Criticizing the internal workings of a foreign government often puts editorialists on thin ice as it can often be a case of the pot calling the kettle black. But the Saudi government's strong criticism of the promotion of a Thai police officer who has been charged with involvement in the disappearance and suspected death of a Saudi businessman is nothing like that. Not only is it outrageous that such a promotion was granted to a police officer under indictment, it is equally outrageous that the Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who chairs the Police Commission, claimed Pol Lt Gen Somkid had been cleared by the commission of any wrongdoing connected to the disappearance. If he has been cleared by such an illustrious body as the Police Commission, the obvious question is: then why was he indicted? Statements made by the Saudi government indicate that there could be some serious discussion regarding the state of relations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand based on the promotion. The building and dismantling of international diplomatic relationships is a complicated matter, given that relations are normally established based on a wide array of intricate and interconnected issues. In general, such relationships should remain above the fray of on-the-ground incidents, governed by a more expansive view of international politics and economics. But the Thai-Saudi relationship has long been fraught with tension as many Thais have resented the presence of monied Saudis on vacation in Thailand, and Saudi authorities have often questioned the seriousness of Thai authorities charged with protecting Saudis from crimes in Thailand and prosecuting those which do occur. Nevertheless, it behooves everyone involved in the present incident to take a slow and wise approach. As infuriating as the policeman's promotion may be – not to mention that is in direct violation of Thai law – it is not the incident over which diplomatic ties should be broken. The Saudi government must continue to lobby loudly and vigorously for the prosecution of the officer and the withdrawal of his promotion. The Kingdom is well within its rights to make this incident known internationally and to bring as much pressure as possible to bear on the Thai government to rectify this wholly unacceptable situation. __
