05BANGKOK3107 THAILAND: ENCOURAGING SUPPORT FOR THE IRAQ TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS BANGKOK 003107

 

SIPDIS

 

SENSITIVE

 

DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/BCLTV, NEA

 

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: PGOV PREL IZ TH IRAQ

SUBJECT: THAILAND: ENCOURAGING SUPPORT FOR THE IRAQ

TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT

 

REF: STATE 79107

 

¶1. (SBU) Poloff delivered reftel demarche to

Minister-Counselor Amornsate Singha, the new Director of

MFA’s North America Division. In subsequent conversations,

Amornsate said that the Royal Thai Government (RTG) has

already delivered congratulatory messages to both President

Jalal Talabani and Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Ja’afari through

diplomatic channels and is considering issuing a public

statement of support as well. Amornsate noted that the

language the RTG had used in its diplomatic messages was

almost identical to the language provided in our talking

points. Amornsate said that the RTG does not have any

objection to issuing a public statement of support, but has

not reached consensus on appropriate language within the

Foreign Ministry.

 

¶2. (SBU) Poloff asked if Foreign Minister Kanthati — who

departs May 10 for a May 13 meeting with the Secretary –

would be prepared to issue a statement during his visit to

the U.S.. Amornsate said that a statement of support for the

Iraq Transitional Government has been included in FM

Kanthati’s trip talking points and background material, but

he could not confirm whether the Foreign Minister would make

a public statement during the visit.

BOYCE

05BANGKOK3045 BLUE LATERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK ON APPLICATION 05-955010

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS BANGKOK 003045

 

SIPDIS

 

DEPARTMENT FOR PM/DTCC (JSTITZIEL)

 

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: ETTC KOMC TH BLUE LANTERN

SUBJECT: BLUE LATERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK ON

APPLICATION 05-955010

 

REF: STATE 68288

 

¶1. Pol FSN made inquiries to establish the bona fides of

Olympic Arm & Ammunition Co. as requested in reftel.

According to the Department of Business Development of the

Thai Commerce Ministry, Olympic Arm and Ammunition (Thailand)

Co., Ltd. has a three person executive committee made up of

Mr. Charan Chawala, Mr. Witsanu Chamala and Mr. Anuchit

Kanphakdi, all Thai nationals. The company changed its name

from “the Golden Arm Co., Ltd” on August 17, 1999. It is

capitalized at 32 million baht (aprox. 820,000 USD).

 

¶2. An inquiry with Col Chanachit Charoen-nuang of the

Defense Permanent Secretary Office, Ministry of Defense,

confirmed that the company is recognized under Thai law and

has valid permits to operate factories to manufacture

ammunition in Thailand. The company also is permitted to

manufacture Austrian Glock and Italian Beretta automatic

pistols under license. Thai clients of the company include

the Royal Thai Army, National Police, and state-owned firing

ranges nation-wide. The Ministry of Defense has two military

officials (one officer and one NCO) posted at the factory

around the clock to monitor production.

 

¶3. According to Colonel Phunsi Ratsami, Director of the

Industry Control Division of the Royal Thai Defense Industry

Department — the Thai government agency tasked with

overseeing defense contractors — Olympic is certified under

Thai law to manufacture 9 mm, .38 cal., and .45 cal

ammunition.

 

¶4. Pol FSN visited Olympic’s manufacturing facility in

Nakhon Sawan, approximately 240 kilometers north of Bangkok,

on May 3. He noted it was in a controlled access location

and had unarmed civilian guards checking all vehicles and

persons trying to enter the compound. While there, he met

with Mr. Charan Chawla, Managing Director of the Company, who

explained his company’s former relationship with the Greek

firm, Olympic Arms and Ammunition, Co., Ltd (same name as the

Thai firm).

 

¶5. According to Mr. Charan, in 1999, he approached Mr.Vasili

Papadupolos, the Greek National Owner of Greece’s Olympic

Arms and Ammunition Co., Ltd, through Charon’s company

“Golden Arm Co., Ltd,” and invited Papadupolos to buy shares

in his Thai company in exchange for Papadupolos’s technology

and ammunition manufacturing know-how. Papadupolos agreed,

and promised to buy 615,000 out of 1,250,000 shares in

Charan’s company. Charan agreed to change the name of the

Thai company to Olympic Arm and Ammunition (Thailand) Co.,

Ltd. Charan said this agreement was oral only. After Charan

changed his company’s name, Papadupolos changed his mind and

decided not to pay for his shares in the new venture. Charan

had already changed his company’s name and decided to remain

in business as Olympic. Charan claims that Papadupolos still

technically holds one token share in his company. He

suggested that it would be too cumbersome under Thai law to

remove Papadupolos’s small stake in Olympic Thailand. Since

Papadupolos’s withdrawal from the venture, Charon claimed to

have never been in contact with the Greek again. Charan

recently learned of Papadupolos’s arrest in Italy. Plans to

change the name of the company are underway and are expected

to be completed by June this year.

