A perplexing week ahead

EDITORIAL

Published: 19 Nov 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

To say that this week will be a dizzying, busy week for Thailand is an understatement. For the next few days Thailand is playing host to the leaders of the world's two most powerful countries _ US President Barack Obama and China's Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.

Arriving in Thailand Sunday, President Obama's visit underscores the geopolitical significance of Southeast Asia and Thailand at a time when the US and China are competing for a firmer stronghold in Asia, which is set to be the world's strongest growth machine.

Just days before Mr Obama's Bangkok visit, US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta was in Thailand to strengthen the Thai-US military alliance. The Pentagon chief's visit was a curtain-raiser to Mr Obama's Southeast Asia trip to confirm the US determination to maintain its influence and contain China's power in the region.

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Eric
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Discussion 3 : 19 Nov 2012 at 11.463
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Perplexing week indeed when democracy, communist and anarchists all meet in a single week. Democracy may not be perfect, communist is not any better and anarchists simply evil.
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rebel4ever
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Discussion 2 : 19 Nov 2012 at 07.352
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The question is: The USA chooses for Thailand, but will Thailand choose for the USA? Friendship has to come from both sides. I think that Thailand wants to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds..
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oldairman
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Discussion 1 : 19 Nov 2012 at 06.391
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One reason for public demonstrations could be because without them the government can steamroller ANY legislation through Parliament that IT wants and nothing can be done about it. The more demonstrations there are means less dark corners for legilators to hide secrets in and the more publicity means that more people will be able to see what the government is doing.
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A perplexing week ahead | Bangkok Post: opinion