Clinton to Thailand: Be a leader

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Clinton to Thailand: Be a leader

Published: 14 Jun 2012 at 03.48
Online news: Asia

WASHINGTON - United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced hope Wednesday that Thailand would play a greater leadership role after years of political turmoil that has shaken the oldest US ally in Asia.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced hope that Thailand would play a greater leadership role after years of political turmoil that has shaken the oldest US ally in Asia.

Clinton met in Washington with Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul ahead of formal talks Thursday on issues ranging from trade to human rights and the environment.

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robins
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Discussion 18 : 15 Jun 2012 at 01.0718
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Yes be a leader, tell the Americans to get out, go home and get their own declining house in order. Considering the evil things the US has done, especially since 2001, it's naive to think they are meddling in S/E Asia for anything other than their own gain.
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peterd
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Discussion 17 : 14 Jun 2012 at 23.3117
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Just means: we will not accept the next coup against the Thai people, we have already a big job to remove the dictators killing their protesters.
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franklin
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Discussion 16 : 14 Jun 2012 at 22.3416
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Really? Thailand a leader? In Asia? Who would follow? A leader sets a standard, an example of a proper and correct path to follow in order to reach a goal. The Thai government’s track record of setting goals and reaching those goals is on par with their promises made that never see fulfillment. To put it bluntly, it’s not very impressive. Thailand is severely divided with no honest, unselfish, ‘put-the-country-first’ and ‘represent the people’ candidate on the horizon. A leaderless Thailand is not a good candidate to lead Asia. But Hillary, you were very tactful to speak your message politely instead of saying “Get your act together”.
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wakeup
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Discussion 15 : 14 Jun 2012 at 22.2015
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The US is done wrecking the Middle East - or winding down at least, only a few more nations to go - now they are "pivoting" to Asia. Check Thaksin's Wall Street & State Department ties - Hillary Clinton is not someone you want "helping" you.
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banphai
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Discussion 14 : 14 Jun 2012 at 22.1114
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It's just another version of "be nice to America or we’ll bring Democracy to your Country". Thailand has very successfully resisted colonisation in the past and must be particularly vigilant just now as the USA shapes up for a long-running, serious conflict with China.
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Silkpit
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Discussion 13 : 14 Jun 2012 at 21.3013
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We support the kingdom of Thailand assuming a greater leadership role in the region," Clinton told reporters.
Right. And now imagine Jatuporn and Korkaew in the role of Leaders.
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geoffo
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Discussion 12 : 14 Jun 2012 at 21.1112
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D3 you say the US should back off is this so China can slide right in where it was.

The choice seems to narrow down to occasional benign US meddling or becoming a Chinese colonial outpost

After all those marriage aged Chinese males with no female partners have to go somewhere don't they
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soltair
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Discussion 11 : 14 Jun 2012 at 21.0811
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"in pursuing our common objectives for maintaining peace and prosperity in the Asia Pacific." Hmmm and NASA will use Utapao and the Philippines will receive new radar equipment. And it is not even Christmas yet. Looking at the history of Uncle Sam I would say they are at it again.
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amazed
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Discussion 10 : 14 Jun 2012 at 20.5910
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I'd say that the cart is firmly placed in front of the horse.
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yik
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Discussion 9 : 14 Jun 2012 at 20.489
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"... greater leadership role after years of political turmoil ... " after? Dear Hillary, when will that be?
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