 

¶6. Pol FSN learned that Olympic Thailand has no foreign

subsidiaries and that all of its 50 plus employees are Thai

nationals. Employees must undergo fingerprint checks each

day to verify their identity. The production line operates

from 0800-1700 on weekdays. In addition to the contracts

mentioned in para 2 above, the Thai Department of Special

Investigation of the Ministry of Justice and the Narcotics

Control Board of the Prime Minister’s office have recently

approached Olympic about possible contracts. The company is

not allowed to sell its products in the private sector except

at one facility in Pattaya Thailand. Bullets produced by the

company are marketed to firing ranges under the “Hunter”

brand name and to state agencies under the “Olympic” label.

Charan told our FSN that he has been a weapons dealer for 30

years and is also Managing Director of the Royal Defence Co.,

Ltd. He stated that he has had previous business relations

with Lockheed Martin and US ATK Corporations. The compound

where Olympic is located also has a factory making Glock

pistols under license, owned by Kamonrat Commercial Co., Ltd,

of which Charan is President.

 

¶7. Sales records are maintained electronically and in hard

copy. Pol FSN took digital photos of the facility. Those

photos can be sent to the Department upon request. Please

send requests to Embassy PolMil Officer Mark Lambert.

BOYCE

05BANGKOK2922 THAILAND EXBS LEGAL TECHNICAL FORUM

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS BANGKOK 002922

 

SIPDIS

 

DEPARTMENT FOR NP/ECC (CROUCH)

 

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: ETTC PARM PREL KSTC TH EXBS

SUBJECT: THAILAND EXBS LEGAL TECHNICAL FORUM

 

REF: STATE 69327

 

¶1. (U) Per reftel request, Post has proposed and confirmed

that a “U.S.-Thailand Legal Technical Forum” will be held

under the auspices of the Export Control and Related Border

Assistance (EXBS) program, in Bangkok in mid-May. Post

expects 20-30 Thai participants at the workshop, including

participants from the Thai Department of Commerce (DOC), the

Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Thai Ministry of

Defense, as well as the Australian Embassy. The final dates

of the conference have not yet been confirmed as the Thai DOC

has expressed a preference to hold the conference over three

days (May 18-20), rather than the four days proposed in

Reftel. FCS-Bangkok is also exploring the possibility of an

additional day for private-sector “outreach”. Post POC:

Anthony Tranchina- (66)-2-205-4599

BOYCE

05BANGKOK2835 THAILAND: GLOBAL FORUM ON FIGHTING CORRUPTION

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS BANGKOK 002835

 

SIPDIS

 

DEPARTMENT FOR INL/C

 

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: ASEC CPAS KCRM KFRD TH

SUBJECT: THAILAND: GLOBAL FORUM ON FIGHTING CORRUPTION

 

REF: STATE 63279

 

¶1. Poloff discussed reftel with Brazilian Embassy Minister

Counselor Fernando Jose de Carvalho Lopes. Lopes said that

he had already been in contact with the Thai MFA regarding

the June conference in Brasilia and that his Ambassador

preferred that we demarche the MFA separately. Lopes said

the Thai had told him they would organize a delegation from

Bangkok, but at this time it is unlikely that they will send

a Minister-level official to head the delegation.

 

¶2. Subsequently, Poloff delivered reftel demarche points to

Wasin Dhamavasi from the Latin America Division of MFA.

Wasin confirmed that the RTG planned to send a delegation to

the forum, but were still working on their delegation list.

Wasin promised to pass on the names of the official

delegation as soon as they were decided.

