Politics is toxic for diplomacy

EDITORIAL

Published: 13 Feb 2013 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

Thoughtful people will agree with former foreign minister Kasit Piromya about some of his recent claims about relations with Cambodia. Harsh words have been exchanged recently over Thai diplomacy with our neighbour to the east. Mr Kasit said he had done his best when he was foreign minister to help two Thais who were arrested and jailed on espionage charges. His statements ring true. The problem is that so many Thais, including Mr Kasit, have made bilateral relations into a bitter political issue.

Mr Kasit, a career diplomat, served as foreign minister under prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, from late 2008 to mid-2011 when Yingluck Shinawatra became premier. This was a period of crisis in relations with Cambodia. Mr Kasit was often at the centre of the controversies. There was actual warfare on several occasions, with loss of life.

Diplomacy was poisoned even before his appointment. Mr Kasit, as a fervent supporter of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and its yellow-shirt mobs, had infamously attacked Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in a widely circulated video, calling him a "thug". Hun Sen made it clear he didn't like Mr Kasit or Mr Abhisit, and unprofessionally made the dispute a part of his foreign policy.

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brilliant
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Discussion 8 : 14 Feb 2013 at 06.258
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There were articles in multiple newspapers all claiming the pardon was because of the death and funeral of the Cambodian King. But let the reds continue to clutch at their few remaining straws.
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facts_only
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Discussion 7 : 14 Feb 2013 at 02.417
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brilliant D5 -
According to BangkokPost:
http://ww.bangkokpost.com/lite/topstories/330194/veera-ratree-nearer-to-freedom
they were released due to formal high-level requests made, and 'good relations' between the two countries.
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ringmaster
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Discussion 6 : 14 Feb 2013 at 02.196
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brilliant D5 The death of their king gave the Cambodians an opportunity to pardon Ratree and to reduce Veera's sentence. If the Dems were still in power and maintaining an antagonistic policy towards Cambodia then this would never have happened. Ratree and Veera can thank the PT government for garnering a more friendly relationship with Phnom Penh and for more politely and respectfully requesting leniency for the two PAD knuckleheads.
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brilliant
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Discussion 5 : 14 Feb 2013 at 01.495
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The truth is that Ratree was sentenced and only served two years because she was pardoned on the occasion of the death of the King. Period. Not because of Kasit, not because of Yingluck. Those who claim Yingluck was responsible really need to do some more reading and research.
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lungstib
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Discussion 4 : 13 Feb 2013 at 14.444
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Politics is the art of talking out a problem. Asean 'rules' are against any discussion that annoys your neighbor. Stalemate.
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whatajoke
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Discussion 3 : 13 Feb 2013 at 07.563
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Kasit wasn't the best choice of FM when it came to disputes with Cambodia, and likewise Hun Sen isn't the most savoury of regional leaders, one only has to study his background and the manner in which he has conducted himself over the years against opponents.
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ringmaster
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Discussion 2 : 13 Feb 2013 at 06.492
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"Reasonable people know Mr Kasit tried to represent Thailand as best he could when he was foreign minister." The world laughed at Kasit and the job he did "representing" Thailand. But the "buck" shouldn't stop at Kasit. It should stop at the person who selected him.
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facts_only
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Discussion 1 : 13 Feb 2013 at 05.351
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"Both were sentenced to eight years in prison on the questionable charge of espionage." - above

"Thai Patriots Network activist Ratree Pipattanapaiboon has talked about her experience while serving two years out of a six-year prison term in Cambodia..." - BangkokPost, 5 Feb 2013

8 years or 6?

FYI, there are recent pictures of Ms Ratree smiling, shaking hands, and wai'ing Yingluck on her facebook page.
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Politics is toxic for diplomacy | Bangkok Post: opinion