Thailand awaits Trump’s foreign policy team
By Kavi Chongkittavorn 
The Nation

 

BANGKOK: -- Only 39 days remain for the US State Department to upgrade relations with Thailand after more than 942 days of a “You-do-as-I-say” campaign.

 

Like the rest of the world, Thailand expected that the Democrat presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, would win on November 8 and was pondering what would be US policy towards its oldest regional friend of 184 years when the Obama administration bids farewell.

 

At the time, the government concluded it would be more of the same.

 

Then a miracle happened: The real-estate billionaire Donald Trump was elected as the 45th US president, shattering global anticipation and effectively turning the future of US diplomacy upside down. For Bangkok, it was a blessing in disguise because it means a new foreign policy team will take over from the incumbent one. Obviously, Bangkok was also mindful of the remaining core State Department bureaucrats in charge with their die-hard negative attitude, who still treat Thailand as their personal hostage after the May 2014 power seizure.

 

Full story: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/opinion/kavi/30301922

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2016-12-12

What a thing to wait for... Tweet it don!

30 minutes ago, webfact said:

Obviously, Bangkok was also mindful of the remaining core State Department bureaucrats in charge with their die-hard negative attitude, who still treat Thailand as their personal hostage after the May 2014 power seizure.

Or rather, held the govt accountable according to iinternational standards. 

 

Why do they care anyway, I thought China was their new BFF these days. 

How can this blithering idiot not understand the difference between reacting negatively to negative behavior (rather than smiling and pretending everything is fine) and holding someone hostage? The latter is what the military does to Thailand whenever an ambituous group of generals sense an opportunity.

 

Speaking the truth is not hostage taking. Using guns to take power over groups of people is. QED. What utter tripe.

25 minutes ago, debate101 said:

How can this blithering idiot not understand the difference between reacting negatively to negative behavior (rather than smiling and pretending everything is fine) and holding someone hostage? The latter is what the military does to Thailand whenever an ambituous group of generals sense an opportunity.

 

Speaking the truth is not hostage taking. Using guns to take power over groups of people is. QED. What utter tripe.

 

What he understands and wht he is allowed to print may be very different

2 hours ago, webfact said:

a blessing in disguise because it means a new foreign policy team will take over from the incumbent one

China doesn't seem to feel the blessing from Trump and Thailand practices the same trade protectionism.

When Prayut took power he immediately trashed Thailand's 184-year close association with the US - Trump may return the favor in kind. Thailand's seafood exports to the US would make a great hostage for new trade deals. Trump Tower coming to Bangkok soon?

1 hour ago, Srikcir said:

China doesn't seem to feel the blessing from Trump and Thailand practices the same trade protectionism.

When Prayut took power he immediately trashed Thailand's 184-year close association with the US - Trump may return the favor in kind. Thailand's seafood exports to the US would make a great hostage for new trade deals. Trump Tower coming to Bangkok soon?

I thought Chicken of the Sea and StarKist tuna in a can were both owned by Thai's. Take them off the grocery shelves and a lot of workers would lose their jobs in America. I don't think America would do well without all the frozen shrimp from Thailand either. Nobody in America cares about Thailand, most hardly know it exists other than in a movie or two.

Think the problem for Thailand is that they will not be able to play the US off China and Vice Versa, as Trump probably does not care what Thailand does.  Leaving Thailand to stew in its own juices.  If they wanted to get on Trumps good side, they should lower tariffs.   

Could be problems if he has an anti-corruption policy.

3 hours ago, futsukayoi said:

 

What he understands and wht he is allowed to print may be very different

Not beong able to write the truth and writing the complete opposite of the truth are not the same thing. It's shameless propaganda, and it's inexcusable.

6 hours ago, webfact said:

oldest regional friend of 184 years when the Obama administration bids farewell.

I thought China had displaced this long ago. They are pouring money into Thailand (as well as many other countries around the world including the US) by the bushel basket full. Fly now pay later (if you can)

4 hours ago, Srikcir said:

China doesn't seem to feel the blessing from Trump and Thailand practices the same trade protectionism.

When Prayut took power he immediately trashed Thailand's 184-year close association with the US - Trump may return the favor in kind. Thailand's seafood exports to the US would make a great hostage for new trade deals. Trump Tower coming to Bangkok soon?

Great bargaining chip!! Yes we have lots of rice for sale what is Trump interested in. 

1 hour ago, debate101 said:

Not beong able to write the truth and writing the complete opposite of the truth are not the same thing. It's shameless propaganda, and it's inexcusable.

But it seems to be working. 

Maybe it would be better to guess how many years before Trump bothers with Thailand.  He has other things that he will do.

31 minutes ago, HappyinNE said:

Maybe it would be better to guess how many years before Trump bothers with Thailand.  He has other things that he will do.

Yes your right its the other things that scare me.