Prayut’s EU trip no champagne moment
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha may be overjoyed about his forthcoming trip to Europe, especially a chance to shake hands with the leaders of key European countries. But it’s too early to for the general to pop the champagne and celebrate.
During his planned visit to Europe late this month, he is scheduled to meet British Prime Minister Theresa May on June 20 and French President Emmanuel Macron on June 25, the last day of his visit. A group of business people will also join him.
Yet, it would be premature for the prime minister to assume that by agreeing to meet him, Ms May and Mr Macron are endorsing his military regime.
Of course, it is rare for leaders of prodemocracy countries in Europe to meet leaders from undemocratic regimes, let alone leaders who toppled an elected government in a coup. Gen Prayut falls into this unfavourable category.
The fact is: The meeting between Gen Prayut and the two European leaders follows a shift in the European Union’s policy which came last December when it announced the resumption of “political contact at all levels” with Thailand after a three-year hiatus triggered by the military coup in 2014.
The EU Council said that in view of developments, such as the promulgation of a new constitution and the latest promise by the military government to hold the election in late 2018, it is “appropriate to pursue a gradual political re-engagement with Thailand”. The 2018 election has been postponed, though the prospect of the election early next year remains intact after the Constitutional Court cleared the final hurdle by endorsing the organic bills on the composition of senators and the election of MPs. The two organic bills are among four key bills which will facilitate the election. The other two bills, on the election process and on political parties, have been promulgated.
Even if several political observers still show little confidence that the election will take place according to the latest roadmap, the EU has maintained its stance, enabling Gen Prayut to meet with Ms May and Mr Macron.
But Gen Prayut and the regime should not see the meeting as a green light for the military to loiter or defer a poll.
If we look back to the decision by the
EU Council to resume political relations with Thailand, we will see that it came with conditions.
In its statement, the European Council called for the “urgent restoration of the democratic process in Thailand through credible and inclusive elections and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms”.
It also noted that “the Council recalls with concern that political and civil rights and liberties have been severely curtailed in Thailand following the 2014 coup.
“Furthermore, civil society activists and human rights defenders continue to face judicial harassment.
“The Council stresses the importance of such basic freedoms being restored as Thailand proceeds towards democracy, and reiterates the importance it attaches to the role of civil society in a functioning democracy.”
The EU Council also stipulated that relations with Thailand will be under review with particular emphases on the lifting of restrictions on freedom of expression and the media, the lifting of restrictions on political activity and civil society organisations, the holding of
credible and inclusive elections in line with international standards leading to fully functioning democratic institutions, and the installation of a democratically elected civilian government under the new Constitution.
In short, welcoming Gen Prayut doesn’t mean the two European leaders endorse the military regime.
Not to mention that I personally believe that the reason behind the two European leaders breaking from conventional practice in meeting with the leader of an undemocratic country is economically, rather than politically, driven.
There is one prominent business sector involved. The national flag carrier, Thai Airways International (THAI), has signed a memorandum of understanding with France-based Airbus over a potential joint venture to set up an aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre at U-Tapao airport in Rayong with an initial investment value of 2 billion baht.
Gen Prayut will follow this up during his meeting with Mr Macron. In addition, THAI is considering procure a new 19-strong fleet and aviation giant Airbus wants to be the supplier.
Meanwhile, the UK has been promoting its expertise in science and innovation in aviation, education and security systems to Thailand.
The Thai government is making efforts to attract foreign business operators, including those from Europe, to invest in its ambitious Eastern Economic Corridor and plans to show off its plan to the UK and French interests during this visit.
The meetings with the British and French leaders will definitely boost the image of the military regime leader. Yet, it would be an illusion if he hopes such meetings will whitewash the image of him as a coup leader. Not to mention that he may have to prepare for some tough questions about political development from the leaders of two European countries which champion democracy, or his attempts at reconciliation which have been far from successful.
As I said, it’s no time to celebrate as there are many conditions set by the EU that the Prayut administration has yet to fulfil.
Welcoming Gen Prayut doesn’t mean the two European leaders endorse the military regime.