Thai-US ties: redefining a ‘natural ally’
By Kavi Chongkittavorn 
The Nation

 

BANGKOK: -- The incoming administration under president-elect Donald Trump will provide a rare opportunity for Thailand to open a fresh dialogue with the US. Both sides need it to generate new and realistic narratives about their time-tested relations, which have persisted since 1832.

 

For the past 30 months, the relationship has brought out a myriad of toxic exchanges of so-called “bureaucratic views” between Bangkok and Washington. 

Since then, the two sides have been struggling hard to rescue their relations from a political whirlpool. Up till now, they have failed.

 

Myopic American way

While blame could be squarely placed on Thailand due to its domestic political changes and slow-moving democratic process, the myopic American way – “you do as I say” – must also be held responsible for the current stalled relations.

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/opinion/kavi/30299912

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-11-14

 

When you have a country that holds its universal suffrage sacred, they tend to look those who dabble as small minded.

3 hours ago, webfact said:

the myopic American way – “you do as I say” – must also be held responsible for the current stalled relations

Only as an after thought excuse by the Thai government. Remember that IMMEDIATELY  after the coup and before any response from the Americans, Prayut made new substantial security and trade agreements with China, followed within months the same with Russia, then limited participation in Cobra Gold exercises with the USA  just to provoke the USA regime.  In 2015 Prayut failed to deliver elections as promised in either 2014 or 2015. In response the USA lambasted the Prayut government - hardly the blame for stalled relations.

45 minutes ago, yellowboat said:

When you have a country that holds its universal suffrage sacred, they tend to look those who dabble as small minded.

When you have a countries that holds its  their universal suffrages sacred, they tend to look those who dabble as small minded.

 

Doesn't the whole thing sound like a normal transfer of blame and psychologically something the peacock would get all tingly hearing that the people in the real land of smiles are happy that he'll probably be the commander in chief of twitter soon too.

 

The tone of this article seems to suggest that Thailand ought to adopt a tougher attitude with the USA.  With Trump as president, I wish them luck with that! 

47 minutes ago, Retiredandhappyhere said:

The tone of this article seems to suggest that Thailand ought to adopt a tougher attitude with the USA.  With Trump as president, I wish them luck with that! 

I'd encourage a tougher attitude if for no other reason than to give POTUS an opportunity to fine tune his new approach to nations of the world.

“you do as I say” 

45% tariffs for Thailand - might as well bow now to your China master.

How does one play this does one bow to the master of the moment master of convenience or does  one crystal ball this to try and figure who the ultimate master will be in the future. I guess with all the "masters" in the world today we will soon be shown our place as crumb catchers.

Is it me or are people here sounding nervous? I'm nervous because I have no idea about what Trump will do when he takes power.

 

I honestly don't think Trump will care about Thailand at all. But if the PM sounds his mouth off against him for whatever reason, it could end up nasty as Trump isn't known for his maturity. Then again Trump may get into spats with many world leaders. 

 

I believe in a quid pro quo system. You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. Thailand often thinks it's better than this and wants to take only. Well guess what? So does Trump. 

Thailand will get along quite well with the USA under Trump because Thailand now sees a President that is pragmatic and won't be bullied by any country. The Thais respect power and you will see Thailand move back into the American orbit and away from China. Obama was viewed as weak and interested only in cosmetic Democracy and the American diplomatic mission to Thailand has been very undiplomatic.