Thailand urged to promote peace in South China Sea

BANGKOK, May 15 (TNA) - Academicians have proposed that Thailand, as the ASEAN coordinator with China during 2012-2015, play a proactive role to advocate peace talks between concerned regional powers and member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in order to settle territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Among the academicians, Associated Professor Dr. Chulacheeb Chinwanno of Thammasat University acknowledged at a discussion panel on ASEAN maritime security, held at the National Defense Study Institute in Bangkok on Tuesday, even though Thailand is not directly affected by the South China Sea spats, Thailand’s role to promote regional peace now appears significant, as the country is the coordinator between ASEAN and China, starting from this year until 2015. Associated Professor Dr. Chulacheep, who is a key speaker at the panel, suggested that Thailand remain neutral but use its regional coordinating position to promote peace talks among all the concerned parties, and that nationalism not be played in such a way which would affect long-term relationship between ASEAN and the regional major powers. Both China and the Philippines have claimed the Scarborough Shoal as an integral part of their territories. The shoal is among numerous islands in the South China Sea claimed by China, the Philippines and other nations for their richness of maritime resources and busy commercial sea lanes. The recent confrontation between China and the Philippines has already become a test of solidarity for the 10-member ASEAN bloc. Experts who attended Tuesday's discussion panel analyzed that by siding with China, Thailand, an ASEAN member, could potentially be condemned of abandoning the 10-nation grouping, but the country could, on the other hand, lose out intimate relationship with China, if siding with the Philippines, also an ASEAN member. Remaining neutral, therefore, seems to be the best option for Thailand. (TNA)