Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 Next 61 replies to this topic

[chatette]

Was rather startled to read in a WSJ op-ed piece today that Thailand's WHO representative told the group's executives meeting in Geneva recently that the country would take foreign nationals hostage until it gets vaccines in teh event of an influenze pandemic. The U.S. government has `demanded an apology,' according to the report. First I've heard of this. It could of course be a hollow threat, but it seems a very bizarre thing to say to such a group. Has anyone else heard of this and what do you make of it?

[Jai Dee]

Have you got a source for this "startling" bit of information?

[Jingthing]

Yes, that is startling.

Don't worry though. If they do that, in the US they will make the tens of thousands of Thai restaurants change their pad thai to pad texas, and then it will be sure to escalate to making Thai Elvises illegal.

[The Dan Sai Kid]

But, after 90 days the hostages will have to go to Malaysia and after 90 days there, return to Thailand to continue being a hostage.

[Thai-Spy]

Jai Dee, on 2007-03-13 13:40:07, said:

Have you got a source for this "startling" bit of information?

Artice preview

[Jai Dee]

Time for a Thai Apology

It turns out we're not the only ones concerned about Thailand's radical statements in the halls of the World Health Organization. The U.S. government has now lodged a formal protest with Bangkok, requesting an apology for Dr. Suwit Wibulpolprasert's call to seize foreign nationals in the event of ...




Thats all I can read because I don't have a subscription to WSJ Online.

Without violating WSJ's copyright, can anyone post the remainder of that paragraph?

It has not been reported anywhere else yet that I can determine.

[chatette]

...an influenza outbreak. The good doctor proposed holding Western tourists hostage until Bangkok received needed flu vaccines.

The op ed continues on with reference to Thai patent seizures, which I will not key in. Source AWSJ, pg 11, Tues. March 13, 2007

[Mid]

Foot in Mouth Hub ???

[Jai Dee]

Topic moved to News Forum.

/Moved.

[cdnvic]

Oh geez.... I hear that circus music playing again.

What a buffoon.

[slimdog]

Jai Dee, on 2007-03-13 14:21:54, said:

Time for a Thai Apology

It turns out we're not the only ones concerned about Thailand's radical statements in the halls of the World Health Organization. The U.S. government has now lodged a formal protest with Bangkok, requesting an apology for Dr. Suwit Wibulpolprasert's call to seize foreign nationals in the event of ...




Thats all I can read because I don't have a subscription to WSJ Online.

Without violating WSJ's copyright, can anyone post the remainder of that paragraph?

It has not been reported anywhere else yet that I can determine.

Hopefully not a copyright violation...
source: http://www.atlanticp...e.com/news.html

Article:

Time for a Thai Apology

March 13, 2007

It turns out we're not the only ones concerned about Thailand's radical statements in the halls of the World Health Organization. The U.S. government has now lodged a formal protest with Bangkok, requesting an apology for Dr. Suwit Wibulpolprasert's call to seize foreign nationals in the event of an influenza outbreak. The good doctor proposed holding Western tourists hostage until Bangkok received needed flu vaccines.

Dr. Suwit's comments at the WHO's January executive board meeting in Geneva "appear to contravene the spirit and provisions of the revised International Health Regulations," Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt wrote in a letter dated March 7, referring to the WHO's rules on how countries cooperate to curb the international spread of diseases. "Voicing support for these counterproductive policies at a multilateral, intergovernmental meeting...can impair global influenza preparedness efforts."

This isn't the only bad public-health idea Dr. Suwit has supported. As a special adviser to the Minister for Public Health, he was an important voice advocating the government's recent seizure of foreign drug company patents. As Ronald Cass explains, that decision could potentially undermine a carefully struck balance between protection of private property and provision of emergency drugs in times of crisis. The implications stretch far beyond Thailand's shores.

The military government in Bangkok isn't accountable to the Thai people through elections, and neither are their political appointees. Thais deserve more eloquent and enlightened representation in the WHO.

[Casanundra]

I can see it now. Lots of chickens on one side sneezing and wheezing and a wall of fowl Farangs being held up in the middle by a group of frightened Thai's hiding behind clucking away hoping that we all cop it first.  

Well if the Asian flu threat is going to last longer than 90 days I am sure there will be many foreigners lining up wanting to volunteer so they can have extra time in LOS courtesy of the Thai government health program.  

[Prakanong]

So which nationals then as not all countries are making the vaccine.

There is a pre-pandemic vaccine registered but a further vaccine may be need to be developed dependig on the strain if and when H5N1 mutates.

The WHO level of pandemic threat is level 3 - if it gets 5 we break out the anti-virals and get the vaccine first at our company - govt's get theirs next - so far not many have signed orders with noteable exceptions includig Switzerland.

