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Thai Talk
Analysis and comments on political and current affairs
Permalink : http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/ThaiTalk
Thursday , August 30 , 2007
EU as election ‘supervisor’ or ‘observer’?
Posted by Yoon , Reader : 881 , 17:26:07  
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Has the Thai government over-reacted over European Union’s proposal to sign a MoU to send “observers” to monitor the next elections here?  Click to watch and listen to Suthichai Yoon’s comment on this new controversy.

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comment 10
Ian date : 02/09/2007 time : 00.04
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

If Greg and I both agree it must be true
Danuj, if I can return to your first comment, you say these are sensitive times, why are they sensitive times? Is it because the military know they are in the wrong? Is because the coup was wrong? Is it because events post-coup have made things worse? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then surely the free availability of outside observers is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate that they are seeking to put things right.
In effect the EU has said would you like us to come along so that we can confirm to the world that it was a fair election in spite of the comments about suppression of assembly, free speech and martial law.
Thailand has said butt out and mind your own business. That is their right, no one denies this, but it does send the wrong message to the rest of the world.
Does Thailand have an expression similar to the English one, " You don't bite the hand that feeds you". Economically Thailand needs to trade with the world, the world does not have to trade with Thailand.
comment 9
redandwhitestripes date : 01/09/2007 time : 20.46
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/reallifethailand

This is getting worrying - Ian and I agree three times in one day!
Rejecting the EU under the "don't interfere" demagogy implies there is something to hide.

Thailand's junta could show the world how serious they are about returning to democracy by allowing in as many EU observers as possible. They simply have to make it clear their role is to observe or monitor and not interfere.

The elections go ahead, the EU tells the world the elections went smoothly and Thailand is back! Everyone's a winner!

So why have the junta instead played the cheap and easy: "Look! The foreigners are trying to interefere with our country! Foreigners bad! Thailand good!" card again?
comment 8
Poomjai date : 01/09/2007 time : 17.03
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/poomjai

I think that Khun Sutichai sets it very nicely in perspective. No necessary problem with having observers from the EU or other (democratic) countries, as this is common practice in other countries that hold elections. Some sensitivity is required on how the terms of reference for the observer mission is framed. So quiet negotiation will be needed on this point between the EU Delegation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But in any case the EU does not have the power to impose its will on Thailand so a compromise/ agreement will no doubt be found.

As for the Foreign Minister's comment. Rather smacks of "the UN is not Thailand's father".... a comment widely derided by some sectors of the press at the time. :-)
comment 7
Ian date : 31/08/2007 time : 18.35
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

Danuj, I believe that all nations should have observers, observers can praise as well as criticise. Observers enable countries to learn from other's mistakes and also innovations. Take the case of electronic voting which several countries are experimenting with, many pitfalls are emerging and being dealt with.
comment 6
Danuj date : 31/08/2007 time : 07.25
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/State-vs-Religion

Ian: I believe you misunderstand my position. I do not object to having outside observers. I would like to see more of a joint effort between the EU delegates and our own election officials.

In answer to your question: If the nations you mention would want to participate in a democratic election by all means it would be a monumental achievement. I do feel it would be beneficial if other democratic ASEAN nations were to observe.
comment 5
Ian date : 31/08/2007 time : 05.55
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

Danuj, would you accept monitors from Burma, or Laos or even China?
comment 4
Ian date : 31/08/2007 time : 05.53
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

Rejecting EU observers simply makes it clear that there is something to hide. It has nothing to do with national pride, quite the converse, many nations are proud to have their elections observed, proud to show the world how well they can run an election.
Even teach other nations a few ideas.
Still when you ban stickers in taxi, ban distributing leaflets, have half the country under martial law, I guess you don't want outsiders poking their noses in
comment 3
Flybike date : 31/08/2007 time : 04.38
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/flybike

Who read the MoU? Where is written that the EU officials may speak with a loud noice to local officials and order them to do something or not? Where and when did they ever do anything like that?

On the other hand: What sense does it make if they are not allowed to observe every action with regard to the polls? If they are not allowed to go to whatever polling booth they want to go? If they are excluded when counting is going on? If they are excluded when election planning is done?

I think the EU election observers will just go home and tell the world: Sorry we cannot work because we had no insight view of the processes. Rather then speaking with a loud voice to officials.

And if not 200 people, how many are suitable for a country which has such a huge area and so many voters? If you want to cover the area, how many are suitable? 10 or 20? This would be ridiculous.

I fear the EU will just withdraw the offer and the Thai government lost an opportunity to proof their real interest in democratic reforms and elections. And after the election everybody will be free, as usual to claim votebuying from this side or the other side. Because there would be no unbribable observer who would be able to tell the truth.

Just ask them if they are ready to let Thai observer join the next EU elections. You will see if they agree why Thailand cannot agree to their proposals?
comment 2
Danuj date : 31/08/2007 time : 03.14
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/State-vs-Religion

I agree that the Foreign Minister may have over reacted but it is as you say, these are sensitive times.

I am not comfortable with the potential capacity of the EU delegation according to the MoU. It would make more sense to have the EU delegation act as advisory coordinators of a fair election processes instead of enforcers through oversight. In addition, I would like to see more participation from our regional ASEAN partners as they have a better understanding of our perspective.


comment 1
Ian date : 30/08/2007 time : 20.51
http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/anterian36

Yes!
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