Having spent some six years in the South Pacific I have watched with great interest the growth, prosperity, or lack thereof as well as other major Political events. By far the most serious and important one to this Journalist is the present conditions in Thailand as I have many friends there both Thai as well as American Ex-Pats.
In these conversations with my relationships with my friends and acquaintances the question arose time after time “Do we really matter to the US anymore, do they care”?
I was greatly troubled by these questions because it made me wonder myself given the actions or “no actions” taken by the US Government with whom the Thailand Government has had strong relations dating back over a Century so I began calling various Agencies and Congressmen to see if I could gain some insight of the United States position on this matter. There were weeks that went by with innocuous or non-responsive comments that were not worth the printing or letters declining comment at all.
Then I had an idea to approach the Senate Foreign Relations Committee whose voice is heard very loudly on Capitol Hill and I selected Senator Bob Corker, a ranking member of this committee and who undoubtedly would have a view but the question remained “Could I get the chance to get it “?
I called and reached the Foreign Relations Committee coordinator Mr. Harper who immediately called back but stated; “we will take the matter under consideration and get back to you”. “Yeah, Right”, I thought and a week passed with no response and I had crossed this one off of my list.
Then suddenly early one morning I received an email from the Committee coordinator that the Senator would in fact grant an interview and so with pen and pad I rushed to Washington as soon as I could book a flight and in and my thoughts along the way were to “give it all I got”, ask the hard Questions that the Thai people wanted to know and work hard and be persistent to get these answers from the Senator and don’t be shy about asking. After all, I had only one chance and the worst that could happen was they would politely ask me to leave!
When I arrived what I got was a total shock and found the Office of Senator Corker very gracious upon my entry there in the intimidating atmosphere of the Senate Building but most startling of all is that I found the Senator friendly but with a serious look upon his face with an attitude to match on this issue. So, I fired away the questions, the hard ones…..here is what I asked for, and here is what I got!!
Question: Can you provide your perspective on the U.S. relationship with Thailand following the coup?
Senator Corker: Thai-U.S. relations go back almost two centuries. As a major non-NATO ally, Thailand is an important partner for regional security as well as the people there. We’re particularly appreciative of their support on counter-terrorism and narcotics efforts as well as refueling support for U.S. aircraft involved in U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. In addition, our economic ties are very significant with the U.S. being Thailand’s second largest trading partner.
Question: Senator what are your concerns in this area given the present situation because I have conveyed to many here in Washington of the Thai’a feeling of their importance to the US.
Senator Corker: Let me assure you and the Thai people that we have genuine concerns, however, regarding the ongoing political situation in Thailand, including detentions and restrictions on freedom of the press and expression which in our view is a fundamental element of a society’s stability. The population is obviously highly polarized, which adds to the complexity of the situation, but the U.S. should support efforts to get the country back on a democratic path as soon as possible.
Dh- I found this statement to be not only profound in meaning but also how aware the Committee actually was in this present condition which was very pleasing to this reporter
Question: Do you agree with the Obama administration’s condemnation of the coup, including reconsideration of U.S. military cooperation and other assistance due to restrictions in U.S. law?
Senator Corker: While our nation has a long history of cooperation with the Thai military that I would hope that this can continue following the restoration of a freely elected government reflecting the will of the Thai people.
I do think at this particular time that the Obama administration took the appropriate step in announcing a reassessment of aid consistent with current U.S. law, which restricts assistance to countries where a coup has occurred. To be clear, these restrictions only apply to the government, so other aid to non-governmental organizations is unaffected.
Dh- this I found also to be of great relief as I know that the Thai people share this feeling, the US does have concerns and are indicating that at some point aid might be considered and given. This was one of the Hard questions that I wanted answered.
Senator Corker – I personally believe we should consider looking at our response to political transitions on a more case-by-case basis, but we have to abide by existing law. And due to civil liberties issues involved in Thailand right now, we should respond accordingly.
Dh- This was another tough one that I wanted answered; it said to me that the present coup would be monitored closely and, as the Senator stated “on a case by case basis” It was also the second mention of civil Liberties by the Senator and that was very revealing to this reporter, the people’s rights were of grave concern to the Senator as well as to the Foreign Relations Committee.
Question: What is your view more broadly on U.S. policy in the Asia-Pacific region?
Senator Corker: When I personally visited the region last spring, the big questions were about whether the U.S. could be counted on to maintain our obligations and if the message of making the Asia-Pacific a greater focus of U.S. policy would be met with action. We’ve watched with concern the increased tensions sparked by maritime and territorial disputes where a miscalculation could escalate into a dangerous situation.
Dh- This was perhaps the most revealing answer to the tougher questions of all for it tells of past, present & future close monitoring by the Senator and the Committee and the fact that they have considered with great care any sign of any escalation; simple meaning “Yes you are important, we are watching closely and we care “
Senator Corker: It’s essential that the U.S. reassure our allies and partners of U.S. security commitments. We must stand firmly in support of free navigation, unimpeded lawful commerce, and the rule of law. And, while encouraging restraint, we have to send a clear message that no nation can undertake aggressive actions to unilaterally alter territorial boundaries.
Dh- now this can be read only one way: allied support, standing firm, and uninterrupted Rule of Law.
Dh- I left the Senate Building barely able to breathe – I got my interview, asked the hard questions and they were unexpectedly hurled straight back at me, eye to eye – the answers which I sought, no dodging and no answers with “no comment”. Congratulations Senator and thank you for giving the People what they want and deserve – honest straight answers to highly charged political questions; how rare. You Passed!
* United States Senator Bob Corker from the State of Tennessee is a member of the Republican Party and serves as the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. He is a successful businessman who previously served as finance commissioner for the State of Tennessee and mayor of his hometown of Chattanooga.
