Ties to Thailand

"...the uncomfortable truth is that there is simply no evidence that Obama’s policy of shunning Thailand did anything to improve the human rights situation there. Similarly, it’s hard to see how Trump’s outreach will automatically lead to a new crackdown." - American Interest article (mentioned)   "As part of this process, the ruling junta and affiliated groups are now once again tinkering with the rules of the game to both prevent [populist] parties from winning in the country’s next election as well as to retain enough power to intervene again at a future date..." - The Diplomat article   "Thousands of dissenting activists, politicians, journalists, and human rights defenders have been taken to military camps for questioning and, in the junta’s parlance, “adjusting” of their attitude. The junta has also compelled those released from “attitude adjustment” programs to sign a written agreement that they will not make political comments, become involved in political activities, or oppose military rule – all in violation of their fundamental human rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly." - Human Rights Watch article