BOYCE

05BANGKOK2699 THAILAND: COMMUNITY OF DEMOCRACIES

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS BANGKOK 002699

 

SIPDIS

 

SENSITIVE

 

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: PREL KDEM TH

SUBJECT: THAILAND: COMMUNITY OF DEMOCRACIES

 

REF: STATE 66796

 

¶1. (SBU) Poloff delivered reftel demarche to Phantipha

Iamsudha, Counselor, Social Affairs Division of the MFA

International Organizations Division. Phantipha said Foreign

Minister Khantathi will not be able to attend the April 28-30

Community of Democracies Ministerial in Santiago because he

will be accompanying Prime Minister Thaksin on an official

visit to Jordan and Oman. Dr. Pracha Kuna-kasem, senior

advisor to the Foreign Minister, will lead the Thai

delegation. (NOTE: Pracha is a close political ally of the

Prime Minister. He was a founding member of Thaksin’s Thai

Rak Thai political party. END NOTE)

 

¶2. (SBU) Phantipha said the Thai delegation will actively

participate in the “Second Round Table,” but did not offer

any other specific initiatives that Thailand will present at

the meeting. The Thai delegation will not request a

bilateral meeting with the U.S. delegation.

BOYCE

05BANGKOK2665 ANTI-TERRORIST MEASURE — RTG REQUIRES ID FOR TELEPHONE CARD PURCHASES

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS BANGKOK 002665

 

SIPDIS

 

SENSITIVE

 

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: PGOV PTER TH

SUBJECT: ANTI-TERRORIST MEASURE — RTG REQUIRES ID FOR

TELEPHONE CARD PURCHASES

 

REF: BANGKOK 2441

 

¶1. (U) Summary: In an effort to thwart or identify and

arrest separatist bombers, the RTG intends to require that

buyers of mobile phone SIM cards show their national ID cards

to register the purchase. Following the bombings in Hat Yai

and other locations in the south recently, the RTG is eager

to show its determination to track down the perpetrators.

Critics question the effectiveness of the measures. End

summary.

 

SUSPECTED USE OF MOBILE PHONES BY BOMBERS LEADS TO

RESTRICTIONS BY RTG

 

¶2. (SBU) The RTG announced on April 17 that buyers of

mobile telephone SIMs cards will have to produce either a

national identification card or a passport at the time of

purchase. In addition, according to press reports, all 21.5

million existing prepaid Thai and foreign mobile phone system

users in the country will be required to report their citizen

identification or their passport numbers to their phone

operators within six months. Phone services will be canceled

by the government if users do not meet the registration

deadline. The decision to regulate the use of SIM cards for

prepaid mobile phones was reportedly made in response to

Prime Minister Thaksin’s instructions at the April 12 cabinet

meeting following the April 3 Hat Yai Airport bombing, in

which Thai authorities believe separatists detonated an

improvised explosive device using a mobile telephone.

 

¶3. (SBU) The new requirements were reportedly reached on

April 17 at a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and

Interior Minister Police General Chidchai Vanasatidya and

attended by top security officials such as Defense Minister

Thammarak Issarangkura, National Security Council Secretary

General General Winai Phattiyakul, National Intelligence

Director Jumpol Manmai and Police Commissioner-General Kovit

Wattana, as well as officials from the Information and

Communications Technology Ministry (ICT).

 

THAKSIN SAYS NEW REQUIREMENTS STRICTLY SECURITY-RELATED

 

¶4. (U) Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra told reporters

that the campaign to trace SIMs card users is intended to

follow and locate bombers quickly but must not undermine the

users’ privacy. An ICT Ministry official told reporters that

the RTG is actively seeking the cooperation of service

providers nationwide in the registration effort. This will

theoretically prevent potential saboteurs from buying cards

in peaceful areas of the country to use in the troubled

provinces. With Cabinet endorsement, the ICT Ministry is

expected to draw up the requirements as ministerial

regulations which will then be signed by the ICT Minister and

published in the Government Gazette.

 

HOW EFFECTIVE?

 

¶5. (SBU) Comment: In the wake of the bombings at Hat Yai

airport and several other locations in the south earlier this

month (reftel), the RTG is eager to show that it is taking

measures to track down the perpetrators. It is hard to see

how this effort will have an impact on the use of bombs in

the south. Already critics are being heard. National

Reconciliation Commission (NRC) member and Muslim scholar

Asmadsomboon Bualuang complains that the measure does nothing

to resolve the overall situation in the south. Bangkok

Senator Seri Suwananond reacted to the measure by saying that

forged documents (and Bangkok is the center of an

international document forgery industry) will simply be used

by separatist bombers to purchase phone cards for use in

detonating improvised explosive devices. With virtually all

of these unknown persons who have set off bombs in the

southern border provinces over the past year still at large,

we expect the bombings to continue.

