Abhisit sets human rights record poorer : HRW

The Nation 23/101/2010

Thailand's human rights situation under Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was getting worse over the past year, New York-based Human Rights Watch said in its annual report Thursday.

"While Prime Minister Abhisit sometimes said the right things about human rights in 2009, his actions didn't match his words," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

"The government continually undermined respect for human rights and due process of law in Thailand."

The 612 page World Report 2010, the organization annual review of human right practice around the world, said there were growing crackdown on protesters and other critics, including intensive surveillance of the internet, a failure to curb abuses by security force in Thailand.

There were also serious breaches of the country's obligations to protect refugees and asylum seekers, it said.

The Nation

POST BAG Cambodia pours scorn on Thai scholar's article

Bangkok Post 22/01/2010

Re: the article by pseudo Thai scholar Pavin Chachavalpongpun published in your newspaper on Jan 18, 2010 under the title, ``In spat with 'Siem', Hun Sen needs Hanoi in his corner.''

This article is completely ridiculous, absurd and vulgar. It fully demonstrates how your newspaper has simply become a political tool serving the government in power and those who have a political agenda to undermine relations between Cambodia and Thailand, without having any sense of professional journalism, truth, tactfulness and politeness.

Your newspaper has allowed such a vulgar scholar to express his ultra-nationalistic and fundamentally provocative views, which have significantly contributed to the worsening of bilateral relations and escalating tensions between the two neighbouring countries. Both your newspaper and this pseudo, cocky scholar would be held accountable for the growing tensions between the two countries.

First, for Cambodia, the restoration of diplomatic relations depends on several important factors:

1. Thailand must stop demanding for, and encroaching on, Cambodia's land near the Preah Vihear Temple.

2. Thailand must stop opposing the inscription of Cambodia's Preah Vihear Temple on the World Heritage List.

3. Thailand must stop demanding to use its own term [Phra Viharn] for Cambodia's Preah Vihear Temple which has long been used by the Khmer people since the 11th century when it was built and named, as well as has been recognised by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) since 1962 and more recently by the World Heritage Committee.

Second, to say that ``Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen continues to challenge the Thai leadership'' shows complete ignorance. Samdech Techo Hun Sen has never challenged the leadership of any country, including Thailand's. Prime Minister Hun Sen only defends the national interests, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Cambodia. As the prime minister of Cambodia, he has the right to appoint any person to be adviser to the Cambodian government. This is the sovereign right of Cambodia.

Third, Cambodia's leaders do not engage in a ``zero sum'' game and would not use the balance of power in Cambodia's relations with its neighbouring countries. Our Cambodian leaders would never play ``one neighbour against the other'', as pretentiously claimed by this unscientific, discredited author. In fact, they are only dealing with real politics in Cambodia's relations with its neighbour.

Fourth, your newspaper should stop misleading the public on the history of Cambodia. Historically, the Army of the United Front for National Salvation of Cambodia was set up in 1978 by Cambodian leaders, namely Samdech Chea Sim, Samdech Hun Sen and Samdech Heng Samrin, and appealed to Vietnam for help in order to topple the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime.

Without the collapse of the Khmer Rouge at the time, there would not be any Khmer Rouge tribunal today. In fact, the Vietnamese troops all withdrew in 1989, two years before the signing of the Paris Peace Agreements in October 1991.

Fifth, the bilateral relations between Cambodia and Thailand are fundamentally based on mutual respect. If a neighbouring state treats another neighbouring country well, that country would certainly reciprocate in kind. This is the principle of reciprocity, which is widely used in international relations.

Sixth, I think that this pseudo scholar has quoted an opposition party leader in Cambodia, who is well-known as being ultra-nationalistic and xenophobic. By quoting Sam Rainsy's words on the Cambodia-Vietnam border issue, this vulgar scholar has allowed himself to become the spokesperson of Sam Rainsy, without knowing it.

Finally, to claim that His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Ambassador Hor Nambora, Cambodia's Ambassador to the United Kingdom; and Ambassador You Ay, Cambodia's Ambassador to Thailand, are of Vietnamese lineage is absolutely insulting.

