From the nation:
Protest against US planned Tuesday
A group of university lecturers, government officers, university students will submit an open letter to the US Embassy on Tuesday asking the US government to stop intervening in Thailand's domestic politics.
"We thank the US government for its concern over the situation in Thailand. However, we ask the US government to stop voicing its opinions and actions that are intervening to Thailand's internal politics," read the letter.
"Please also be respectful to Thai society for we are mature enough to find solutions through the democratic regime under the Monarchy which is different from American Democracy,"
The US government has been vocal since the coup took place on September 19. It has suspended the military assistance worth USD 23 million and has pressured the coup makers to remove the emergency decree.
The Nation
Protest against U.S. Invlovment
Protest against U.S. Invlovment
I fully concur with this and have infact went a letter to my congressional district to the same effect.
Yes I agree!I think it was reasonable to discontinue military aid initially,but once an individual entered into the picture as a proponet of the coup,the USA should have reinstated the aid.And they should stop the verbal interjections into the matter!
This has gone beyond military aid. I work for the US Navy (civillian govt employee) and was preparing for a trip over there to repair a tactical computer onboard a RTN ship. Well, technical assistance has also been suspended and now that repair is on hold until a later time.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck
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laphanphon
embarrassingly, i had to look that up, although, drop the 'ly' and it all came back. the main usa export seems to be rhetoric and hipocracy. less they forget their own history.baroquely
quoted by................................abraham lincoln, when north was thinking of succeeding first, then the south did follow thru, and you have one of the worst, bloodiest, human cost civil war/coup/independence fight of the time.This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or their revolutionary right to dismember or overthrow it.
sorce:Microsoft ฎ Encarta ฎ 2006. ฉ 1993-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
take into consideration, the usa has had 200 yrs to perfect their constitution and checks and balances. mainly the supreme court, fairly uncorruptable, due to appointee has no political connection once appointed as the job is quaranteed for life. many have not ruled as their political party at the time of appointment has expected, a rere advantage, ruling with you heart in line with rules of constitution, not perfect, but pretty close.
the thai constitution, all of less than 10 yrs old and flawed as the first major supreme court test failed miserably when taksin was up for asset hiding during campaigning in first election, though guilty as sin, vote went party lines and no charges, no barring from office for 5 yrs. a sign of future failings to come. then the power gained and loopholes used or created for him and trt party. appointed a respected corruption deptment head, more than qualified and doing an excellent job, only to be locked out of office and job function. sad. as i don't agree with coup tactics, it seemed the only vialble option to restore order and try again from scratch, knowing the mistakes of the past. not forgetting it is a constitional monarchy, well within the rights to have royal authorize coup, something quite the opposite of past anti royal coups. thailand hasn't ceased to function, if anything, expectations are high. time will tell, but they seem to be doing everything right. my only negative thought is the blackout of international news, but, they did seem to report negative thoughts and not something needed at this time. give them a year to get their sh*t together, then we can assess the benefits. but the future w/taksin looked rather bleak, especially if he was successful in changing constitution and remaining in power, which attributed to the failure of all the prior constitutions and pm administrations.
i find it extremely hipocritical of a gov't putting pressure on foreign country attempting to restore democracy to themselves from a country who recently invaded a country for no justifiable reason. and now haven't go a clue what, how and when to get out saving a little face. sounds like a repeat story where nobody has learned from their own history. cuba, panama, gulf 1, vietnam, korea, somolia, not many success stories of help/backing/support. usually invade, then cut and run. i'm guessing soon to be repeated in irag. what's best is, every conflict they involve themselves, they are fighting against their own weapon build up of a regime they thought was going to be friendly after they help win freedon from oppressive leaders only to become what the feared, then have to fight against their own weapontry again.
at least this internal conflict is for the better good of the country, as the military, while holding some power, seems generally giving most up to civilian experts to better things. where all the present and past usa infuences hasn't amount to much of a better living for the countries the helped in the past. vietnam, laos, cambodia, afganastan, irag, panama, somolia, and just too many to list. too many ignored as no profit to be make, rwanda, haiti, dafar and basically all of africa, well except them oil rich countries, whos US presence isn't appeciated by the majority, jut the ruling exploiting upper class.
jumping off the soapbox, just the thoughts of a demented laid back retiree trying to wind down without stress. no more coffee honey.