[garro]

I wonder will they provide the hostages with a bill afterwards

[HenryB]

garro, on 2007-03-13 16:08:25, said:

I wonder will they provide the hostages with a bill afterwards

As anyone asked Sunbelt Legal Advisors  if this is a Advisor to us.  I am mix up please help

[PeaceBlondie]

Let me just guess, without knowing: holding foreign citizens hostage, in order to force their country to do something, is almost surely a violation of international law to which Thailand may be a signatory, and it very well could be considered an act of war.  Hello, Bangkok - is any sentient being in charge there?

[andook]

Doctor S#@%-wit's comments should earn him a public sacking at least, if the government want to keep up any sort of credible foreign relations.

I really am tired of the jingoistic bravado bull coming from supposedly eminent spokemen of this country. It probably appeals to shirtless Leo-swigging labourers, but at international level it is very juvenile.
The likes of Dr Suwit would be the first to fill their italian brogues with shite, should one of the G7 countries ever sail a gunboat up the Chao Phaya river...

Shut up, ffs!

[garro]

I actually admire the fact that Thailand is willing to stand up to, not only pharmaceutical companies but also, western governments. Profit has been put before peoples lives for far too long. I hope that this is the beginning of a worldwide trend.

[Tony Clifton]

Ridiculous personal comments made again by a Thai sent over not for what he knows but who he knows. Incompetence is plaguing this country at all levels, unbelievable.

Kiss you a55 goodbye if there is an outbreak, I'll be outa here by boat, not land or plane.

[andook]

Tony Clifton, on 2007-03-13 16:45:42, said:

Ridiculous personal comments made again by a Thai sent over not for what he knows but who he knows. Incompetence is plaguing this country at all levels, unbelievable.

Kiss you a55 goodbye if there is an outbreak, I'll be outa here by boat, not land or plane.

He's probably only in Geneva to meet his bank manager?

[Ricardo]

May I suggest that we long-term foreign residents are likely to be unaffected by this threat  -  as nobody really wants such a load of useless layabouts (editor :  should surely read 'valued visitors' ?)  and our countries-of-origin are secretly glad to be rid of us ?  

This really would be one-in-the-eye for those who feel tempted to tell us, if we don't like it here, to go back home !  

Wonder what comforts might be provided for us, in our temporary places of confinement, apart from all the fried-chicken we can eat ?       

Would this not be the greatest ThaiVisa get-together of all time ?      

[Prakanong]

garro, on 2007-03-13 17:44:09, said:

I actually admire the fact that Thailand is willing to stand up to, not only pharmaceutical companies but also, western governments. Profit has been put before peoples lives for far too long. I hope that this is the beginning of a worldwide trend.

So you think companies should give away the vaccines they spend fortunes developing and trialling?

Vaccine costs are quite low anyway - its about time govt's took care of their citizens and bellyed up to the bar and paid what are reasonable costs.

Not that there wil be enough vaccine produced in time for the whole world though!

[John K]

I am certainly not one to criticize the new Thai government, but based on a variety of news reports on several topics, it certainly seems the new government has created the international political fineness of the proverbial bull in the china shop. However my memory is not that bad as not to remember George Bush Jr. Having the same effect when he entered office.  

I will still reserve judgment but for now it certainly looks like muscle before brains.

[wintermute]

PeaceBlondie, on 2007-03-13 16:34:28, said:

Let me just guess, without knowing: holding foreign citizens hostage, in order to force their country to do something, is almost surely a violation of international law to which Thailand may be a signatory, and it very well could be considered an act of war.  Hello, Bangkok - is any sentient being in charge there?

I'm pretty sure the U.S. would act with "extreme prejudice" if U.S. citizens were hold hostage by the government here. At this volatile stage in American military politics anything like that could be determined to be a terrorist action and would be dealt with accordingly.

Edited by wintermute, 2007-03-13 17:16:48.

[garro]

wintermute, on 2007-03-13 17:16:23, said:

PeaceBlondie, on 2007-03-13 16:34:28, said:

Let me just guess, without knowing: holding foreign citizens hostage, in order to force their country to do something, is almost surely a violation of international law to which Thailand may be a signatory, and it very well could be considered an act of war.  Hello, Bangkok - is any sentient being in charge there?

I'm pretty sure the U.S. would act with "extreme prejudice" if U.S. citizens were hold hostage by the government here. At this volatile stage in American military politics anything like that could be determined to be a terrorist action and would be dealt with accordingly.

I think the days of people fearing the military might of the good old US of A are over
I think that it will be a long time before that particular superpower will  be able to invade another soverign country and I can't see them gettig away with a bombing campaign