Thai junta forces rights group to cancel public launch of report on Vietnam's ethnic minority

[Viet]

Hm...I know VN human rights records are not among the best in the world. I don´t comment on the matter, either. But why the Thai military government is afraid of a human rights report on Vietnam to go public in Bangkok? can a report endanger thailand national security?

Does the thai regime fear a Vietnamese invasion if we get angry?
actually, there is no reason to fear.

@somsak

Sunai Phasuk, left, Human Rights Watch’s senior researcher in Asia, and Umesh Pandey, a board member of Foreign Correspondents of Thailand, right, talk to policemen at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in Bangkok, Thailand Friday, June 26, 2015. Thai authorities on Friday forced the human rights group to cancel the launch of its report on the Vietnamese government’s persecution of an ethnic minority, citing it could affect national security and bilateral relations. Thai police said in a statement Friday the scheduled event at the club could “have an impact on the country’s security or could affect the friendship and cooperation between Thailand and Vietnam.” (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Associated Press June 26, 2015 | 8:15 a.m. EDT + More

By THANYARAT DOKSONE, Associated Press

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's military government on Friday forced a human rights group to cancel the public launch of its report on the Vietnamese government's persecution of an ethnic minority, saying it could affect national security and bilateral relations.

The report by the New York-based Human Rights Watch describes persecution of Montagnard Christians in Vietnam's Central Highlands, whose religious practices have been described by the government as "evil."

Thai police said in a statement Friday the scheduled event at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand could "have an impact on the country's security or could affect the friendship and cooperation between Thailand and Vietnam."


It is the third event in one month that has been canceled at the venue. Two previous seminars involved topics about human rights situation in Thailand and the country's harsh law protecting its monarchy.

More than a dozen plainclothes and uniformed police officers were waiting outside the club, along with a police truck parked nearby. The club said it received a written order from police, issued on behalf of the ruling junta, to cancel the news conference where the report was to be launched.

The human rights report was available on the group's website. An electronic version was also sent to journalists by email.

The cancellation of the event is "very disappointing" and is "another affirmation that human rights organizations can no longer report, not only about situation in Thailand, but situations in neighboring countries in Southeast Asia," said Sunai Phasuk, Human Rights Watch's senior researcher in Asia.

"Thailand is now going to be known as the defender of human rights violators in (Southeast Asia), which added more damage to Thailand's already tarnished international reputation under the military rule," he added.

Thai authorities have cracked down on critics and dissents since the military seized power from a civilian government in last May's coup.

The Thailand section on Human Rights Watch's website was briefly blocked by the government.

In its report, Human Rights Watch called for the Vietnamese government to "end abusive policies and practices" that have forced hundreds of Montagnards to flee the country.

It said the Montagnards' beliefs and faith practices, such as De Ga Protestantism and Ha Mon Catholicism, are suppressed by the government on the grounds that they are not religions at all. It said the Montagnards have been subjected to intimidation, arbitrary arrests and mistreatment in custody.

There was no immediate response from the Vietnamese government on the report.



Thailand junta cancels human rights report launch on Vietnam - US News

 

[Reashot Xigwin]

This is the Thai gov you talking about. It's not surprising given their country are currently run by a General coo-coo happy pants Ocha. Which he see every things as a threat to the Monarchy & the country. So much so, his regime even banned the three finger salute from the Hunger Game among other things.

The regime even accuses John Oliver as a threat to the Monarch:

This also left Cambodia as the only sane country in Mainland ASEAN.

 

[somsak]

Thai culture minds other people's feeling. Sometime too much. Is n't it a good news to Vietnam that Thailand does not allow these people to issue report from our country?
Think more about it. Why do they need to issue report from our country given they can publish anywhere in the world? Who are these people and where do they get food from doing this?

 

[DaiViet]

In the region SEA, Vietnam is fear by many. This will give you a clue.

Royal Thai Armed Forces Day marked in Hanoi
(VOV) -On January 16, the 163rd anniversary of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day was ceremoniously celebrated in Hanoi.

Speaking at the event, Lieutenant General Nguyen Quoc Khanh, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, underscored the point that Vietnam and Thailand – both ASEAN members- share a number of cultural similarities and have maintained the time-honoured friendship.

The relationship between the Vietnam People Army and the Royal Thai Armed Forces has seen vigorous growth through delegation exchange and young military officer interactions, navy-to-navy cooperation, air force cooperation, education, information and experience sharing in building armed forces.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand’s recent Vietnam visit in early this year demonstrated the two countries’ desire to promote stronger bilateral defence cooperation, Khanh said.

Thailand Ambassador to Vietnam Panyarak Poolthup expressed his hope that the friendship and cooperation between the two armies are in line with the two nations’ expectation and contribute to regional peace and prosperity.