This Thai ill-bred scholar, if he is civilised and well-educated, would not have stated such a thing _ that Cambodian leaders and high officials are ``Vietnamese proxies''. It should be recalled that these words were the favourite terms used by the Khmer Rouge to attack the government which had overthrown the genocidal Khmer Rouge regime in 1979. Do you know the name of the neighbouring country which helped and sheltered the Khmer Rouge in the 1980s and for most of the 1990s?

OUK SOPHOIN

Charge d'Affaires, Royal Embassy of Cambodia

Phnom Trop becomes a flashpoint

Phnom Penh Post 20/01/2010

CAMBODIAN and Thai military commanders are scheduled to meet for negotiations today after Thai troops asked Cambodian forces to retreat from a border area near Preah Vihear temple, military officials said.

Yim Phim, the commander of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Brigade 8, said RCAF General Srey Doek will meet with his Thai counterparts to discuss the disagreement and assert Cambodia’s claim to the Phnom Trop area, located adjacent to the temple in the disputed zone claimed by both Cambodia and Thailand.

“Thai troops are dreaming if they think Cambodian soldiers will move away from that area,” Yim Phim said. “We will not move forward or back.”

Yim Phim said Cambodian and Thai troops at Phnom Trop discussed the potential withdrawal of troops from the area this past weekend for about two hours. Though they did not reach a solution, the situation remains calm, he said.

Colonel Meas Yoeun, RCAF deputy military commander for Preah Vihear province, said Thailand has been repositioning its troops recently, but added that the movements are no cause for alarm.

“We have not been surprised by the movements of the Thai troops,” Meas Yoeun said. “Soldiers on the battlefield are like the boxers in the ring – always moving around.”

Om Yentieng, chairman of the government’s Human Rights Committee, told reporters on Tuesday that at a meeting between Prime Minister Hun Sen and Surya Subedi, the UN’s special rapporteur for human rights in Cambodia, Subedi expressed support for the Kingdom’s protection of its territorial sovereignty.

“[Subedi] assured Samdech Hun Sen that Cambodia is not isolated in this matter,” Om Yentieng said. “The UN will support Cambodia in defending Cambodian territory.”

Subedi also offered his support for Cambodia’s membership in UNESCO, Om Yentieng added.

In spat with 'Siem', Hun Sen needs Hanoi in his corner

Bangkok Post 18/01/2010

Relations between Thailand and Cambodia have shown no signs of improvement. Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya has insisted that normal diplomatic ties cannot resume until Phnom Penh ends its relationship with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Keeping relations sweet: Cambodian PM Hun Sen, right, with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Meanwhile, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen continues to challenge the Thai leadership. On January 12, 2010 Mr Hun Sen said that ties might be restored soon because Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's embattled government would not last much longer.

To understand what has been happening in Thai-Cambodian relations, one must not analyse them solely in the bilateral context. The need to consider other geopolitical factors, particularly within mainland Southeast Asia, is imperative in order to comprehend certain behaviour of political leaders and the reasons behind their policies in regard to their neighbours.

Cambodia is a small state, being sandwiched between two bigger neighbours: Thailand and Vietnam. Leaders in Phnom Penh have taken the advantage of its location by playing one neighbour against the other. This is not a new tactic. Siam used the same strategy when it dealt with the British and the French during the colonial period. Some Thai historians agree that it was this strategy that helped Siam escape colonisation.

http://bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/31105/putting-an-end-to-corruption

Bangkok Post 16/01/2010

Transparency International ranked Thailand 84th out of 180 countries in its 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index.

The no-nonsense attitude taken by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva in dealing with the latest corruption case to come out of the Public Health Ministry has had an unexpected result.

Possibly influenced by the rarity of seeing a government minister ordered to fall on his sword, opposition MPs are talking of postponing the censure debate they had intended to hold immediately after Parliament reopens on Thursday. Puea Thai executives say the party might wait until it has more ammunition.

