Thailand prepares for Trump as ties warm up

[webfact]

OPINION

Thailand prepares for Trump as ties warm up
By Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation

 

BANGKOK: -- From zero to hero is the trajectory of Thailand’s future relations with the US. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is scheduled to visit Washington in mid-June in response to US President Donald Trump’s invitation. The trip will mark an important step to repair the much-bruised bilateral relations after the May coup in 2014.

 

Before the prime minister’s visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan is also scheduled for talks with his US counterpart James Mattis in Singapore during the upcoming Shangri-la Dialogue. Earlier, National Security Council Chief Thawip Netniyom also held talks with Gen HR McMaster, a US National Security Adviser. On the sideline of the special Asean-US foreign ministerial meeting early this month, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai also met individually with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to boost bilateral ties.

 

These successive exchanges of high-level visits in the past few weeks indicate the urgency on both sides to quickly improve their strained bilateral relations. In fact, the Thai and US officials are quietly working on a possible surprise visit to Thailand by Trump. 

 

The US president will attend the Asia Pacific Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Danang and the Asean summit during the second week of November.

 

Currently, Thai-US relations are directed from the White House, bypassing the State Department, which is still not completely functioning because of pending restructuring and budget cuts. It is clear that Washington wants to restore strategic balance with old friends and allies. In Southeast Asia, Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore stand out.

 

Under the Trump administration, Thailand has personal support from both Tillerson and McMaster, who know the traditional values of Thailand and the US’s 200-years of friendship. Tillerson lived and worked in Bangkok while McMaster has a good personal rapport with Prayut, who got to know each other well when he was Thai army chief.

 

With this unusual support from the top, it is now up to the Thai-US officials at desk level to design future relations amid the new regional and international security landscape, ironically brought about by Trump’s arrival as president.

 

In the weeks ahead, security and economic issues will be important areas of Thai-US cooperation that would witness a sharp increase both qualitatively and quantitatively. The two sides have already agreed that their annual military exercise, Cobra Gold, will be bigger, with more international participants than before. Also in the pipeline – the long-delayed strategic talks will be upgraded to include both foreign and defence ministers. Thailand is the only US ally without such a high-level strategic framework.

 

In 2003 under the Bush administration, Thailand was designated as a non-NATO ally to signify its growing strategic value in the US’s overall anti-terrorism schemes. However, continued political turmoil and lack of regional leadership preceding the 2014 coup had a grave impact on bilateral collaboration. 

 

Many important projects including NASA’s weather project and a plan to boost logistics support for the US at Sattahip were politicised and subsequently derailed. Thailand’s democratic struggle and reported domestic discontent have dominated the discourse of Thai-US ties since then.

 

In retrospect, the dramatic U-turn by the Trump administration towards Thailand just shows Washington’s true intent and purposes in engaging with developing countries, Thailand in particular — the US is flexible, as long as it serves a larger US interest. Unfortunately, under the Obama administration, Thai-US relations were framed by a narrow-defined discourse of democratisation and public participation that threw a wrench into the washing machine.

 

Now Thailand has a clear road map towards the future, which the US and other countries can use to figure out their future relationship, or at the very least, it can be used as a policy-mapping tool. Domestic conditions and demands highlighted by public outcries and protests will no longer affect the US’s larger policy orientation as it did with the previous administration. As in the Cold War era, Thailand’ strategic values has suddenly gained strong traction in the White House.

 

In the case of Thailand, it must be noted that the struggle for democracy and respect of human rights are real and will continue unabated. Without the external pressure, local human rights defenders and people who advocate for democracy will have to be more vigilant and to their work with eyes on domestic domains, not all-out to impress outsiders.

 

With the new outlook for Thai-US relations, currently nothing is off the negotiating table, especially ways to boost economic cooperation. Thailand is one of 16 countries listed by Washington that needs to fix its large trade deficit with the US. From the Thai perspective, that is easy to clear. 