Here are some photos at the event:

 

[somsak]

Wh

In the region SEA, Vietnam is fear by many. This will give you a clue.

Royal Thai Armed Forces Day marked in Hanoi
(VOV) -On January 16, the 163rd anniversary of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Day was ceremoniously celebrated in Hanoi.

Speaking at the event, Lieutenant General Nguyen Quoc Khanh, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, underscored the point that Vietnam and Thailand – both ASEAN members- share a number of cultural similarities and have maintained the time-honoured friendship.

The relationship between the Vietnam People Army and the Royal Thai Armed Forces has seen vigorous growth through delegation exchange and young military officer interactions, navy-to-navy cooperation, air force cooperation, education, information and experience sharing in building armed forces.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand’s recent Vietnam visit in early this year demonstrated the two countries’ desire to promote stronger bilateral defence cooperation, Khanh said.

Thailand Ambassador to Vietnam Panyarak Poolthup expressed his hope that the friendship and cooperation between the two armies are in line with the two nations’ expectation and contribute to regional peace and prosperity.

Here are some photos at the event:

What clue?

 

[DaiViet]

What do you think of Armed Forces day of a foreign country marked in the capital of Vietnam?

 

[somsak]

What do you think of Armed Forces day of a foreign country marked in the capital of Vietnam?

I have no idea. Can you provide example that support your claim? Can u provide example where arm force day of a nation celebrated in other nation can be inferred as fear?

 

[DaiViet]

What do you think of this, why do Thailand have to brief Chinese and Vietnamese about its dispute with Cambodia? What role Vietnam and China in this?

Thai FM to brief Chinese, Vietnamese envoys on border clash
04-26-2011 16:27 BJT


BANGKOK, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya will brief the Chinese and Vietnamese ambassadors to Thailand on the latest border clashes between Thal and Cambodian troops.

Kasit will meet the Chinese ambassador at about 5 p.m. and the Vietnamese ambassador at 5:30 p.m. at the forieign ministry, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Thani Thongpakdi.

Briefings come in the wake of escalating border tension between Thailand and Cambodia with the exchange of fire on April 22-25 near the 13th-century Ta Muen Thom and Tha Kwai temples in northeastern Surin province bordering Cambodia's Otdar Mean Chey province.

 

[somsak]

What do you think of this, why do Thailand have to brief Chinese and Vietnamese about its dispute with Cambodia? What role Vietnam and China in this?

Thai FM to brief Chinese, Vietnamese envoys on border clash
04-26-2011 16:27 BJT


BANGKOK, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya will brief the Chinese and Vietnamese ambassadors to Thailand on the latest border clashes between Thal and Cambodian troops.

Kasit will meet the Chinese ambassador at about 5 p.m. and the Vietnamese ambassador at 5:30 p.m. at the forieign ministry, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Thani Thongpakdi.

Briefings come in the wake of escalating border tension between Thailand and Cambodia with the exchange of fire on April 22-25 near the 13th-century Ta Muen Thom and Tha Kwai temples in northeastern Surin province bordering Cambodia's Otdar Mean Chey province.

If a girl talk to you, will u infer that she want to sleep with you? Just because these 3 events does not have enough weight to be inferred as fear. Just like the girl example.

 

[DaiViet]

If a girl talk to you, will u infer that she want to sleep with you? Just because these 3 events does not have enough weight to be inferred as fear. Just like the girl example.

You dont have a mind of politician and general. Politic and war is not the same as "talk to a girl and get laid" it is much much more complicate than that, and most complex issues are hidden, they dont say thing that public can hear. Think about this event below, why China and Vietnam support become important to Thailand issue?.

Thai junta claims support from China, Vietnam amid Western unease
China and Vietnam have expressed support for Thailand's new military government, an army spokesman said on Wednesday, as pro-army supporters held a small gathering at the Australian Embassy in protest against downgrading of relations after last month's coup.

Several foreign governments have voiced disapproval of the coup, which saw General Prayuth Chan-ocha take power after months of political unrest that undermined the government of Yingluck Shinawatra.

"China's and Vietnam's ambassadors to Thailand met Supreme Commander General Thanasak Patimaprakorn yesterday and assured us that they still have a good relationship with Thailand and that they hope the situation will return to normal quickly," Yongyuth Mayalarp, a spokesman for the military's National Council for Peace and Order, told reporters.

Myanmar's foreign affairs ministry said it recognised Thailand's new military rulers.

"Thailand is a sovereign state and the military government has been endorsed by their king," Aung Linn, a director-general at Myanmar's foreign affairs ministry, told Reuters on Wednesday.

"Of course we do recognise them."

China's foreign ministry had no immediate response to the report.

The United States scrapped joint military programmes with Thailand days after the May 22 coup while the European Union has urged the military to free political detainees and end censorship.

