PM returns to Bangkok from Russia trip

[rooster59]

PM returns to Bangkok from Russia trip

Tanakorn Sangiam

BANGKOK, 21 May 2016 (NNT) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha arrived back to Bangkok after paying his official visit to Russia, saying all signed agreements will increase the economic values of both countries by as much as one billion dollars.

The premier arrived at Suvarnabhumi international airport from Russia where he attended the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit.

During his visit, the premier held a full-panel bilateral talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin, witnessed the signing ceremony for six cooperation agreements and eight others involving the private sector's agriculture, fisheries, military, financial transaction, energy and SMEs.

Those Thai-Russian cooperation agreements are expected to help raise bilateral trade and investment values by one billion dollars while the Ministry of Commerce is expecting a volume of trade with Russia to grow five times as much in the next five years.

Thailand and Russia have agreed to celebrate the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations and to push for the re-opening of a direct flight between Bangkok and Moscow to increase the number of tourists.

The premier said this visit to Russia should not be considered as a change to diplomatic policy of Thailand which is a free country.

There was no talk about the planned purchase of any weapon system such as Russian helicopters as rumored though some security issue had been discussed, he said.

-- NNT 2016-05-22

[Snig27]

Funny how he needs to say "It's a free country". Why is that?

[NongKhaiKid]

No statement, yet, on behalf of Russia to say how they support what's happening, understand the road map and all the usual BS which the Russians are unlikely to confirm having supposedly said.

[Snig27]

No statement, yet, on behalf of Russia to say how they support what's happening, understand the road map and all the usual BS which the Russians are unlikely to confirm having supposedly said.

Chances are he flew over Mongolia on the way back and I bet they sent up a message saying they understand and support Uncle as well. That makes it just about unanimous - aside of course from large parts of the Thai electorate.

[NongKhaiKid]

No statement, yet, on behalf of Russia to say how they support what's happening, understand the road map and all the usual BS which the Russians are unlikely to confirm having supposedly said.

Chances are he flew over Mongolia on the way back and I bet they sent up a message saying they understand and support Uncle as well. That makes it just about unanimous - aside of course from large parts of the Thai electorate.

[NongKhaiKid]

No statement, yet, on behalf of Russia to say how they support what's happening, understand the road map and all the usual BS which the Russians are unlikely to confirm having supposedly said.

Chances are he flew over Mongolia on the way back and I bet they sent up a message saying they understand and support Uncle as well. That makes it just about unanimous - aside of course from large parts of the Thai electorate.

The Thai electorate don't really count , do they ?

[colinneil]

Thailand is a free country, as free as i want it to be.

If you criticize anything i say you will get jailed.

[Brer Fox]

I expect he gave Vlad some unsolicited tips on internal security and prevention of lewd dancing at motor shows.

[jaltsc]

"... the Ministry of Commerce is expecting a volume of trade with Russia to grow five times as much in the next five years."

If the trade is vodka for bar girls, don't expect many Russian "Quality" tourists to come to Thailand in the future, since there appears to be an unlimited supply of vodka in Russia.

[Caveat Emptor]

Will the Minister for Tourism will get in on the act and inflate her always questionable figures to reflect even more Russians will be flocking here ?

[daveAustin]

Two peas in a pod

[Srikcir]

agreements will increase the economic values of both countries by as much as one billion dollars.

That should help pay down the current six-month 500 billion baht debt.

Kess the cost of the military hardware Prayut is buying from Russia.

[elgordo38]

Quote There was no talk about the planned purchase of any weapon system such as Russian helicopters as rumored though some security issue had been discussed, he said. unquote. All this will be shortly announced as a done deal similar to the sub purchases. This is how Sneaky P does things on the QT He does not wish to disturb the masses from their toil to survive

[wabothai]

to increase the economic value of both countries by as much as a billion $$ (?) does not mean anything and is not news worthy.

Or is the man purposely vague?

[Lupatria]

The premier arrived at Suvarnabhumi international airport from Russia

Well, the "happiness for all Thai" didn't last too long this time...

[phoenixdoglover]

If the price of oil recovers, the value of Russian exports to Thailand will rise.

If the Ruble recovers, Russia will import more from Thailand.

Considering that Thai-Russian bilateral trade is about 65% lower than it was in 2011, and the prospects for oil and the Ruble to recover, the 1 billion goal might be doable.