No matter how it plays out, Mr Abhisit should be given full credit for the firm stance he has adopted on corruption. His administration must be encouraged to get even tougher on graft in the coming months. With economic recovery will come the need to attract greater foreign investment, rejuvenate flagging businesses and overhaul the worst aspects of the system we live by. This will mean an emphasis on innovation and accountability. There will be no room for bureaucratic overkill, outstretched hands or a return to "business as usual" if we are serious about success. It is time to eliminate these problem areas and bottlenecks.

Lack of transparency thwarted attempts to safeguard Hmong

Bangkok Post 13/01/2010

Since the end of the Indochina conflict in 1975, Thailand has been a generous host to hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing conflict and political persecution in the region. Many of these people endured terrible hardships and literally fled for their lives. These people, and the international community, will be forever grateful that Thailand was there in their time of need.

Shattered hopes: Young Hmong refugees play chess at Huay Nam Khao settlement in this June 11, 2007 picture. On Dec 28, 2009 the refugees, who wanted to be resettled in the US, were deported back to Laos.

Thailand was not left to shoulder this burden alone, however, as international agencies stepped in to construct housing, provide medical services and distribute food. Moreover, almost half a million men, women and children who entered Thailand seeking temporary refuge status have been ultimately resettled in the United States and other countries. Most recently, in 2004-2005, the US resettled 14,000 Laotian Hmong who had been sheltered in a temple at Wat Tham Krabok.

Since that programme, we agreed with the Royal Thai Government to begin large-scale resettlement for the ethnic minority Burmese refugees resident in the nine established camps along the border. Over 50,000 people have left Thailand for new lives in the US since 2005.

It is against this background of historical generosity and cooperation that the US was disappointed at the Thai decision to deport 4,689 Laotian Hmong asylum seekers back to Laos on Dec 28, 2009, despite clear indications that some in the group required protection. The asylum seekers were divided into two groups: 4,531 detained in an army-run camp in Huay Nam Khao, Phetchabun province, and 158 people in an Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) in Nong Khai province who were recognised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as Persons of Concern.

Speaking out for victims of violence

The Nation 11/01/2010

While some changes have been made to help the woman and children who suffer from physical and sexual abuse, much more remains to be done Ads by Google

After a day at school, the four-year-old girl is unusually silent. Normally cheerful and talkative, all she says to her worried parents is that she's been "injected" and that it happened at school. That night, she wets her bed. The next morning, she hides behind her mother when she sees a man on the street.

At the hospital, the doctor is able to calm the child long enough to conduct a complete pelvic examination and ascertain that she's been sexually abused. Two weeks pass before the little girl has a chance to identify the suspect. The parents file charges but are told by the police that an arrest warrant can't be issued. There's no evidence and the school principal doesn't believe the child.

The case is later referred to the Paveena Foundation for Women and Children. For the child and her family, the damage is done. The girl is taken out of school and they move to another province.

A tale of two sides of Bangkok

Bangkok Post 10/01/2010

There's an honest eight-year-old girl selling flowers in the streets with no hope for the future. Then there's a spoiled brat who will grow up to be a spoiled big brat who will determine the future of this country

As yesterday, Jan 9, was Children's Day, I would like to share with you, dear readers, a story about children. After all, the prime minister also announced yesterday that children are our future. Therefore, let's see what the future might hold.

Usually, at the stop light at a major intersection, my humble vehicle is surrounded by perhaps a Mini Cooper, a Mercedes, an Audi or even a Lamborghini. And I think to myself: ''Wow, lots of rich people live here.''

Sure, there are other vehicles of the middle-class range or lower, but why take notice of them? I'm already driving one.

No refuge here in 2009 for Rohingyas and Hmong

Bangkok Post 09/01/2010

Thailand used to be friendly to us. The fear of being killed made us flee to Thailand, to survive. Now it seems they detain us only so that they can deport us.''

These were the words of a Lao Hmong refugee who spoke to Amnesty International in late 2008, frightened of being forced back to Laos.