 

BOYCE

05BANGKOK2601 THAILAND: NOBEL LAUREATE SHIRIN EBADI DISCUSSES HER VIEWS ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN IRAN, SHARES OPINIONS ON THE THAI SOUTH AND IRAQ

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BANGKOK 002601

 

SIPDIS

 

DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/BCLTV, NEA

 

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: PHUM SOCI IR TH IRAQ

SUBJECT: THAILAND: NOBEL LAUREATE SHIRIN EBADI DISCUSSES

HER VIEWS ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN IRAN, SHARES OPINIONS

ON THE THAI SOUTH AND IRAQ

 

¶1. (U) SUMMARY. On April 10, Iranian Nobel Peace Laureate

(2003) Shirin Ebadi spoke in Bangkok. She focused a

discussion attended by poloff on her experiences as a judge,

lawyer and advocate for women,s rights in Iran, before and

after the Islamic Revolution. She argued that many of the

laws that stand in the way of women,s equality in Iran are

in place due to “the wrong interpretation of Islam,” and that

these laws are opposed by a “very strong” women,s movement.

Ms. Ebadi also criticized the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and

stated that the U.S. reason for going to war was a desire for

Iraqi oil. At a dinner reception that night, Ms. Ebadi

called for a withdrawal of Thai troops from the South as a

means of beginning peaceful negotiations with “the rebels.”

END SUMMARY

 

“THE RIGHTS OF HUMAN BEINGS ARE THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN”

 

¶2. (U) On April 10, Iranian Nobel Peace Laureate (2003)

Shirin Ebadi — who has just been named one of Time

Magazine,s 100 Most Influential People — spoke about

“Defending the Rights of Women and Children” to a small

audience composed primarily of representatives of the NGO

community and several members of the Thai Human Rights

Commission (HRC). Poloff observed several Muslim attendees

in the audience.

 

¶3. (U) Ms. Ebadi contrasted different ways women suffer

inequality in the West and in the Islamic World. In the

West, she said, women,s rights are legally protected, but

not always recognized by society. In the Islamic world, women

suffer “legal and institutionalized” discrimination,

including polygamy and unequal treatment under the law. She

concluded that these two halves form “an entire world where

women are second-class citizens” stemming principally from a

universal “patriarchal culture.” Ms. Ebadi argued that the

key to a peaceful society is a combination of “real”

democracy and human rights. She repeatedly emphasized that a

democracy elected by the majority, but which does not respect

the rights of its women and minorities is not a “real”

democracy.

 

¶4. (U) When asked why so many educated women in Iran

supported (“voted”) for the Revolution in 1979, Ebadi

responded that the key ideals behind the 1979 Revolution were

“independence and freedom,” which she supported to this day.

She expressed her hope that someday there would be “real”

democracy and freedom in Iran.

 

¶5. (U) Ms. Ebadi was asked what women,s groups in Iran have

been able to accomplish under Islamic shariyah law. She

noted that 63% of Iranian university students are now women

and that Iranian women are becoming more educated than men.

The feminist movement in Iran has been “gaining ground

strongly” and there is support from all classes of society.

Still, she said, the Iranian legal system continues to deny

women their rights as equal citizens. She pointed out that

many of the current laws derived from “the wrong

interpretation” of Islam and that these laws were “not

compatible with Iranian culture.”

 

¶6. (U) She proudly stated that pressure from women,s groups

had been instrumental in changing many laws, including the

reversal of a 1979 ruling that women could no longer serve as

judges. In 1979, female judges (including Ms. Ebadi herself)

were demoted to clerks in their own courts. Thanks to women

“fighting the system” she said, the government ruled in 1992

that the previous interpretation of Islam had been incorrect.

Although the women,s movement still had a long way to go,

she expressed optimism that women would one day win equal

rights in Iran

 

IRAQ

 

¶7. (U) When asked about Iraq, Ms. Ebadi stated that she had

denounced the U.S.-led military attack on Iraq on many

occasions. She added that although Saddam Hussein had been a

terrible dictator who “should have been eliminated,” she

“wished” that he had been overthrown by Iraqis and not by

U.S. military force. She said that recent elections were “a

step in the right direction,” but was adamant that the price

of the war had been “outrageously high,” resulting in 100,000

Iraqi deaths, the looting of national museums and the

destruction of homes. She argued that the human cost could

have been lessened greatly if the international community had

helped Iraqis to do the job themselves.

 

¶8. (U) She stated matter-of-factly that “oil was the deciding

factor for going to war.” When asked if she believed the war

was fought for the benefit of Israel, she considered the

question a moment before responding that while “it goes

without saying” that the foremost U.S. objective in the

Middle East is Israeli security, Iraq had not posed a serious

threat to Israel since the first Gulf War. In her opinion,

it was clearly oil that interested the U.S.

