Ripples of concern in EU-Thai relations

THAILAND and the European Union (EU) have recently had diplomatic spats over democracy, human rights and the rule of law. 

The story began when European diplomats based in Bangkok asked to see Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai so they could submit a “demarche” – to protest over the recently issued National Council of Peace and Order (NCPO)’s order no 13/2559.

As far as the EU is concerned, the junta’s order, granting military officers from the rank of sub-lieutenant the power to do police work, breaches the rule of law, while the NCPO’s “attitude adjustment” |sessions go against democratic |principles. 

A demarche is a diplomatic form of protest to express concern or disappointment over certain issues.

The Foreign Ministry’s Department of European Affairs told the minister that this request came at short notice and the issue raised could not be considered an urgent matter. The department advised that the minister, at his convenience, assign an official to meet the EU ambassadors. 

Hence, Don reportedly went to Vientiane to celebrate the Songkran festival with his Laotian counterpart, and assigned the ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary Panyarak Poolthup to meet the European envoys on Thursday. The European team was led by the EU embassy’s charge d’affaires Luisa Ragher,

After the meeting, the office of the EU in Thailand issued a press statement saying that “in the absence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union Ambassadors met Mr Panyarak”.

“The meeting was conducted in a cordial atmosphere conducive to frank and open discussions.”

The statement also raised concerns about the NCPO order no 13/2559 and called on the Thai government to uphold the principles of freedom of expression. 

“Granting the powers of the police and the judiciary to military personnel increases the risk of arbitrary detentions, breaches the rule of law and deprives citizens of essential legal protection and due judicial process,” the press statement read.

The EU ambassadors reiterated that the junta should allow all voices to be heard. 

They said using “attitude adjustment” sessions went against this principle and the fact that this tool continues being used, even for a longer period, against those expressing dissenting views was an alarming development. 

Late on Thursday, the Foreign Ministry countered the EU moves by issuing a statement, in which it said that Thailand was committed to democratic values and was making headway in the path towards an election in accordance with its road map. 

It said that the purpose behind the NCPO's order no 13/2559 was to enable military officers to render assistance and support to police and boost the effectiveness of law enforcement, protect innocent people and bring perpetrators to justice. 

It also said that the attitude adjustment sessions, which it described as a “training course”, would be conducted politely, without resorting to violence. 

“The Thai side believes that the European embassies in Thailand are in the best position to understand the complexity of the situation in Thailand and therefore hopes that they will listen to opinions from all sides in order to have well-informed and accurate understanding which is a solid basis upon which future cooperation and mutual interests will be built,” the Foreign Ministry said.