One year later, his fears came true. On Dec 28 and 29, 2009, Thai authorities forcibly returned to Laos around 4,500 ethnic minority Hmong. Among them were 158 recognised refugees who had been in arbitrary detention in Nong Khai for three years, despite four countries considering to resettle them. The others, who included asylum-seekers, had been living in a camp in Phetchabun province for several years.

Indeed, after more than three decades of widely recognised generosity in protecting asylum-seekers and refugees, Thailand reversed its course in 2009.

We are all responsible for the urban environment

The Nation 08/01/2010

Lack of civic awareness explains why Bangkok remains a dirty, polluted city

Bangkok may not be the dirtiest capital city in Asia but if you are happy about its overall hygienic condition, then your expectations are remarkably low. Pick a public spot and the evidence is always there. Litter, be it cigarette butts, used bottles, plastic bags, dog and cat faeces, and more, are still common sights. This is not to mention the dust and airborne construction debris.

This isn't to say that street sweepers and cleaners working for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) aren't working hard. For what they earn, and the level of pollution and trash they face, they deserve a great deal of credit, although some may argue that we need more of them and need them to work harder.

One area not pursued at this point is raising of awareness about the city's cleanliness and citizens' duties in contributing to such a cause. Not since Chamlong Srimuang was Bangkok governor two decades ago was any serious cleanup campaign mounted, and today, Greater Bangkok remains a dirty place. An ongoing campaign to educate Bangkokians about the virtue of not littering is needed urgently. And now is the time that action has to be taken.

The coming decade: Thailand's ten greatest fears

The Nation 04/01/2010

WE LIVE in the great paradox of our times. Thai people live longer and better than their ancestors enjoyed centuries ago. Yet, as we enter the second decade of the 21st Century, we are today more afraid of everything than before - just read the headlines in the Thai press during the past three days. To survive, a clear mind about ourselves and society - shortcomings and potential - is needed. The following ten greatest fears must be wrestled with and brought to ground.

1. CONCERN OVER HIS MAJESTY. The Thais have taken for granted that their King would live forever. Universally they would never think of losing a king. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej is 82 years old and has recently recovered from a month-long illness.

Sooner or later, the people of this country will have to decide on their political future - as nobody else can or will. Since 2001, political developments have pushed forward myriad forms of governance. Constructive and open debate on the unique institution he represents, so far enjoyed by foreigners, must be encouraged among local intellects. For the time being, lessons and insights culled from present and former kingdoms, near and far, would be useful.

2. FEAR OF LOSING THAI WAY OF LIFE. The easy-going life style which Thailand is famous for has long gone. At present we are a country of cynics who do not allow other people to excel at things they can do well. Every act seems treacherous these days. The usual Land of Smiles and Amazing Thailand is no more. Thais need to think outside the box and live on. A new Thai way of life that is more dynamic and multicultural will emerge incorporating traditional and new values. How can we stay free, as the word Thai means, if we remain static, narrow-minded, passive with agonised faces?

3. FEAR OF LOSING NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY. Thailand, formerly Siam, has warded off enemies and maintained the country's independence and freedom. The leaders of yesteryear were triumphant because the people were united and followed common leaders. However in present fragmented Thailand, many power wielders exalt their own demagoguery. As a result, ugly national tendencies have popped up. Right-wingers and nationalist extremists rear their ugly heads once more and are making news headlines everyday, recalling lost glories and territorial integrity.

Fear of autonomy, in terms of lexicon, has blocked many doable resolutions of century-old violence in southern provinces.

Repatriation of the Hmong at Huay Nam Khao

Bangkok Post 06/01/2010

Although the United States protested against the repatriation, Washington had earlier announced it would not resettle them in the US.

On Monday December 28, 2009, the Thai government began repatriating to Laos the last batch of 4,000 Hmong from Huay Nam Khao refugee camp in Phetchabun province, despite protest from the United States. While the Thai government considers that these Hmong people are migrants who entered this country illegally, the US considers them to be refugees fleeing a communist country.

This photo released by the Royal Thai Army shows a policewoman carrying a Hmong refugee child during the forcible deportation of thousands of ethnic Hmong to Laos from the refugee camp at Huay Nam Khao in Phetchabun province on Dec 28, 2009.