Not that this represents anything special. Whoever is in power at the time will claim credit.

[cornishcarlos]

1 billion dollars....

He watched Austin Powers on the plane trip back and stole that line

[Srikcir]

If the price of oil recovers, the value of Russian exports to Thailand will rise.

If the Ruble recovers, Russia will import more from Thailand.

Considering that Thai-Russian bilateral trade is about 65% lower than it was in 2011, and the prospects for oil and the Ruble to recover, the 1 billion goal might be doable.

Not that this represents anything special. Whoever is in power at the time will claim credit.

The prospects for positive Russian trade agreement on the Thai economy might be tested as early as next week.

On May 19^th the Stock Exchange of Thailand main index fell ("tumbled") 1.05%. If it immediately recovers and gains, that will indicate improved investor confidence, ie., from the Russian trade agreement. Otherwise, less than confident investors will continue to sell off.

[Winniedapu]

Here's a bucket of cold water...

Russia knows full well that Thailand is trying to cosy up because the USA and TL are having a lovers tiff. Same as China knew and humiliated Thailand by refusing to give preferential interest terms when the Thais (God love 'em) wanted to borrow money because the Thai economy is tanking. Ask the little general how much the multitudinous agreements signed in Russia are actually worth to Thailand year-on-year. The silence will be deafening because they are all cosmetic - diplomatic declarations of undying friendship while Russian fingers are crossed behind Russian backs. Nobody wants or needs Thailand as a friend. Thailand is as close to irrelevant as it is possible to be short of disappearing up it's own bottom. Putin was probably sniggering at Prayuth's self-important posturing, though the group love-fest photos didn't show that. Putin is a far better leader and manipulator than Prayuth could ever be.

Russia are unlikely in my opinion to help Prayuth just because he's a grunt coup-maker who's out of his depth, and especially because they have long memories and they remember Thailand giving them the finger over Bout. They also remember threatening to flood the deep south of Thailand with weapons for the insurrectionists at that time. Despite all the fine talk from the little general and his hangers-on, the problem in the south has not improved, in this, as in so many things, the army has only demonstrated that it is comprehensively out of its depth. The Russians and everyone else know this already.

Prayuth and Prawit aren't bright enough to understand any of this, they think people will roll over for the chance of a friendship with Thailand just because of the reason we can't discuss, and this is what the Thais appear to think - always. Nobody else believes what the Thais believe. Delusional Thai exceptionalism at its very finest.

Again.

When the collapse comes, it will be fast and dramatic. I'm laying in the popcorn so I can take best advantage of the little general's death-throes. I want to see his feet twitch when he gets hoisted by his own petard.

Winnie

[Reigntax]

Ashame his trip to Russia wasnt longer. Like about 20 years.

[thesetat2013]

Will the Minister for Tourism will get in on the act and inflate her always questionable figures to reflect even more Russians will be flocking here ?

Tat will have a press release tomorrow for that

[thesetat2013]

So, by the reporter saying their their was no talk about the planned purchase of any weapons systems mean, they were forbidden to ask about? Why would a reporter not ask about it unless he was told not to? Especially since it was rumoured about

[siamcrut]

Free fried rice

[Winniedapu]

So, by the reporter saying their their was no talk about the planned purchase of any weapons systems mean, they were forbidden to ask about? Why would a reporter not ask about it unless he was told not to? Especially since it was rumoured about

Maybe the Russians already have enough spoiled rice and frozen chickens... then again, maybe the Russians already know about Thai business practices.

Winnie

[phoenixdoglover]

So, by the reporter saying their their was no talk about the planned purchase of any weapons systems mean, they were forbidden to ask about? Why would a reporter not ask about it unless he was told not to? Especially since it was rumoured about

I would say the reporting on the PM's trip, especially the ending, has been muted. It could be we will see a potpourri of gushing NNT reports on Monday.

However, behind the scenes in Russia I imagine the following conversation:

Advisor: The Thais want to buy tanks, sir.

Vlad: Do they have money?

Advisor: No sir. They are offering rotted rice and rubber.

Vlad: Serve them the cheap vodka.

[macksview]

they let him leave?, putin you b*stard, you said you where going to keep him for a friday night comedy spot on russian tv.

[Thaidream]

Actually- the trip to Russia was a smart move. Those who denigrate the Thai penchant for excellent diplomacy are not correct. The Thais have a history of 'bending with the wind' and the Russian trip shows they know how to play the game.

