BANGKOK, Feb 5 — The long-standing Thai-US diplomatic relationship has worsened after the recent visit of US Assistant State Secretary for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel to Thailand late last month, according to the director of the Center for ASEAN Studies at Thammasat University, Prapat Thepchatree.
Dr Prapat told a news conference yesterday that he viewed the rift may catalyze closer ties between Thailand and China, which have already been strengthened and developed with several projects planned for cooperation in the pipeline such as the upgrade of Thailand’s northeastern railway system to the eastern seaboard terminus in Chonburi.
However, he advised Thailand to maintain good relations with the world’s superpowers and should not take sides. He believed Thai and US relations will improve when Thailand achieves the democracy targeted in its roadmap.
The problem reflects misunderstanding of western countries regarding the Thai political situation and the Thai government should do more to clarify them about the process of reform in Thailand, Assoc Prof Prapat said.
Daniel Russel is the most senior United States diplomat to visit Thailand since the military seized power last year.
In his controversial remarks at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok on Jan 26, Mr Russel expressed concerns about political fairness, freedom of expression and martial law. (MCOT online news)
