Washington red carpet for PM would be appreciated
US government officials appear to be locked into criticising Thailand. They will not change their stances unless Washington wants to improve its relationship with Bangkok.
And, with US official criticism going on, it will continue to fuel perceptions around the world that Thailand is unstable – even though the security situation here is far from threatening.
What is going on now is that Thailand, despite having close relations with the US since 1818 and having fought alongside it both in the Korean and Vietnam wars in the past half century, is suffering from humiliating criticism from its best friend.
Ironically, the forces that the US and Thailand fought against in Korea and Vietnam were backed by China, and yet China is now being treated as if it were the US’ only valued friend in the world, while Thailand is regarded as a pariah state by the US government under President Barrack Obama.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is being given a lavish, red-carpet reception by Obama at the moment, but it would be a miracle if Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha were to be invited in just for a handshake – even if through the back door of the White House at that!
What are friends for nowadays, anyway?
Vint Chavala
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