Sign of the times: Bangkok seeks review of key treaty with Washington

Article Abstract:

Thailand's desire to renegotiate its 28-year-old commercial treaty with the US has led to strained military ties between the two formerly close nations. Thailand claims the treaty, highly favorable to the US, is outdated. It rebuffed a US request, floated in the news media, to station civilian ships carrying military equipment in the Gulf of Thailand. Observers say the US should have been more subtle and less transparent. Now no other country in the region appears willing to host the ships, which might antagonize China.

United States, International aspects, United States foreign relations, Thai foreign relations, Treaties

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New rules, same game

Article Abstract:

Thailand's armed forces have carried out nearly 20 coup d'etats since 1932 but are now seeking new ways to assert their influence without direct political intervention. Thai army chief General Chetta Thanajaro has said that the military is determined to stay out of politics and his wish is to enhance the populist image of the army. The Thai people are generally appreciative of the army's new role in supporting democratic government.

Armed Forces, Political activity, Military policy, Armies

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The golden mean: faith in religion invoked to cope with modern pressures

Article Abstract:

Malaysia's prime minister, Mohamad Mahathir, views his society as becoming more religious and Muslim, while others are concerned about resulting social repression. Mahathir notes that religous toleration is basic to Islam and will be upheld by the government. He sees the rise of Islam as a healthy counterbalance to the shallow materialism and anxieties of modern industrial consumer economies.

Social policy, Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad, Islam, Religious aspects, Religion and state, Islam and state

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