I don't know I think Broccolli worked pretty good in this case. 
You know I think if the Thai's are left alone they will work through this. Got myself labeled as brainwashed by some in the states when I expressed that thought early on in this. But, the inetersting part was that the individual who took that stance. Was born in Indio California, never served in the military, retired from Law enforcement there and is now the mayor of Indio. My guess is he will die in Indio, never owning a passport. I'm sure he understands Thailand.
You know I'm an American and I always will be. However, there are times I don't think my governments policy is correct, and this time I'm damn sure this is one of them.
Thailand is a stronghold of America in this region, we sure a heck need them just a much as they need our support. This will blow over and hopefully things will be the way people of Thailand want them to be, not the Mayor of Indio.
This was a strategic location during Vietnam not just a R&R spot. The world is a mess. The last thing we need to do in my mind is make a few more enemies, where there is no need. There is no need in Thailand.
My home counrtry needs to set back keep it's mouth shut and excercise some patience, before they have another Burma in the region.
It would seem to me that Uncle George should have enough to bitch about without getting his nose in this one. No need these people will take care of this if left alone.
When I left the states, I was convienced I would never vote again, however these jerks are really screwing up my plan.
You know I think if the Thai's are left alone they will work through this. Got myself labeled as brainwashed by some in the states when I expressed that thought early on in this. But, the inetersting part was that the individual who took that stance. Was born in Indio California, never served in the military, retired from Law enforcement there and is now the mayor of Indio. My guess is he will die in Indio, never owning a passport. I'm sure he understands Thailand.
You know I'm an American and I always will be. However, there are times I don't think my governments policy is correct, and this time I'm damn sure this is one of them.
Thailand is a stronghold of America in this region, we sure a heck need them just a much as they need our support. This will blow over and hopefully things will be the way people of Thailand want them to be, not the Mayor of Indio.
This was a strategic location during Vietnam not just a R&R spot. The world is a mess. The last thing we need to do in my mind is make a few more enemies, where there is no need. There is no need in Thailand.
My home counrtry needs to set back keep it's mouth shut and excercise some patience, before they have another Burma in the region.
It would seem to me that Uncle George should have enough to bitch about without getting his nose in this one. No need these people will take care of this if left alone.
When I left the states, I was convienced I would never vote again, however these jerks are really screwing up my plan.
jetdoc wrote:" It is all about the US self interest anyway."
Exactly! Does anyone think the US would be in Iraq if there main export was baroquely.
I don't think that there would be any interest in the Middle East by any major power if there wasn't any oil!The fact that there is oil,is the reason that it has strategic value to the balance of power.As much as everyone likes to use the oil as the main reason for the USA being in Iraq,IMO,it is not to get the Iraq oil,but to rid the overall region of an antagonistic regime undermining the entire regions power balance.
Russia,Germany and France were doing the bulk of the oil business with Iran!Thats why they opposed any military enforcement of the violated UN mandates and only wanted to continue sanctions that benefited them!
Russia and China will not vote for any type of action by the UN that jeapordizes their self interests in Iran and N Korea.
So if no one is willing to take unilateral action against them,we are at their mercy once they have established the production and proliferation of WMD's
I agree the US sticks its nose in other countries Bussiness way too much, however I have seen headlines in the newspapers where Thailand has critisized other countries actions and policies. As for the money the US is intitled to dole it out as they see fit, they don't owe the money to Thailand.
