Thailand

Issue 

Thailand

Yet another glimpse into the reality of the New World Order emerged on our television screens on May 18 as Thai troops mercilessly opened fire and killed at least 100 peaceful demonstrators demanding democracy. The Thai military machine has been the darling of the west for decades for its resolute adherence to the "Free World's" jihad against communism. It has been generously trained, armed and funded by the west.

The regular and often brutal suppression of democracy by Thai generals has never really bothered the champions of freedom and human rights in Washington, Paris and Canberra. Apart from a few ritualised admonishments concerning this latest unfortunate "incident", it will soon be business as usual again.

This shouldn't surprise anybody, since for 10 years the United States enthusiastically backed Thailand's role in resurrecting the genocidal forces of Pol Pot, the murderers of over a million Cambodians, by giving them refuge, food and arms. The Khmer Rouge butchers are also for the "Free World", now dubbed the New World Order.

While a shaky constitutional compromise brokered by the king seems to have defused the immediate confrontation in the streets of Bangkok following the military's murderous attack, it is unlikely to satisfy the demands of the newly awakened democracy movement for long. Nor will the decision of the unelected prime minister, General Suchinda Kraprayon, to leave Thailand. A broad coalition of forces is likely to continue to campaign until the stifling, all-pervasive influence of the military in Thai politics and business is reduced.

Unfortunately, the Labor government's first reaction was to refrain from condemning the carnage, expressing only "distress" and calling on both demonstrators and military to show "restraint". Finally, after pressure mounted over this weak response, Paul Keating announced the withdrawal of 31 Australian commandos from Thailand and "put on hold" joint military exercises scheduled for later this year. He refused to expel about 100 Thai officers training in Australia.

The Australian government should place itself firmly on the side of democracy in Thailand. All aid to and cooperation with the Thai military must be ended, and all other aid channelled through Thailand's NGO sector. The Australian government should make it clear that any further suppression of the Thai people's human rights will be met with trade and economic sanctions.

Keating's oft-stated goal of Australia integrating with our Asian neighbours must be defined. Are we to be part of an Asia where ordinary people have freedom, democracy, a secure and healthy life and the power to determine their own futures, or part of an Asia ruled by brutal military dictators who preside over societies where only the wealthy and their western business partners benefit?

The Australian government's response to the killings in Bangkok, and the massacre in Dili, is hardly a reassuring answer to that question.

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