 

THE THAI SOUTH

 

¶9. (U) At a dinner hosted by the Thai Senate Foreign

Relations Committee the evening of April 10, press reports

indicate Ms. Ebadi urged a full pullout of Thai troops from

the South as a means of entering into peaceful talks with the

“rebels.” “In my opinion, soldiers must be returned to their

barrack. Through (dialogue) everything must be solved,” she

is quoted as saying. As part of Ms. Ebadi’s message of the

importance of “real democracy,” she also commented that

“majority-Islam nations must observe the rights of minorities

such as Christians, while majority-Buddhist nations must

observe the rights of minority Muslims.”

BOYCE

05BANGKOK2575 THAILAND: ARF ISM DISCUSSES DOCUMENT SECURITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT COOPERATION

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BANGKOK 002575

 

SIPDIS

 

DEPARTMENT FOR EAP, S/CT, CA

PACOM FOR FPA (HUSO)

 

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: ASEC PREL PTER TH ARF

SUBJECT: THAILAND: ARF ISM DISCUSSES DOCUMENT SECURITY AND

LAW ENFORCEMENT COOPERATION

 

¶1. (U) Summary: Thailand and Canada co-chaired the third

ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Inter-Sessional Meeting (ISM) on

Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime April 6-8 in

Bangkok, which focused on intelligence and information

sharing, document security and integrity, and police and law

enforcement cooperation. Participants agreed with the

co-chair’s suggestion not to institutionalize the ISM by

transforming the ad hoc ISM into a permanent Inter-sessional

Group at this time. Recommendations from the ISM (which was

attended by all ARF members except the DPRK) will be sent for

approval to the ARF Senior Officials Meeting in Laos in May.

The draft Chairman’s Statement, which is open for comment

from capitals, follows in para 5. China and Brunei announced

that they will co-host the next ARF ISM. End Summary.

 

¶2. (U) S/CT Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism Amb. John

Dinger led the U.S. delegation, which included Chris Marut

(EAP/RSP), Karen Chandler (S/CT), and Brian Vaillancourt

(DHS/ICE Assistant Attach, Embassy Bangkok). The U.S.

presentation to the plenary on Document Integrity and

Security encouraged consideration of two key recommendations:

1) ARF members should contribute actively to INTERPOL’s Lost

and Stolen Passport Database; and, 2) ARF should commit to

adopting the travel document standards established by the

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), with a

commitment by ARF member states to implement the standards.

 

¶3. (U) Breakout sessions focused on Information Sharing

Policies and Practices, Combating Document Fraud, and Police

and Law Enforcement Cooperation. Based on discussion and

presentations in the breakout sessions, participants agreed

on recommendations to the Senior Officials which included

establishing national points of contact for information

exchange, actively participating in implementation of ICAO

standards, utilizing the INTERPOL lost and stolen passport

database, and strengthening capacity building by utilizing

the regional training centers such as the International Law

Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Bangkok, the Jakarta Center for

Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) and the Southeast Asia

Regional Center for Counterterrorism (SEARCCT).

 

¶4. (U) In the final plenary discussion of the draft

Chairman’s Statement, the Indian delegation raised the issue

of institutionalizing the ISM, which currently meets annually

on an ad hoc basis, by transforming it into a standing

Inter-Sessional Group (ISG). The Thai co-chair commented

that ARF participants have mixed feelings about creating a

permanent ISG but noted that all participants currently agree

on the benefit of continuing to meet annually. Consequently,

the co-chair recommended that there was no need to raise the

issue further at this time by including it in the Chairman’s

statement.

 

¶5. (U) Begin text of Draft Chairman’s Statement:

 

(DRAFT) ASEAN REGIONAL FORUM (ARF) STATEMENT ON INFORMATION

SHARING AND INTELLIGENCE EXCHANGE AND DOCUMENT INTEGRITY AND

SECURITY IN ENHANCING COOPERATION TO COMBAT TERRORISM AND

OTHER TRANSNATIONAL CRIMES

 

The Chairman of the ASEAN Regional Forum, on behalf of the

ARF participating states and organization, issues the

following statement:

 

Recognizing that:

 

Terrorism and other transnational crimes, such as money

laundering, arms smuggling, people trafficking and smuggling,

the production of and trafficking in illicit drugs, sea

piracy, international economic crime, and cyber crime all

pose significant threats to the peace, order, and security of

our countries and our peoples;

 

Effective regional and global action requires a comprehensive

approach and unprecedented international cooperation built

upon agreed common norms, standards, institutions, and

international agreements;

 

Effective information and intelligence exchange among states

is an essential contribution to these efforts and that

information must be exchanged in a managed, responsible and

systematic manner, including appropriate protections for

sensitive and national security information obtained from

others and adequate respect for and protection of personal

privacy and other human rights;

 

The integrity and security of national identity, travel and

other documents is a vital contribution to ensuring the

security of our citizens and to identifying, apprehending and

prosecuting terrorist and other offenders.