The recent events in Thailand may seem normal or at least not extremely out of the ordinary for Thailand but the US veiws the military overthrow of a democraticly elected government as a major step backwards. They just want to see which way Thailand is leaning before they send money to a country that may not be on their side anymore.
to jetdoc: of course its about the US interest. do you think they would intentionaly do something thats against there interest, that would be stupid.
to laphanphon: yes the Iraqi invasion was not very well thought out, but I don't think the US owes the world an appolagy for ousting a regime that the ruling dictator allowed his sons to force the schools to send them pictures of school girls so they could pick out the ones they wanted to rape and kill. maybe they wouldn't have invaded if Iraq wasn't a major oil producer but it don't matter what regime ruled iraq they would still sell oil. The world screams for the US to intervine in so many things and then bitches when they do. Seems we are dammed if we and dammed if we don't.
Yes I am an American and married to a Thai. I love both countries.
The recent events in Thailand may seem normal or at least not extremely out of the ordinary for Thailand but the US veiws the military overthrow of a democraticly elected government as a major step backwards. They just want to see which way Thailand is leaning before they send money to a country that may not be on their side anymore.
to jetdoc: of course its about the US interest. do you think they would intentionaly do something thats against there interest, that would be stupid.
to laphanphon: yes the Iraqi invasion was not very well thought out, but I don't think the US owes the world an appolagy for ousting a regime that the ruling dictator allowed his sons to force the schools to send them pictures of school girls so they could pick out the ones they wanted to rape and kill. maybe they wouldn't have invaded if Iraq wasn't a major oil producer but it don't matter what regime ruled iraq they would still sell oil. The world screams for the US to intervine in so many things and then bitches when they do. Seems we are dammed if we and dammed if we don't.
Yes I am an American and married to a Thai. I love both countries.
I aree that it would be better for Thailand if there is little or no interference from the USA.But the thought just occured to me,if the USA has investment in Thailand,requested by Thailand,then they have a right to voice their concerns!Maybe what is needed is a quieter exchange between diplomats without all the media hype!But then,somebody would be complaining that everyone has the right to know everything or it would be reported as distorted rumours to inflame more anti anti rhetoric to make more stories to sell more ads!
Oh and don't forget the political ''needs''!Each side has to appeal to their constituency!
lighspur1 wrote: "to jetdoc: of course its about the US interest. do you think they would intentionaly do something thats against there interest, that would be stupid."
Are you suggesting that to not invade a sovereign country for no ligament reason somehow equates to the US acting against their best interests. I would suggest that is quite a leap. The fact that bad things happen in the world is unfortunate, but I don't remember anyone appointing the US "World Cop"
Are you suggesting that to not invade a sovereign country for no ligament reason somehow equates to the US acting against their best interests. I would suggest that is quite a leap. The fact that bad things happen in the world is unfortunate, but I don't remember anyone appointing the US "World Cop"
The world screams for the US to intervine in so many things and then bitches when they do. Seems we are dammed if we and dammed if we don't.
In my mind thats the entire issue, so there is no need why not as was suggested if nothing else keep everything low key, they can get the job done without press releases and everybody will be friends when it's over.
In my mind thats the entire issue, so there is no need why not as was suggested if nothing else keep everything low key, they can get the job done without press releases and everybody will be friends when it's over.
lighspur1 wrote "Yes I am an American and married to a Thai. I love both countries."
I'm also an American married to a Thai, and I too love Thailand. My first experience in Thailand was in the late 80's, at that time Americans were well received even considered "special". This isn't the case anymore and to me the root cause is this "superiority/arrogant" perception we have earned. It is an embarrassment to me and if the US doesn't get it's act together I may have to learn the Thai National Anthem and opt for other solutions;o)
I'm also an American married to a Thai, and I too love Thailand. My first experience in Thailand was in the late 80's, at that time Americans were well received even considered "special". This isn't the case anymore and to me the root cause is this "superiority/arrogant" perception we have earned. It is an embarrassment to me and if the US doesn't get it's act together I may have to learn the Thai National Anthem and opt for other solutions;o)
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oldfield
Bloody well said. I applaud your honesty and frankness.jetdoc wrote:lighspur1 wrote "Yes I am an American and married to a Thai. I love both countries."
