Trade imbalance of more concern than human rights issues
THE UNITED STATES, despite of giving low priority to democratisation in its relations with Thailand, said yesterday it encouraged the Kingdom to move toward a return of elected government and democracy.
In a bilateral meeting between US Secretary of States Rex Tillerson and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai in Washington, democracy and human rights issues were not the key topic as the US gave more importance to the imbalance in trade that Thailand has with it.
However Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Patrick Murphy said Tillerson had heard from Don that some progress on the road map toward democracy and reconciliation has been made in recent years. “And Thailand is committed that the process is going forward,” Murphy said in a phone conference to journalists in Southeast Asia on Friday.
Bilateral relations between the two countries were adjusted since President Donald Trump took office after sour ties during the Obama administration, which often made harsh comments about the military coup in May 2014 and the suppression of human rights.
Problems in regard to human rights continue under the military government, but the Trump administration gives higher priority to economic relations and the role of Thailand as a treaty ally in the region.
“We, and specifically Secretary Tillerson, sent a condolence message to the Kingdom of Thailand and its people on the passing last October of King Rama IX. And we also look forward to continuing our historic relationship with Thailand – over 184 years – and we are treaty allies. Thailand is only one of five treaty |allies across the Asia Pacific and the relationship is important to us,” Murphy said.
Foreign Minister Don told reporters in a separate phone conference from Washington that he mostly discussed general issues about bilateral ties with Tillerson but specifically the imbalance in trade, as Washington will send a trade delegation to talk with Thai officials soon.
Thailand is among a dozen countries targeted by the US to “correct” an imbalance in trade. Don said his government was ready to talk with a US delegation on the matter anytime they want to come.
During the meeting the two ministers also explored the possibility of leaders visiting, as President Trump invited Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to visit Washington during phone call on Sunday. A visit to the US by Prayut could happen this year, Don said, but said it would not be soon.
