[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 95 (Thursday, June 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 U.S. SHOULD REMAIN OPTIMISTIC FOR POLITICAL RECONCILIATION IN THAILAND

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 21, 2012

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the events over the past six years in 
Thailand have left the country deeply divided. A military coup 
overthrew an elected government in 2006. Violent protests demanding new 
elections in 2010 led to the deaths of at least 90 people. Rich and 
poor, military and civilian, politician and voter--all have had 
differences over the years.
  But, the newly elected party of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra 
promised to bridge those divides and lead Thailand towards a more 
stable and democratic future. For this country to move forward towards 
a more free and fair society, its leaders must push for political 
reconciliation between differing parties despite any opposition it may 
face today. The Thailand legislature is currently working its way 
through a political reconciliation bill. As it continues this process, 
the United States should be encouraged and hopeful in our ally's path 
to democracy and reconciliation. And that's just the way it is.

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