 

Committed to:

 

Further improving effective cooperation among ARF

participants in these efforts.

 

The ARF notes the progress that has already been made in

strengthening cooperation and encourages ARF governments to

further enhance their efforts and commitment to combat

terrorism and transnational crime in a more comprehensive

manner on a voluntary basis, taking into account resources

and capacity of ARF participants and in accordance with their

respective national laws, in particular through efforts:

 

–to better exchange relevant information and intelligence in

a timely, effective and systematic manner on the basis of

bilateral, regional or other information-sharing agreements,

bearing in mind that such information and intelligence shall

not be further disclosed or disseminated without the official

authorization of the originator;

–to ensure that adequate national protections for sensitive

and other information obtained from foreign partners are in

place and effective;

–to ensure that the privacy and other rights of individuals

about whom personal information is exchanged between states

are respected and protected;

–to implement more secure and fraud-resistant documents

based upon internationally agreed standards and containing

appropriate biometric identifiers and to foster cooperation

on adoption of Machine Readable Travel Document (MRTD), with

biometrics if possible;

–to criminalize, investigate, and prosecute the possession

or creation of fraudulent national identity, travel and other

documents from any country;

–to actively contribute on an ongoing basis to the INTERPOL

database of lost and stolen travel documents, bearing in mind

other effective channels of cooperation that exist;

–to actively participate in the elaboration and

implementation of new international document standards

through ICAO and other international, regional and functional

organizations;

–to strengthen ARF law enforcement cooperation on the basis

of bilateral and multilateral agreements and through the use

of existing mechanisms, in particular INTERPOL and its I 24/7

communications network for the exchange of information;

–to further strengthen international capacity building

cooperation and assistance including through existing

regional centers such as, inter alia, the International law

Enforcement Academy (ILEA), the Jakarta Centre for Law

Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC), and the Southeast Asia

Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT).

 

ARF participating states and organizations are to review the

progress of these and other efforts to further strengthen

cooperation against terrorism and transnational crime at the

13th ARF Ministerial Meeting in 2006.

 

End text.

 

¶6. (U) Amb. John Dinger has cleared this cable.

BOYCE

05BANGKOK2348 THAILAND COUNTRY CLEARANCE REQUEST FOR: AMBASSADOR JOHN DINGER, KAREN CHANDLER AND CHRISTOPHER MARUT FOR THE ARF ISM APRIL 6-8, 2005

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BANGKOK 002348

 

SIPDIS

 

SENSITIVE

 

DEPARTMENT FOR S/CT, EAP/RSP

 

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: PTER PREL OTRA AMGT ASEC TH

SUBJECT: THAILAND COUNTRY CLEARANCE REQUEST FOR:

AMBASSADOR JOHN DINGER, KAREN CHANDLER AND CHRISTOPHER

MARUT FOR THE ARF ISM APRIL 6-8, 2005

 

REF: STATE 059552

 

¶1. (U) Post welcomes and grants country clearance to

Ambassador Dinger, Karen Chandler (S/CT) and Christopher

Marut (EAP/RSP) to visit Thailand from April 5-9, 2005, to

participate in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Intersessional

Meeting (ISM) on Counterterrorism and Transnational Crime.

 

¶2. (U) Reservations have been confirmed as requested reftel

at the InterContinental Bangkok, 973 Ploenchit Road, Tel:

(66-2) 656-0444, Fax: (66-2) 656-0555.

 

¶3. (U) Political Officer Colin T. Crosby, Work phone:

(66-2) 205-4621, Home: (66-2) 254-3812, cell phone: (66-1)

173-1729 will assist Washington delegation’s participation in

the ARF ISM with other elements in the Embassy. After-hours

emergency number for the Embassy is (66-2) 205-4108.

 

¶4. (U) Embassy will provide transport to and from the

airport to the Intercontinental for Ambassador Dinger. We

regret that, due to limited resources and easy availability

of airport transportation, post policy does not allow for

airport meet and assist for the other Department visitors on

their separate arrivals. Thai Airways Limousine Service and

American Express Airport Taxi are recommended for persons

unfamiliar with Bangkok. These services are located inside

the arrival hall, which you enter after clearing customs. The

cost of a one-way trip varies form 700 to 1,500 Baht,

depending on the type of vehicle, figure in another 70 Baht

for expressway tolls. Regular taxis are also available and

cost approximately 225 Baht, not including tolls, and a taxi

airport surcharge of 50 Baht. Currently, the Thai Baht is

approximately 38/dollar.

