It's our fault we have a friend like the US
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Re: "Bangkok's take-away from Washington", Opinion, August 3.
I agree with Kavi Chongkittavorn that Thailand should be grateful to the US regarding the latest Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP). That report helps to expose how policy-makers in Washington view Thailand, their oldest ally in this part of the world.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was also correct in asking Thais not to blame the US, but rather ourselves and saying Thailand must move on despite pressure from the US and EU concerning how we suppress trafficking within our borders.
However, despite all this, it is heartening to learn that Thailand still has some sympathetic friends in the US. Congressman Chris Smith pointed out that China has convicted 35 traffickers, Malaysia three and Thailand 157 – and yet only Thailand is classified Tier 3. How significant that fact is.
It is obvious that Vietnam and Malaysia are not Tier 3 because they have agreed to join the US-initiated Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). So the US is applying pressure on Thailand over this issue via this TIP report.
Yes, it is the Thai side’s fault not to have noticed the US government’s behaviour towards us – especially under the Barack Obama administration. And, yes, it is totally the Thais’ fault to have overestimated the value of US friendship over the years.
Vint Chavala