Australia downgraded its ties with Thailand on Saturday, imposed a travel ban on junta leaders and cut defence cooperation, the toughest measures taken by a foreign government since the change of regime.

A handful of pro-military demonstrators gathered outside the Australian Embassy on Wednesday to protest against what they see as foreign meddling in Thailand's internal affairs. Some handed roses to police guarding the embassy.

The coup was the latest convulsion in a decade-long conflict between the Bangkok-based royalist establishment, dominated by the military, old-money families and the bureaucracy, and supporters of Yingluck and her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, who are adored by the poor in the north and northeast.



"FRIENDS NOT FOES"

The army is determined to silence dissent and has summoned around 300 activists, journalists, academics and politicians since taking power two weeks ago.

Many have been detained for varying periods of time and, in order to be released, have had to sign statements that they will step away from politics and halt anti-coup activities.

The junta has deployed thousands of security forces across the country to search for weapons in a bid to crack down on armed groups on both sides of the political divide. It has ordered Thais who have "war weapons", including explosives and grenade launchers, to hand them in before June 10.

The order did not include registered handguns. On a per capita basis, Thailand has more guns than most countries in the world.

However, the country in general has remained calm since the bloodless coup. There is little military presence on the streets and resistance to military rule has so far been peaceful.

In May, Thailand's consumer confidence index hit its highest level since January on hopes the military can bring the economy back from the brink of recession. The economy shrank 2.1 percent in the first quarter as political turmoil depressed demand.

The junta lifted a curfew on Tuesday in the resorts of Pattaya, Phuket and Samui, in order to "relieve areas that are peaceful and free from political protests" and to support Thailand's vital tourism sector.

The midnight to 4 a.m. curfew has not been lifted in Bangkok but the junta seems determined to win over hearts and minds in the capital.

Supporters of the military are trying to hijack a gesture used by demonstrators opposed to the coup, saying the three-fingered salute signifies the ills of the deposed government, and not resistance to the takeover.

The salute, inspired by the hit film "The Hunger Games", has been flashed as a symbol of defiance at street protests in Bangkok since the weekend. The military has warned demonstrators against making the salute.

Security forces detained at least seven people who joined flash mob protests over the weekend and held up three fingers against the junta, according to the ruling National Council for Peace and Order.

"We are monitoring those who use this signal but have no plans to ban it yet," deputy army spokesman Winthai Suvaree told Reuters.

"But if there are gatherings of five people or more doing this salute, then we will make arrests in some cases."

In its latest charm offensive, the army is putting on a concert on Wednesday evening at Victory Monument, one of Bangkok's busiest junctions and briefly the focus of protests after the coup.

"We want to show the public that the military is here to protect the people and will do its utmost to ensure stability," Winthai said. "Soldiers are friends not foes."



(Additional reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Erik de Castro in BANGKOK and Aung Hla Tun in YANGON; Editing by Alan Raybould and Raju Gopalakrishnan)

 

[JSCh]

Maybe Thailand do not want to be used to meddle in the internal affair of another country?

 

[somsak]

You dont have a mind of politician and general. Politic and war is not the same as "talk to a girl and get laid" it is much much more complicate than that, and most complex issues are hidden, they dont say thing that public can hear. Think about this event below, why China and Vietnam support become important to Thailand issue?.

Thai junta claims support from China, Vietnam amid Western unease
China and Vietnam have expressed support for Thailand's new military government, an army spokesman said on Wednesday, as pro-army supporters held a small gathering at the Australian Embassy in protest against downgrading of relations after last month's coup.

Several foreign governments have voiced disapproval of the coup, which saw General Prayuth Chan-ocha take power after months of political unrest that undermined the government of Yingluck Shinawatra.

"China's and Vietnam's ambassadors to Thailand met Supreme Commander General Thanasak Patimaprakorn yesterday and assured us that they still have a good relationship with Thailand and that they hope the situation will return to normal quickly," Yongyuth Mayalarp, a spokesman for the military's National Council for Peace and Order, told reporters.

Myanmar's foreign affairs ministry said it recognised Thailand's new military rulers.

"Thailand is a sovereign state and the military government has been endorsed by their king," Aung Linn, a director-general at Myanmar's foreign affairs ministry, told Reuters on Wednesday.

"Of course we do recognise them."

China's foreign ministry had no immediate response to the report.

The United States scrapped joint military programmes with Thailand days after the May 22 coup while the European Union has urged the military to free political detainees and end censorship.

Australia downgraded its ties with Thailand on Saturday, imposed a travel ban on junta leaders and cut defence cooperation, the toughest measures taken by a foreign government since the change of regime.

A handful of pro-military demonstrators gathered outside the Australian Embassy on Wednesday to protest against what they see as foreign meddling in Thailand's internal affairs. Some handed roses to police guarding the embassy.