The nexus between migrant and refugee has become blurred in the new millennium. The old concept was that migrants moved voluntarily in order to seek better life opportunities while refugees were those who were forced to migrate due to political reasons. During the decades between 1950 and 1980, these definitions were useful in classifying mobile people in the world.

However, in this age of globalisation when people migrate massively due to complicated and overlapping reasons, the distinction has become uncertain and malfunctional.

Thailand Begins Repatriation to Laos of Hmong Migrants

VOA News: 28/12/2009

Move comes despite international concerns that they will face persecution in their home country

The Thai government rejects accusations by the international community that thousands of Lao Hmong refugees were being forcibly sent back to Laos. The Thai military carried out the deportation under tight security.

The deportation of 4,000 Hmong to Laos began in the early hours of Monday with convoys of military trucks and buses ferrying people to the border.

Human rights groups fear the Hmong, who have been held at the Huay Nam Khao refugee camp, will be persecuted once they return to Laos.

The U.S. government called for a suspension of the operation, saying Thailand has violated international humanitarian principles by forcibly returning the Hmong.

Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn denies that accusation. He says Lao authorities promise to grant amnesty to those returning.

'Health Tourism' Increasingly Popular in Asia

VOA News 22 / 12 / 2009

Medical tourism brought in $1 billion in 2007 and that is expected to triple by 2012, when the Health Ministry expects more than two million medical tourists

Asia is being seen as a growth center in the globalization of health services thanks to rising demand from developed countries as well as the region's expanding middle class. But there are concerns that so-called medical tourism will shift resources away from public to private health care systems.

Over much of the past 10 years Thailand has led the growing medical tourism market, as foreigners sought lower cost health services and ready access to treatment.

The services available range from complicated cardiac surgery, to cosmetic surgery to dentistry and even alternative care, such as Chinese medicine, yoga and traditional Ayurvedic treatments.

Rising international travel and the availability of information on the Internet have boosted the number of travelers seeking treatment.

In Thailand, as many as 1.4 million visitors arrived seeking medical care in 2007, the most recent year numbers are available - up from half a million in 2001. Medical tourism brought in $1 billion in 2007 and that is expected to triple by 2012, when the Health Ministry expects more than two million medical tourists.

US lawmakers worried over fate of Hmong

Bangkok Post 25/12 2009

WASHINGTON: : Nine US senators have written to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to protest against the possible expulsion of more than 4,000 ethnic Hmong back to Laos, where they fear persecution.

Thailand confirmed on Wednesday the move would take place by the year's end despite the international outcry.

"While we recognise that the Kingdom of Thailand is burdened by the large number of refugees it hosts on its territory, we encourage you not to take steps to repatriate any individuals to Laos at this time," the US lawmakers wrote in a letter dated Dec 17.

The group of ethnic Hmong, held in a camp in Huay Nam Khao in Phetchabun province, is seeking political asylum based on claims they face persecution from the Lao regime because they fought alongside US forces during the Vietnam War.

Democratic senators Russ Feingold, Patrick Leahy, Barbara Boxer, Sheldon Whitehouse, Mark Begich, Amy Klobuchar, Al Franken and their Republican colleagues Richard Lugar and Lisa Murkowski denounced the government's "lack of transparency" in screening the refugees.

"We believe that the lack of transparency in the screening and repatriation process only exacerbates these difficulties and heightens international concerns regarding these populations," the letter said.

The lawmakers urged Thailand to work with an independent third party to conduct a "transparent" screening process that complies with international norms.

PM denies plan for coup in Cambodia

Bangkok Post 25 / 12 /2009

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva insisted on Friday that his government has no plan to bring about a military coup in Cambodia to topple the Hun Sen government.

“My government has a clear policy to tighten ties with Cambodia and to refrain from the use of force in settling disputes with a nieghbouring country,” Mr Abhisit stated.

The premier said it was not necessary to explain his government's position to the Cambodian leader.

He said the ongoing misunderstanding by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen was caused by him receiving misguided and inaccurate information from a political camp in Thailand.