I'm also an American married to a Thai, and I too love Thailand. My first experience in Thailand was in the late 80's, at that time Americans were well received even considered "special". This isn't the case anymore and to me the root cause is this "superiority/arrogant" perception we have earned. It is an embarrassment to me and if the US doesn't get it's act together I may have to learn the Thai National Anthem and opt for other solutions;o)
lighspur wrote:
"The recent events in Thailand may seem normal or at least not extremely out of the ordinary for Thailand but the US veiws the military overthrow of a democraticly elected government as a major step backwards. They just want to see which way Thailand is leaning before they send money to a country that may not be on their side anymore."
In the same way the US has no problem sending millions to democratic organisations in Iran ok, I understand this.
(just like when the CIA gave millions before in Iraq with Ahmad Chalabi, the guy loved those millions
)
I wonder why they did not send millions to the Thai PDA ???
Who knows, perhaps the CIA did it
Let's ask Thaksin, perhaps he will agree with this
In any case I hope that the media will get there freedom soon back!!!
"The recent events in Thailand may seem normal or at least not extremely out of the ordinary for Thailand but the US veiws the military overthrow of a democraticly elected government as a major step backwards. They just want to see which way Thailand is leaning before they send money to a country that may not be on their side anymore."
In the same way the US has no problem sending millions to democratic organisations in Iran ok, I understand this.
(just like when the CIA gave millions before in Iraq with Ahmad Chalabi, the guy loved those millions
)I wonder why they did not send millions to the Thai PDA
??? Who knows, perhaps the CIA did it
Let's ask Thaksin, perhaps he will agree with this
In any case I hope that the media will get there freedom soon back!!!
[quote="cookie"]lighspur wrote:
In the same way the US has no problem sending millions to democratic organisations in Iran ok, I understand this.
(just like when the CIA gave millions before in Iraq with Ahmad Chalabi, the guy loved those millions )
I wonder why they did not send millions to the Thai PDA ???
Who knows, perhaps the CIA did it
I never said they were always smart or right, I was just pointing out its their money they have the right to spread it arround as they see fit.
On another note about thia's wanting the US to keep its nose out of other countries bussiness, Didn't I read in the Bangkok post the other day that Thais were protesting at the US embassy over a HongKong bra factory moving to China and wanting the US to intervine?
In the same way the US has no problem sending millions to democratic organisations in Iran ok, I understand this.
(just like when the CIA gave millions before in Iraq with Ahmad Chalabi, the guy loved those millions
)I wonder why they did not send millions to the Thai PDA
??? Who knows, perhaps the CIA did it
I never said they were always smart or right, I was just pointing out its their money they have the right to spread it arround as they see fit.
On another note about thia's wanting the US to keep its nose out of other countries bussiness, Didn't I read in the Bangkok post the other day that Thais were protesting at the US embassy over a HongKong bra factory moving to China and wanting the US to intervine?
See there is where life does get intersting, you want big brother in certain cases but not in others.
Sort of remends me of brothers in school, you never want big brother around as a norm, but if the bully is picking on you, then it's a good thing to have a big brother avialble.
But getting back to the subject I still have faith in Thailand to resolve this in a manner best for the country. I don't beleive any outside pushing is needed, I don't for one second believe an individual would have backed this if it was not headed back to Democracy.
The time that I will be truly concerned is when he is no longer in the picture. I couldn't help but notice how frail he looked giving his last speech.
Sort of remends me of brothers in school, you never want big brother around as a norm, but if the bully is picking on you, then it's a good thing to have a big brother avialble.
But getting back to the subject I still have faith in Thailand to resolve this in a manner best for the country. I don't beleive any outside pushing is needed, I don't for one second believe an individual would have backed this if it was not headed back to Democracy.
The time that I will be truly concerned is when he is no longer in the picture. I couldn't help but notice how frail he looked giving his last speech.