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| Published in Washington, D.C. February 19, 1998 |
Thais angry over U.S. 'indifference'
America urged to intercede in worsening financial crisis
By Richard S. Ehrlich
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
BANGKOK, Thailand
The Asian economic crisis is stirring a rising wave of anti-American sentiment in this country, which was a staunch ally through the Vietnam War years.
On the official level, nothing has changed. Bangkok continues to court Washington and has extended an offer to the Pentagon to float an arsenal in the Gulf of Thailand.
Among Thais, however, a feeling that Washington is largely indifferent to the nation's economic woes has provoked anger and outrage.
The United States failed to contribute to last year's 17 billion dollar International Monetary Fund bailout for Thailand -- whose economy went into free fall after international currency speculators caused its baht to collapse -- but then threw three billion dollars toward the IMF's 40 billion dollar rescue package for Indonesia.
With suicides and nervous breakdowns on the rise, some people express gallows humor by suggesting Thailand now suffers from "AIDS -- Asian Investment Deficiency Syndrome."
The Bangkok Post recently portrayed Uncle Sam -- wearing a Klu Klux Klan hood and holding a torch marked with a dollar sign -- about to burn Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai, who was tied to a stake. A screaming Mr. Chuan's only hope appeared to be a nearby rain cloud dripping Japanese yen loans.
A cartoon in the Nation newspaper depicts a giant greedy for dollars, and suggests this is equivalent to a Nazi's domination over dying victims.
Some officials fear anti-Americanism may increase if Washington doesn't persuade U.S. taxpayers to give more of their money to the Thai government to help offset Bangkok's budget deficit.
The U.S. Congress is currently debating whether to approve 18.5 billion dollars to help replenish the IMF's coffers, which have been depleted by the massive Asian bailouts.
"Now we will find out who is a friend, and who is an enemy," declared Senate Speaker Meechai Ruchuphan in parliament. "Please remember that we should not use anything that belongs to an enemy, but use that of our friends instead."
Mr. Meechai earlier voiced harsh action against currency speculators. "I am urging all Thais to curse these people, to put a curse on the profit-maker who gets rich from our bones. These people should no longer live."
One Thai politician illustrated his anger by smashing a 14-inch television with a hammer, and throwing a Motorola portable telephone on the ground.
Thai Party Deputy Leader Suwat Yomchinda said Thais should stop spending cash on such foreign goods, and instead buy local products.
Anti-Americanism and nationalistic ridicule also have been directed toward Thai entertainers who endorse foreign pleasures.
Gossip columnist Mod Tanoi wrote she felt "radioactive with anger and outrage" over songstress Tata Young's involvement in advertisements promoting hamburgers and soft drinks.
"Maybe she could use a history lesson about what happened to the natives in North America after the foreign colony-builders introduced them to alcohol, cod-pieces, baseball, mobile homes and the concept of owning property," Mod added.
Historically, Thailand has been a strong U.S. ally. During the Vietnam War, which ended in 1975, Thailand provided airfields for most of the bombing. It also was a favored destination for rest and recreation for U.S. troops. American forces pulled out of the conflict in 1973.
U.S. Ambassador to Thailand William H. Itoh seemed defensive about the growing criticism when on Jan. 26 he announced 300 million dollars in fresh American loans to Thailand.
"This program is not just mere rhetoric or 'sweet words,' as some might call them," he said. "This is real money, and real assistance, for Thai consumers, Thai exporters and the Thai financial system."
The previous prime minister, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh -- who was hounded out of office when urban, middle-class and financial leaders turned against him -- predicted last month that the failing economy could spark a popular uprising.
"The next 45 days will be very dangerous, because the impact of the economic crisis will have reached the grassroots section of society," he said. "There may be unrest and violence of a magnitude which can topple the government."
Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej urged his people to go back to their roots.
"We have to go backwards, have to be careful, and have to return to unsophisticated businesses" such as agricultural work, the king said. "We need to go back, so that we can go forward."
"Whether or not we are a tiger [economy] is unimportant," he said. "We should rely on our own economy."
Activist groups, such as the Assembly of the Poor, say villagers are suffering the brunt of the economic problems much more than urban and white-collar workers who can cushion themselves by spending less.