A Dutchman from Cha Am has complained to the ambassador about the presence of a Dutch diplomatic representative last Saturday when Thanathorn of Future Forward had to report to the police station. This would endanger the interests of the Dutch in Thailand.
This is the answer of the embassy (Thomas van Leeuwen).
“I would like to explain to you the presence of a Dutch diplomat at the Phathumwan police station last Saturday.
Observing police and judicial proceedings is a legitimate and routine activity of embassies, which is fully in line with the Vienna Convention, which lays down the rules of diplomatic relations.
The presence of diplomats on occasions such as last Saturday is intended to provide our own government with correct information, not to rely solely on media reports. The questioning of a leader of one of the largest political parties, now just after the elections and at a time when a new government has to be formed, is a relevant event. The diplomats were there as an impartial observer. We have not sided with FFP or any other political party. Nor was media attention sought or encouraged by the diplomats at any time.
I hope to have informed you sufficiently."
Well, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stepped on its toes, but diplomats worldwide often observe high profile cases. So far Thailand has not taken 'revenge' for this? How should that be? Bullying citizens of specific countries with more migration rules? Home visits from the army? He is already busy inviting Thai citizens for conversations or routinely showing that the green arm is strongly present.
The EU representation issued a similar statement:
“Observation of hearings and trials is standard diplomatic practice worldwide. Its purpose is to enhance understanding of adherence to international standards such as human rights and due process.” (..)”Such observations are in no way indications of political preference or support for specific actors”.
Finally, the police were thanked for the good cooperation. Apparently things are going well at street level, but high up in the tree some people have stepped on their….
See also: https://m.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1660240/western-diplomats-deny-thai-accusation
An opinion piece from the Bangkpost Post points out that it is remarkable that the police show the professionalism that the Minister of BuZa, Mr Don. But the minister owes his job to the soldiers of the NCPO regime. The minister does not exactly radiate impartiality: “This strong tone and the harsh language could have been avoided. In fact, by abruptly expressing its “displeasure”, the ministry seems to be expressing its political partiality to the world.” the newspaper writes.
See:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1660512/envoy-flak-over-the-top
I would like to give my compliments to the NL, EU and the other embassies. Especially with dictatorial regimes, it is important to let people know that we stand for human rights, a fair trial, etc. It is great that these embassies publicly showed their faces by publicly observing this high profile case.
Earlier this week, a commenter complained here on the blog that our representatives are doing too little to express concerns about the conduct of these elections. It is evident that the junta and its 'independent' bodies do not deserve a beauty prize, but I trust that countries that stand for democracy and right at heart are certainly working diplomatically to make it clear to the regime that they are not a strange has to do things that are contrary to all kinds of treaties in basic human rights principles.
That's a clear explanation.
But could the Thai see that diplomat as interference?
Imagine if they start accusing him of espionage or something. I can imagine that they would rather not let falang snoop around in a police station.
It is absolutely justified that diplomatic checks are carried out to determine whether procedures are proceeding as internationally acceptable. Thailand claims to have a (certain degree of) democracy. Well, let Thailand make that happen. Who else wants to live under a (current type or variant) of military rule? What interest is there for the expatriate if Thailand is governed according to a military-political system? What repression is feared by the expat in question? Ergo: if repressions are to be feared because embassies monitor these elections, what does that mean for an even longer stay here?
It's good to keep a finger on the pulse.
But the text “Who else wants to live/live under a (current type or variant) of military rule?”
I think most people have not experienced the calm in the country in recent years as bad. There were no military posts where pressure was checked in the streets, the soldiers are not at all noticeable.
The years before, with all the chaos at the airports, and in Bangkok, gave much more misery.
We have a democracy in the Netherlands, but when I read the various forums people are completely dissatisfied with it and an elected government rules there. Should 1 of the parties such as the FVD and PVV get the majority, an elected dictatorship will have.
I hope that normal government will gradually return over the years, but without the pre-coup conditions.
Neat and clear answer from the embassy.
In my opinion unsolicited and unwanted interference from the Dutch embassy. Do we do the same in Russia and China?