 

¶5. (U) Although visas are not required of holders of U.S.

tourist passports who plan to stay fewer than 30 days,

holders of diplomatic or official passports MUST OBTAIN visas

prior to arrival. If a traveler is not a U.S. passport

holder; please call your local Thai Embassy for visa

information.

 

¶6. (U) Thailand has an airport departure tax of 500 Baht

that must be paid in local currency upon departure.

 

¶7. (SBU) SECURITY INFORMATION

——————————-

¶A. (U) CRIME:

————–

 

- (U) Crime is generally non-confrontational in nature.

Criminal acts are usually crimes of opportunity such as

purse-snatchings, thefts of unattended property, and pick

pocketing. Visitors should be especially alert in crowded

buses, streets, and markets or while on “tuk-tuks.” Visitors

should lock valuables in hotel safe deposit boxes not in

their hotel rooms.

 

- (U) Be aware of common scams and frauds (including credit

cards, in particular). Visitors should only use credit cards

at well-established and reputable businesses. Visitors

should be careful when purchasing branded or copyrighted

goods. There are many pirated counterfeit products in the

marketplace; their purchase is against post regulations and

it is illegal to import these products into the U.S. Be wary

of common scams for jewelry, suits, silks, gems, or

antiquities. There are no Thai government-owned or sponsored

gem stores. If victimized, seek assistance from Tourist

Police by dialing 1155.

 

- (U) Visitors are cautioned from visiting bars involved in

the sex trade. Many of these operate illegally and clients

can be subject to RTG law; they often charge exorbitant drink

prices and cover charges. There are also many incidents of

crime against patrons in these establishments. Drugging and

robbing of unwary individuals is not uncommon. There are

frequent reports of victims being drugged and robbed or

beaten when visiting these bars. The drugs used can cause

serious temporary memory impairment, unconsciousness, and if

overdosed, death.

 

¶B. (U) TRAFFIC:

—————-

 

- (U) The traffic situation in Bangkok can be difficult and

dangerous for both pedestrians and vehicle occupants. All

visitors should be alert to traffic patterns and unexpected

motorcycle drivers. Traffic drives on the left-hand side,

opposite from the U.S., although there may be a bus lane that

flows in the opposite direction. Pedestrians should use the

overhead walkways for crossing busy streets.

¶C. (SBU) TERRORISM:

——————–

 

- (SBU) The threat from transnational terrorist groups to

the U.S. Mission in Bangkok is currently ranked high. Despite

stepped up RTG efforts to monitor its borders, they remain

relatively porous and allow easy illegal access.

Transnational terrorist groups, including Al-Qa-ida and

Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), have utilized Thailand as a transit

point.

 

- (SBU) The threat from indigenous terrorist groups is

currently rated as low. There is no evidence to indicate

that indigenous terrorist groups are planning acts against

U.S. personnel or facilities. The far south of Thailand has

experienced incidents of criminally and politically motivated

violence, including incidents attributed to armed local

Muslim separatist groups. Although Americans have not been

specifically targeted in the past, the indiscriminate nature

of past attacks by these groups – including bombings of

public places – indicates a potential threat to American

citizens.

 

- (U) The State Department is concerned that there is an

increased risk of terrorism in Southeast Asia, including

Thailand. Travelers to Thailand should therefore exercise

caution, especially in locations where Westerners congregate,

such as clubs, discos, bars, restaurants, hotels, tourist

areas, and other places frequented by foreigners.

 

¶D. (U) OTHER SECURITY TIPS:

—————————-

 

- (U) Visitors should avoid making any pejorative comments

about any members of the Thai Royal Family or engaging in

disrespectful conduct within temples or toward religious

objects. Such behavior can result in arrest and/or expulsion

from Thailand.

 

- (U) Precautions should also be taken not to discuss

sensitive or classified matters outside secure environments

or over unsecured and/or cellular telephones, and to securely

safeguard classified or sensitive materials at the Chancery

and not at hotels or residences.

 

- (U) Visitors should also be aware of the State

Department’s Consular Information Sheet for Thailand and the

most recent Worldwide Caution Public Announcements, which are

available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. DOD

personnel must review the PACOM Force Protection Levels for

Thailand found at http://131.84.1.218/staff/at/athome.shtml.