 

For years, Thailand’s repeated requests to purchase new military hardware were rejected on political grounds over the lack of democracy. Recently, the US approved the sale of Harpoon missiles for the Royal Thai Navy and Black Hawk helicopters for the Thai Army years after those requests were made. Further military procurements could quickly level off the trade deficit. Moreover, Thai companies are going global and are making inroads into the US in business sectors such as retail and food, which could generate jobs for thousands of American workers. And for potential American investors, the new Eastern Economic Corridor will provide many incentives to attract big pockets such as Boeing to set up shop here.

 

Thailand is now in the centre of strategic gravity with forces emanating from all parts of the world. The US and China, the principle players coupling with other major powers, are now testing Thailand’s diplomatic finesse and long-term strategic plans. We will find out sooner rather than later if we have the necessary mettle.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/opinion/kavi/30315209

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-05-15

[canuckamuck]

Trump probably thinks he is talking to Taiwan. What? There are two Taiwan's? No Mr. President, Thailand is a different country down below China somewhere.

[wakeupplease]

One thing is for sure should he go is that he will get a warm welcome from the demonstrators and he can do nothing to stop it.

[champers]

So the US foreign policy is to cosy up to those nations who will buy their military hardware, regardless of how reprehensible their regimes may be. I can't say this is a new idea, nor unique to the US. Britain and France have done/are doing the same. Who supplied Saddam Hussein with his supposed weapons of mass destruction? Any or all of the above. The Chinese are playing a more prominesent role too; submarines and tanks to Thailand being a good example. What a nice world we live in.

[ehs818]

None of this will happen, with perhaps the exception of the June meeting, because today a sealed indictment against Trump, Manafort, and Flynn was revealed thru a leak. Looks like Impeachment time will come within a few months when even the most ardent Republican will have to accede given the amount of pressure that they will be under from their constituents. Sad times!

[anon467367354]

1 hour ago, wakeupplease said:

One thing is for sure should he go is that he will get a warm welcome from the demonstrators and he can do nothing to stop it.

why would there be protesters, Is Soros going to fund "protests" in Thailand?

Edited May 15, 2017 by gr8fldanielle

[soalbundy]

He should do well here, he can share lies and fantasies with his counterpart.

[funandsuninbangkok]

Trump understands that America cannot change the culture of other countries unlike Obama. 

 

Let Thailand be Thailand. Maintain friendship and 

Edited May 15, 2017 by funandsuninbangkok

[mamypoko]

Are you saying that Trump understands things?

Edited May 15, 2017 by mamypoko

[Emster23]

Thailand needs to play up aspects here that Trump currently only can dream about: article 44, libel and defamation laws where truth is not a consideration, lese majeste laws (maybe he will urge a crackdown on foreigners that post nasty things about him. LM also covers insulting foreign heads of state), plutocracy, kleptocracy, strong military (so strong can throw out elected government), rewrite constitution to suit the masters, and on and on.

Thailand! Play to your strengths Trump admires!

[Thaidream]

I am sure Trump has been advised by his military command that relations with Thailand are important to the US strategic response to North Korea. Should war with N Korea breakout- America needs places to stage troops and park and refuel aircraft. Thailand has plenty of bases and a history of assisting the US military.  The General will be welcome at the White House and other important  players such as Tillerson; Mattis  and the American generals' will be most interested in keeping Thailand as a friend.

 

The question is whether Trump can remain as President.  His own words constantly sink him and he is acquiring powerful enemies  such as the FBI and American intelligence. Trump could easily take the pressure off himself by releasing his tax returns and appointing an independent prosecutor to look into the Russia situation. He won't do it because he is hiding something.

[elgordo38]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Under the Trump administration, Thailand has personal support from both Tillerson and McMaster, who know the traditional values of Thailand and the US’s 200-years of friendship. Tillerson lived and worked in Bangkok while McMaster has a good personal rapport with Prayut, who got to know each other well when he was Thai army chief.

Sure cast "Rex" and McMaster in a bad light. All peas in the same pod. Traditional values of Thailand like uh we are experiencing today?

[elgordo38]

1 hour ago, Thaidream said:

I am sure Trump has been advised by his military command that relations with Thailand are important to the US strategic response to North Korea. Should war with N Korea breakout- America needs places to stage troops and park and refuel aircraft. Thailand has plenty of bases and a history of assisting the US military.  The General will be welcome at the White House and other important  players such as Tillerson; Mattis  and the American generals' will be most interested in keeping Thailand as a friend.