The Dutch embassy can better spend its time promoting the interests of and helping Dutch people living in Thailand.
Looking after the interests of expats in Thailand is not the role of the embassy.
You got that wrong.
https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/wonen-werken/wat-doet-de-ambassade-voor-nederlanders-in-het-buitenland
Yes and vice versa, they also do it in the Netherlands and other countries because it has been established that every diplomat is allowed to do this and that is what is called and that is also stated in the answer.
I have not seen anyone from any diplomatic representation at the political power game in London this week, and certainly all on the leash of the USA
Excellent response from the ambassador.
A good and correct explanation that is very clear.
Bravo Dutch diplomats. I don't see our Belgian diplomats doing that.
There were diplomats representing Australia, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, UK, US, EU and the UN. So also bravo for the Belgians.
When I read in the newspaper that envoys, including from the Netherlands, were present, I was very pleased. This did me good.
Bravo
Nicely written and clear response from the embassy, it is indeed their job. Don't make a big deal out of it!
It happens more often that people are not satisfied with civil servants doing their job.
Personally, I'd rather they do their job than not do it. That's what we pay taxes for, right?
The answer also clearly states what they did, why, on what legal basis and in what capacity.
I am proud of my country for having such a policy. It concerns fundamental values and is extremely valuable.
I can hardly imagine that the Dutchman from Cha Am in question could not agree with the explanation of the Dutch embassy regarding their completely justified action. I have that much confidence in the neutrality of our embassy regarding this issue. That's why I don't think this complaint is justified. Otherwise I'm curious about arguments as to why not.
The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent a letter to the embassies about their dissatisfaction. See below. In a second statement, they defend the use of the military court (against Thanathorn), which other countries would also do. The trial (with fewer rights than in a civil court) is fully in accordance with the Thai constitution, procedures and legislation.
—
AIDE MEMOIRE
In line with international practices and obligations, as the receiving state, the Royal Thai Government respects rights of Embassy to monitor political and economic development and to observe events of significance in Thailand, for the Embassy's benefit of analysis, assessment and promoting friendly relations between Thailand and the sending state.
However, the incident at Pathumwan police station last Saturday (6 April 2019) involving a number of Embassies, including your own, while the police were carrying out their duty required under the Thai law, was clearly not consistent with such international practices and obligations.
Regardless of the intention, the presence of Embassies' representatives at the police station with such a visibility and the publicity it generated were clearly an act of political significance, seen by the Thai public largely as a show of moral support to Mr. Thanathorn.
In other words, it was a political act or a political statement on the part of these Embassies.
It clearly amounted to the Embassies choosing to be a player in Thai domestic politics, at least by having taken side in the country's political landscape.
The Royal Thai Government considers such action to be in breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR), Article 41, and the internationally recognized principle of non-interference in internal affairs of sovereign nations.
We have not seen such an act by diplomatic corps anywhere we know of.
Therefore, we want to register our displeasure and concern, ard to remind you of the international obligations under the VCDR.
We hope that such acts will not be repeated in the future.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Bangkok
April 10, 2562 (2019)
-
Sources:
– Andrew MacGregor Marshall (Zen journalist)
- http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30367614
- https://thaipoliticalprisoners.wordpress.com/2019/04/09/the-military-court-and-thanathorn/
As a country you cannot engage in politics without affecting individual citizens.
Measures against Dutch nationals residing in Thailand are conceivable, although unlikely.
That probably causes Thailand more misery than it's worth.
Especially since it concerns the representatives of a number of countries.
They will probably also support each other if Thailand were to take measures.
If it were only the Netherlands, the risk would be a lot higher.
And we haven't noticed anything yet, and the worst of the anger will probably have subsided by now and the common sense has probably already taken control again.
Prawit (Khaosod) writes in his opinion piece about the unrest in juntaland. It is among others the military who themselves cause the unrest by designating Future Forward as the new evil. Prawit hopes that people keep a cool head and do not fall for hate speech aimed at Thanathorn and Piyabutr, among others.
http://www.khaosodenglish.com/opinion/2019/04/13/opinion-lets-not-succumb-to-political-hysteria/