[QUESTION: (Via interpreter) A member of the Thai press has just asked, following your visit here to Thailand, there’s been a press report from Washington Post regarding the treatment of suspected terrorists by the CIA, and the presence of secret prisons in Thailand. And what would be your view on this and whether there has been an investigation of this matter?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I do not comment on intelligence matters for obvious reasons. But I want to underscore the importance of my visit today to emphasize the very broad and deep relationship that we have with Thailand. It has been a very positive one, I think for both the Thai people and the American people. And I would only note that President Obama has made it very clear that his Administration and our country are committed to fulfilling the values and founding principles and high standards that the United States has consistently stood for.]
BP: So the "neither confirm nor deny" response. Not wanting to embarrass the hosts...[Bloomberg] U.S. Strengthens Southeast Asia Ties, Playing Catch-up to China
[The Obama administration plans to join a friendship accord with Southeast Asia, six years after China signed up and signaled a challenge to U.S. military might and economic interests in the resource-rich region.]
BP: More relevant to foreign policy and multilateral issues in ASEAN, but relevant to Thailand as the Sino-Thai relations is something which BP views has strengthened in recent years.[Bkk Post] Hiliary's Op-ed in the Bkk Pos
[I want to applaud Thailand for its new, comprehensive anti-human trafficking law that came into force in June 2008. The prosecutions and victim assistance we expect to see as a result of this new law's passage will be an important step in the right direction in combating a pressing human rights issue in the region and beyond.
On these and a range of other issues of common concern, including climate change and global health, progress will only be achieved through partnership between not just our governments, but also our people. Entrepreneurs and educators, doctors and scientists, friends and families have all joined hands across the Pacific in cooperation. This is especially true for the United States and Thailand. Our governments and our people have developed strong ties over 175 years of relations.
Of course every country has its challenges, and no democracy is ever a finished product. The challenge for the people of both the United States and Thailand is to leave our democracies deeper and stronger than we found them. It's hard work, but just as I have faith that each generation of Americans will meet that challenge, I am confident the people of Thailand will do the same. As they do, they can always count on the friendship and support of the United States.]
BP: According to the State Department's blog DipNote, a Thai version appeared in Matichon. More interesting for BP is that the Post and Matichon were chosen than anything that was said although from the rhetoric the Obama Administration appears to be focusing more on ASEAN than its predecessor.[Bangkok Post] North Korea fears forum criticism over missile tests
[North Korea has called on Thailand to protect its delegates from criticism during the Asean Regional Forum.
Pyongyang's ambassador at large Pak Kun-gwang yesterday raised the issue in talks with Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya ahead of tomorrow's security meeting.
Mr Pak requested an urgent meeting with the minister shortly after the five North Korean delegates arrived on the resort island yesterday.
North Korea is worried its recent missile tests would be condemned by countries participating in the forum, said Mr Kasit's secretary Chavanond Intarakomalyasut.]
BP: Ummmm. Is Thailand powerful enough to stave off the rest the other ARF members? Will then Thailand protect North Korea?
Actually, this is just govt. spin to inflate Thailand's role.[BERNAMA] Thailand Needs Bolder Approach On Myanmar
[Thailand needs a bolder approach in dealing with Myanmar to show that engagement with the country could produce concrete results and not empty promises, said the Human Rights Watch (HRW).]
Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.