 

The question is whether Trump can remain as President.  His own words constantly sink him and he is acquiring powerful enemies  such as the FBI and American intelligence. Trump could easily take the pressure off himself by releasing his tax returns and appointing an independent prosecutor to look into the Russia situation. He won't do it because he is hiding something.

Great birds eye view of things.

[elgordo38]

2 hours ago, Emster23 said:

Thailand needs to play up aspects here that Trump currently only can dream about: article 44, libel and defamation laws where truth is not a consideration, lese majeste laws (maybe he will urge a crackdown on foreigners that post nasty things about him. LM also covers insulting foreign heads of state), plutocracy, kleptocracy, strong military (so strong can throw out elected government), rewrite constitution to suit the masters, and on and on.

Thailand! Play to your strengths Trump admires!

Well said Emster!!

[elgordo38]

2 hours ago, mamypoko said:

Are you saying that Trump understands things?

Are cunning and understanding one in the same??

[elgordo38]

4 hours ago, gr8fldanielle said:

  5 hours ago, wakeupplease said:

One thing is for sure should he go is that he will get a warm welcome from the demonstrators and he can do nothing to stop it.

I admire demonstrators. To overcome them they now have riot police in heavy body armor and big clubs. They cast a wide net for protesters both passive and aggressive. They wiz you in front of a judge for a large fine and possibly jail and loss of your job as your boss is of course part of the establishment class. They got you between a rock and a hard place so be a good little citizen and shut up.  

[williamgeorgeallen]

2 hours ago, mamypoko said:

Are you saying that Trump understands things?

he  seems to know how to say things and then un ashamedly say something completely different. if i had the choice i would still pick him over clinton but the fact is i dont think it makes any difference. thailand will continue to play america off against america for their own benefit. thats how they got the third sub for free. wish i could get a free sub.

[elgordo38]

3 minutes ago, williamgeorgeallen said:

he  seems to know how to say things and then un ashamedly say something completely different. if i had the choice i would still pick him over clinton but the fact is i dont think it makes any difference. thailand will continue to play america off against america for their own benefit. thats how they got the third sub for free. wish i could get a free sub.

Try Mr. Submarine and show him that pretty smile. 

[Krataiboy]

Thailand prepares for Trump as ties warm up

 

Great news! I can see the soapy massage girls queueing up already.

[al007]

4 hours ago, Emster23 said:

Thailand needs to play up aspects here that Trump currently only can dream about: article 44, libel and defamation laws where truth is not a consideration, lese majeste laws (maybe he will urge a crackdown on foreigners that post nasty things about him. LM also covers insulting foreign heads of state), plutocracy, kleptocracy, strong military (so strong can throw out elected government), rewrite constitution to suit the masters, and on and on.

Thailand! Play to your strengths Trump admires!

Very interesting post

 

I personally admire Donald Trump, and what he is trying to achieve

 

I do not like some of the laws of Thailand but do my very best to fully abide by them

 

The law concerning libel and deformation is interesting, and needs careful consideration by the moderators, because maybe Donald Trump could sue Thai Visa for deformation in Thailand

 

I will not be surprised to see this post removed, but hope not, it is said with honesty and concern, and needless to say prior to hitting the submit reply button I have made a copy

[Luckysilk]

5 minutes ago, al007 said:

Very interesting post

 

I personally admire Donald Trump, and what he is trying to achieve

 

I do not like some of the laws of Thailand but do my very best to fully abide by them

 

The law concerning libel and deformation is interesting, and needs careful consideration by the moderators, because maybe Donald Trump could sue Thai Visa for deformation in Thailand

 

I will not be surprised to see this post removed, but hope not, it is said with honesty and concern, and needless to say prior to hitting the submit reply button I have made a copy

Very true it's something I've thought about especially with all the name calling.

 

I wonder about the defamation law when someone calls anyone who voted for the President a mass murderer because we want to see Obamacare gone.