Asked about Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's offer to mediate peace talks, Mr Abhisit said he personally hopes that Mr Yudhoyono can help improve communication between Thailand and Cambodia.

Thailand firm on returning 4,000 Hmong to Laos

Bangkok Post 23/ 12 / 2009

Thailand confirmed on Wednesday it will send more than 4,000 ethnic Hmong back to communist Laos, where they fear persecution, by the year's end -- despite serious international concerns about the move.

Hmong refugees are seen at a Thai detention centre in Nongkhai province, northeastern Thailand near the Thai-Laos border, in 2008. Thailand confirmed Wednesday it will send more than 4,000 ethnic Hmong back to communist Laos, where they fear persecution, by the year's end -- despite serious international concerns about the move.

"It is worrying that while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seems to feel international pressure, the army is doing the opposite,"

Hmong refugees are seen at a Thai detention centre in Nongkhai province, northeastern Thailand near the Thai-Laos border, in 2008. Thailand confirmed Wednesday it will send more than 4,000 ethnic Hmong back to communist Laos, where they fear persecution, by the year's end -- despite serious international concerns about the move.

The group, held in a camp in Huay Nam Khao in northern Phetchabun province, are seeking political asylum based on claims they face persecution from the Lao regime because they fought alongside US forces during the Vietnam War.

"Thailand will complete repatriation of the Hmongs at Huay Nam Khao within 2009 because that is the government policy as discussed with Laos," said defence ministry spokesman Colonel Thanathip Sawangsaeng.

The confirmation came despite recent ministerial talks on the issue with Bangkok-based diplomats and a senior US delegation to Thailand.

Jatuporn reveals more papers

Bangkok Post 23/12/ 2009

Puea Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan on Wednesday made public an additional nine pages of a classified document he claims to have been prepared by the Foreign Ministry and outlining proposed action against Cambodia.

The pages shown by Mr Jatuporn at a press conference proposed taking three steps to counter the actions of the Cambodian prime minister. This included delaying Thai-Cambodian cooperation projects and reinforcement of troops along the border, particularly near the Preah Vihear temple.

The papers also proposed tough action against former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is now economic adviser to the Phnom Penh government and is being protected by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Mr Jatuporn, a leader of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship, on Friday released what he said were the first pages of Foreign Ministry document. They focused on how Thailand should handle its relations with Cambodia and described Thaksin as a "key factor" in the destabilisation of the government that must be eliminated.

Mr Jatuporn interpreted it as a threat to Thaksin's life.

Thailand preparing military action against Cambodia: Pheu Thai MP

The Nation:  19/12/2009

An opposition MP yesterday accused the government of planning military force against Cambodia if Prime Minister Hun Sen and Thaksin Shinawatra took any action deemed to violate Thai sovereignty.

This would include establishment of a government in exile for Thaksin on Cambodian soil.

Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Prompan said the military option was suggested in a confidential paper Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya sent to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on November 16 as a guideline for handling the conflict with Cambodia in a worstcase scenario.

"Preparation of a military option is equivalent to preparing for war against Cambodia," Jatuporn said.

"The end game is the normalisation of relations rather than regime change," Jatuporn quoted Kasit as saying in the leaked paper.

Little will change : Suthep

The Nation

Govt will stick to its stance if Hun Sen ignores the conditions: Suthep Thaugsuban, Deputy PM

We will wait until Thailand has a new administration before normal relations can be resumed, PM Hun Sen

Relations with Cambodia will not improve soon because Thailand is not yet ready to change its stance, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday.

"If the conditions are not changed, relations would remain the same for a period of time," he said.

Thailand has set as a prerequisite Cambodia removing fugitive former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra from his position of adviser to the Cambodian government and extraditing him to Bangkok if the country wants ties to be normalised. Thaksin's appointment is seen as interference in domestic affairs and an insult to the Thai justice system.

However, Cambodia has refused to follow any of the conditions, with Prime Minister Hun Sen saying that he will wait until Thailand has a new administration before normal relations can be resumed.