The coup was the latest convulsion in a decade-long conflict between the Bangkok-based royalist establishment, dominated by the military, old-money families and the bureaucracy, and supporters of Yingluck and her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, who are adored by the poor in the north and northeast.



"FRIENDS NOT FOES"

The army is determined to silence dissent and has summoned around 300 activists, journalists, academics and politicians since taking power two weeks ago.

Many have been detained for varying periods of time and, in order to be released, have had to sign statements that they will step away from politics and halt anti-coup activities.

The junta has deployed thousands of security forces across the country to search for weapons in a bid to crack down on armed groups on both sides of the political divide. It has ordered Thais who have "war weapons", including explosives and grenade launchers, to hand them in before June 10.

The order did not include registered handguns. On a per capita basis, Thailand has more guns than most countries in the world.

However, the country in general has remained calm since the bloodless coup. There is little military presence on the streets and resistance to military rule has so far been peaceful.

In May, Thailand's consumer confidence index hit its highest level since January on hopes the military can bring the economy back from the brink of recession. The economy shrank 2.1 percent in the first quarter as political turmoil depressed demand.

The junta lifted a curfew on Tuesday in the resorts of Pattaya, Phuket and Samui, in order to "relieve areas that are peaceful and free from political protests" and to support Thailand's vital tourism sector.

The midnight to 4 a.m. curfew has not been lifted in Bangkok but the junta seems determined to win over hearts and minds in the capital.

Supporters of the military are trying to hijack a gesture used by demonstrators opposed to the coup, saying the three-fingered salute signifies the ills of the deposed government, and not resistance to the takeover.

The salute, inspired by the hit film "The Hunger Games", has been flashed as a symbol of defiance at street protests in Bangkok since the weekend. The military has warned demonstrators against making the salute.

Security forces detained at least seven people who joined flash mob protests over the weekend and held up three fingers against the junta, according to the ruling National Council for Peace and Order.

"We are monitoring those who use this signal but have no plans to ban it yet," deputy army spokesman Winthai Suvaree told Reuters.

"But if there are gatherings of five people or more doing this salute, then we will make arrests in some cases."

In its latest charm offensive, the army is putting on a concert on Wednesday evening at Victory Monument, one of Bangkok's busiest junctions and briefly the focus of protests after the coup.

"We want to show the public that the military is here to protect the people and will do its utmost to ensure stability," Winthai said. "Soldiers are friends not foes."



(Additional reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat, Erik de Castro in BANGKOK and Aung Hla Tun in YANGON; Editing by Alan Raybould and Raju Gopalakrishnan)

Let me get this "fear" issue from my point of view. Yes we do fear war as we are peace loving people. Thay does not mean we have no ability to fight and win the war, bro. As for VN, you look at the map, you can see we are actually natural allies. Because we are the third country. If Cambodia is a strong milotary expansionist. Conflict will occurs only weak Cambodia. Today map, we cannot fight each other on land combat because there exist cambodia. If you want to invade Thailand, you need major war with Cambodia. Until that happened, we do not fear VN. Last time u invaded Cambodia, you had China war. This time you invade Cambodia, I guess what may happen to your east sea. Therefore, land threatvfrom VN is not that much. For sea threat, we both have peaceful demarcation on sea border. We both are too weak navy for sea invasion.

 

[William Hung]

Thai culture minds other people's feeling. Sometime too much. Is n't it a good news to Vietnam that Thailand does not allow these people to issue report from our country?
Think more about it. Why do they need to issue report from our country given they can publish anywhere in the world? Who are these people and where do they get food from doing this?

Ignore this thread my Thai brother. Its just for a few insecure Viets that wants to tell other people, hey look everyone, Viet Nam is strong, Thailand is scared of Viet Nam. Just ignore this thread otherwise you will get trolled.

You are welcome to my “Is China a fascist state?” thread where the purpose is not for trolling but to learn and discuss about the world we live in.

 

[PIace of Space]

Ignore this thread my Thai brother. Its just for a few insecure Viets that wants to tell other people, hey look everyone, Viet Nam is strong, Thailand is scared of Viet Nam. Just ignore this thread otherwise you will get trolled.

You are welcome to my “Is China a fascist state?” thread where the purpose is not for trolling but to learn and discuss about the world we live in.

nah, this topic is more practical. Sometimes, we know a country but we can't change it.

 

[William Hung]

nah, this topic is more practical. Sometimes, we know a country but we can't change it.

We can change the world. Che Guevara made a big impact on Latin America. If more people become like Che Guevara, one Guevara, two Guevara, three Guevara.....we can change the world.

This thread has no practical purpose. It just wants to say, look, haha Thailand is scared of Viet Nam. I see no purpose in it.