pretty hard $$$$.

Any guesses who that might be?

[baboon]

Someone's been 'lobbying' these guys pretty hard $$$$.

Who has and from which source did you get the information?

[waldroj]

Big mistake Mr Brok!

Whilst I'm no fan of junta-head, I have to say that the EP's continuing with this issue is unnecessary and provocative.

The decision has been made, and it's unlikely it will be changed. So, there is little to be gained (and more to lose) by this action.

No doubt, Prayut can stir up more nationalist fervour, citing that the EP support the Shin-clan instead of the "legitimate" government of Thailand.

[aussiesteve63]

If they really wanted to talk to her so badly they could have come here. If they just wanted to speak to the opposition they could have called her brother or another redshirt leader. They seem to be trying to force her exit from Thailand for reasons whereas there are other solutions to get what information they want. Besides, if she went there she would need her entourage with her to tell her what to say or how to answer them. Unless they want some shopping advice

Have you ever thought for one minute that maybe she's a lot smarter than your intelligence level can obsorb

[thesetat2013]

If they really wanted to talk to her so badly they could have come here. If they just wanted to speak to the opposition they could have called her brother or another redshirt leader. They seem to be trying to force her exit from Thailand for reasons whereas there are other solutions to get what information they want. Besides, if she went there she would need her entourage with her to tell her what to say or how to answer them. Unless they want some shopping advice

Have you ever thought for one minute that maybe she's a lot smarter than your intelligence level can obsorb

Nope