Written evidence submitted by the Anglo-Thai
Society
It is with considerable anger that we have learned
of the proposed closure of the BBC World Service's Thai language
section as part of the latest round of "public service"
cost-cutting. Such a move would be extremely disturbing for the
people of Thailand, but also for all who, like the Anglo-Thai
Society, strive to maintain and develop strong relations between
our two countries.
In geopolitical terms, the proposal seems to
be shockingly ill-judged. At a time when we share with Thailand
the burgeoning threats of terrorism, of pandemics, and of natural
disasters, such as the terrible 2004 tsunami, it is cavalier and
undiplomatic in the extreme to remove from the people of Thailand
the most highly regarded source of balanced reporting in the world.
And we should not need to have to remind you that it would be
equally disastrous for the UK, when the British Chamber of Commerce
in Bangkok has grown to be second only to that of the USA and
the countries of the Pacific Rim are rising in economic and political
influence, Thailand among them.
Furthermore, the small Thai section at the BBC
is highly cost effective, and we question the basis on which this
decision is being taken. Nation shall speak peace unto nation:
no longer, it appears, even when the costs are small and the consequences
deeply regrettable.
We are therefore requesting an urgent re-appraisal
of so insulting a proposal on behalf of the 60 million people
of Thailand and of those in the UK who work to sustain a warm
friendship between our two great monarchies.
Emeritus Professor Philip Stott
Chair
The Anglo-Thai Society
16 November 2005
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