At the superpowers table, off their menu

COMMENTARY

At the superpowers table, off their menu

Published: 18 Nov 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

It is all so exciting. US President Barack Obama has come to Bangkok, soon to be followed by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao _ the world's two superpowers, back to back. Immediately, talk of which side Thailand should take abounds, debated by everyone from ordinary citizens to national pundits, so allow me to pitch in.

All countries involved _ Thailand, China and America _ will do what they feel is in their best interests, or to be more precise, the best interests of the ruling elites of their respective countries.

Hence, the side Thailand will take is, generally speaking, Thailand's side and in particular the Shinawatra family's side. What's more, playing one superpower off another to preserve our sovereignty is one of the few things Thailand is good at, at least historically speaking.

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joe_blow
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Discussion 28 : 18 Nov 2012 at 23.5528
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Don't forget who built and for why the original North-South "Friendship Highway" was constructed. It wasn't that long ago, some of my friends were Army Corps of Engineers stationed in Korat and Khon Kaen. They all had Thai girlfriends, many are now married, and all of them will never forget the most excellent, rewarding and educational time of their life.
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Ian
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Discussion 27 : 18 Nov 2012 at 21.5727
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Abbub, D18. I would imagine that what Ren is suggesting that we need world unity in the sense of not fighting each other but rather trying to solve and remedy the ecological damage and climate changes that we have brought about. As long as we don't start tossing nuclear bombs around, climate change is going to be the biggest threat to humanity.
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bennu
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Discussion 26 : 18 Nov 2012 at 16.4726
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Amid the power game of large nations, being that of the powerful elite we can conclude that the best way to protect ourselves is economic and social justice in sharing. Maintain a liberal front, and share what is there inside as best as possible, this is the best investment in a durable success. No one can blame you that you are not that big a country.
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kalid
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Discussion 25 : 18 Nov 2012 at 16.0425
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If China is indeed looking South, building a North/South highway seems like a dangerous thing to do. Let them use boats.
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rva
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Discussion 24 : 18 Nov 2012 at 13.1124
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Mr. Voranai, obviously writing for the Bangkok Post means that you have a predominantly foreign audience. So I don't know if your articles get translated into Thai as well. If not, your editorials need to be read by the masses.

Another good article. You should write a book.
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DONHUAN
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Discussion 23 : 18 Nov 2012 at 12.5123
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China’s geopolitical psychic of being “surrounded” by powerful adversaries is well known. Now that China has achieved some measures of economic and military power, her natural instinct is to create an open-corridor through the South China Sea. Countries, within the sphere of the SCS, are naturally concern of this development and would seek US as their “talisman” insurance. Of course, US would be happy to oblige, provide these countries can accept certain strings attached; after all the US’s core interests come first. “A single arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle.” – Chinese Proverb
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peterl
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Discussion 22 : 18 Nov 2012 at 12.4822
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Great stuff from Mr Voranai!
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Eric
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Discussion 21 : 18 Nov 2012 at 11.3921
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Obama first term foreign policy were more middle east focus especially Irag & Afghanistan and less on Asia. Only late in his first term did Obama after calls from USA Asia allies and the South China sea conflict, that he pay some attention to Asia. Now fresh from his re-election, Obama has made a strong statement regarding foreign policy for Asia. USA has a better foreign policy history for Asia while Communist China has no track record and most Asia countries are still very skeptical and less confident for China. Both countries are courting the smaller nations and Thailand will have to balance both attempts to assert strong influences.
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khunbill
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Discussion 20 : 18 Nov 2012 at 11.0220
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If Thailand is smart they will take the best of both whats good for them.
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abbub
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Discussion 19 : 18 Nov 2012 at 11.0019
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IAN D9: "The alternative is for the little fish to stay in his little pond, where the big sharks cannot reach him. Or as one retired General recently said, a 5 year freeze."

An interesting analogy. The problem IMO is the general wants the pond for the local sharks, the old predators that have been around for three quarters of a century. The idea is not to keep the country free from outside exploitation, just to make sure the exploitation stays local.

If Thailand could create a fair society and eliminate poverty, establish health care for all and assure freedom of expression, I would agree to keeping out the rest of the bogus advant
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At the superpowers table, off their menu | Bangkok Post: opinion