Exposed as unfit for office, Trump will use Asia to create diversions  

It is crystal clear that in the face of the controversy over the publication of the book “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House”, President Donald Trump will look to play a more active role in international affairs – in order to divert Americans’ attention from his obviously inexperienced and ineffectual leadership.
Asian countries should be prepared for more US pressure, including requests for cooperation to help stop North Korea’s nuclear weapons programme. Washington could also pressure our countries to open more markets for US goods, and to refrain from weakening our currencies to help boost our exports to the US.
Another thing about Trump is that he doesn’t mind dealing with the dictators. The current US president has broken with American diplomatic tradition by welcoming several foreign dictators to the White House.
Let’s hope General Prayut, if he decides to stay on as Thailand’s PM, will act in every way to benefit the country as a whole, and not just certain individuals or groups.
Chavalit Wannawijitr
Chiang Mai