US Senate support for protest movement won’t impact Thailand – Foreign Minister

The United States Senate’s support for Thailand’s pro-democracy movement won’t have any impact, according to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Don Pramudwinai.

The US Senate recently introduced a resolution supporting the movement and calling on the Thai government to uphold human rights and refrain from “harassing, intimidating or persecuting those engaged in peaceful protests.”

The US resolution is non-binding and it will have no impact in Thailand, Don says. While the resolution made headlines in Thailand, Don says most Americans didn’t give it any attention.

“In Thailand the matter was spread due to several reasons… but in the US no one paid attention. They are focusing on the deaths from the Covid-19 pandemic and the transition after the US election.”

Before the resolution, some Thais were concerned that the US government was interfering with Thai affairs. Some even rallied outside the US Embassy in Bangkok, calling on the American government to stop a so-called “hybrid war.”

The recent resolution, backed by US Senators including Thai-American Senator Tammy Duckworth, concerned many Thais who were worried about the foreign government getting involved with local politics.

“The ministry was aware of concerns among Thais about this. As we looked into it, we found out that lobbying was at work.”

He added that the US ambassador recently praised the Thai government for their handling of street protests and was confident the political conflict would be resolved.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post

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