 

- (U) In essence, visitors to Bangkok must exercise

appropriate caution and be alert to their surroundings with

regard to their personal security. Suspicious

incidents/activities should be reported to RSO Bangkok (Tel.

02-205-4000, 24 hrs/day). On behalf of U.S. Embassy Bangkok,

we hope you have a safe and pleasant visit.

ARVIZU

05BANGKOK2322 THAILAND: THAKSIN SIGNALS SHIFT IN SOUTH POLICY

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS BANGKOK 002322

 

SIPDIS

 

SENSITIVE

 

DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/BCLTV. HQ USPACOM FOR FPA (HUSO)

 

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: PGOV PREL TH

SUBJECT: THAILAND: THAKSIN SIGNALS SHIFT IN SOUTH POLICY

 

REF: BANGKOK 2255

 

¶1. (SBU) Summary: On March 30, Prime Minister Thaksin,

speaking to a joint session of parliament, surprised the

political establishment by suggesting that the RTG would take

a less security focused approach towards Thailand’s troubled

far south. Thaksin’s conciliatory tone, with statements such

as “violence only begets violence,” is a dramatic shift away

from past tough talk about the south. On March 31, Thaksin

indicated that troops would have a less visible presence in

the South, but would not, as some reports had indicated, be

withdrawn. Thaksin’s conciliatory speech, and the recent

formation of a National Reconciliation Commission, or NRC

(reftel), are positive developments for a region that has

received or produced only bad news of late. However,

Thaksin’s promise to use a less security focused approach

might meet with some internal resistance from Thai security

forces. End Summary.

 

¶2. (SBU) On March 30, Prime Minister Thaksin addressed a

rare joint session of parliament. He had convoked the

special session to debate the violence-plagued far south of

Thailand. Thaksin, showing uncharacteristic humility,

admitted to policy missteps in the region, “I am now

determined to undo what I have done wrong in the past.” The

Prime Minister also backed down from his usual tough

rhetoric, agreeing with critics that a less security focused

approach was called for, “violence only breeds violence” he

said.

 

¶3. (SBU) Thaksin was also surprisingly conciliatory towards

opposition leader Aphisit Vejjajiva, saying the Democrat

Party leader’s views on the South “are mostly consistent with

my thinking.” Continuing his praise for his main political

rival Thaksin said, “I admire your presentation and accept

all your 9-point proposed approach to the southern unrest for

further implementation.” (Note: The 9-point Democrat plan

calls for the government to: 1) cancel plans to withhold

government development funding from “red zone” villages

blamed for harboring militants; 2) increase development

projects; 3) name a civilian official, vice military, to

coordinate regional government programs; 4) compensate

victims of the violence; 5) improve the southern economy; 6)

improve education in the South; 7) encourage local officials

to learn about Islamic culture; 8) allow international

organizations to access the South to help; 9) follow the

advice of the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC). End

Note.)

 

¶4. (SBU) Thaksin also reiterated his public endorsement of

the 48-member National Reconciliation Commission which, under

the leadership of Anand Panyarachun, a highly respected and

politically independent former Prime Minister, is tasked with

developing policy recommendations for the troubled south.

Thaksin said, “I would like to see it use its independent

role, offer diverse views and dimensions, and I confirm full

governmental support and readiness to respond to its

requests.”

 

¶5. (SBU) Speaking to reporters on March 31, Thaksin seemed

to indicate that troops would be “withdrawn” from the far

south as part of the government’s new strategy. He said

“adjustments are imminent.” However, the military was quick

to clarify that “adjustments” did not mean that actual troop

levels would be reduced in the south; instead troops would

have a less visible presence, or would work on civil-military

projects instead of security missions only. General Sirichai

Tunyasiri, who heads the Southern Border Provinces

Peace-building Command (SBPPC) and acts as the coordinator

for all Thai security forces in the region, said that troops

would be repositioned in the South, but “absolutely will not

be pulled out of the region.”

 

¶7. (SBU) Comment: Thaksin’s assuaging remarks in front of

both houses of Parliament are a welcome change from past

rhetoric or inflammatory off-the-cuff remarks about the

south. The Prime Minister’s apparent new policy flexibility

on the south, coupled with the appointment of the politically

independent NRC, are positive signs that the administration

may be learning from the policy failures of the last two

years. However, if he tries to move too far away from a

security-based strategy for the South, Thaksin could face

internal resistance from hard-liners within the RTG security

forces. This seems to be the implication of the rapid

clarification by the SBPPC that no troops would actually be

withdrawn from the troubled far south. End Comment.

ARVIZU