Thailand is saying to the US and the West that they have other options like Russian and China so temper the criticism or we just might start to purchase weapons from these other choices. The US, Japan and the EU do need Thailand as it is an import strategic country situated in the heartland of Southeast Asia. The US is a Pacific power who has a long military history with Thailand and should there be a US China confrontation- Thai military installations are strategic to the United States. In addition, Japan has huge investments in Thailand that cannot be readily replaced and also has a serious military interest should there be a confrontation with North Korea. The EU probably has the smaller interest but will follow the US lead on keeping relations on the good side with the Thais.

Some of you may think Thailand is unimportant to the World but it has the second largest economy in Southeast Asia; a good economic base and a location that makes it an essential strategic partner. The current Pm and his inner circle are quite capable of charting Thailand's foreign policy and there is a long term professional in as Foreign Minister.

[Winniedapu]

Actually- the trip to Russia was a smart move. Those who denigrate the Thai penchant for excellent diplomacy are not correct. The Thais have a history of 'bending with the wind' and the Russian trip shows they know how to play the game.

Thailand is saying to the US and the West that they have other options like Russian and China so temper the criticism or we just might start to purchase weapons from these other choices. The US, Japan and the EU do need Thailand as it is an import strategic country situated in the heartland of Southeast Asia. The US is a Pacific power who has a long military history with Thailand and should there be a US China confrontation- Thai military installations are strategic to the United States. In addition, Japan has huge investments in Thailand that cannot be readily replaced and also has a serious military interest should there be a confrontation with North Korea. The EU probably has the smaller interest but will follow the US lead on keeping relations on the good side with the Thais.

Some of you may think Thailand is unimportant to the World but it has the second largest economy in Southeast Asia; a good economic base and a location that makes it an essential strategic partner. The current Pm and his inner circle are quite capable of charting Thailand's foreign policy and there is a long term professional in as Foreign Minister.

Well, we differ. For my part, I believe that Thai diplomacy is 50% lies and 50% betrayal.

Thailand is largely irrelevant, it's like an appendix, you only pay attention to it when it becomes painful.

The myth that Thailand has never been colonised arose primarily because they have so little that is actually worth anything, that nobody could be bothered to put in the effort and money to colonise it as opposed to just kicking their ass (Burma, Laos, France, England etc etc) everyone and his brother has kicked Thailand's ass, and it was silently colonised by the Chinese anyway. And let's not forget that Thailand fell over itself to surrender to the Japanese in WW2, as soon as a platoon that was probably lost looking for Cambodia showed up at their border, it was panic stations. In fact, their 'bending with the wind' as you put it nearly landed them with war reparations, which they only avoided because the USA wanted to have a base here. If you want to see how the Thais really behaved during WW2, visit the British and Australian war memorials in Kanchanaburi.

The Thai army, conversely, is only good for killing unarmed Thais - even a handful of Laos farmers with sticks and stones kicked their asses in the late 1970's (under Mr Blobby as I recall). And don't forget the Thai sailors on anti-piracy patrol off Somalia iirc no more than 5 years ago. Their ship got captured and held for ransom. By a band of pirates. You can easily see why Thais consider themselves fearless King Narusans, can't you? It's as plain as the nose on your face.

Of course the Thais pretend it's it's never been colonised because their diplomacy is superlative but that is just, well, wishful thinking, just more Thai exceptionalism - they just repeat it because they heard someone say it once and they don't have the intellect to question it. We all saw Thailand's 'superlative diplomacy' recently when Their Foreign Minister was publicly humiliated by the USA Ambassador who revealed that Dom lied about a press release. Last week as I recall. Truly superlative eh?

Still, the weather is good, which is the large reason I choose to live here, but I don't think Prayuth can see that to the Americans, Europeans, Chinese, Russians.

Thailand's problem is not that the stupid foreigner doesn't understand it, it's that the stupid foreigner understands it perfectly.

And doesn't trust it.

Winnie.

[rubl]

Interesting that a Ambassador revealed someone lied, very diplomatic and unbelievable.

So, PM Prayut came back from Russia, all's well, nothing really changed since last time a Thai PM was there, December 2005.

Here some info on the Sochi program and meeting two days ago.

http://en.russia-asean20.ru/programme/20160519/18498.html

http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/51941

[macksview]

puck, winnieda, thats a fair post

russia= prayut, just to keep on topic