DCM RECEIVES DEMARCHE - MYSTERY FLYERS IN LA

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 001539 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR DS/OFM E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/14/2016 TAGS: PGOV ASEC TH SUBJECT: DCM RECEIVES DEMARCHE - MYSTERY FLYERS IN LA Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Alex A. Arvizu, reason 1.4 (b) ( d) ¶1. (C) On March 13, DCM Arvizu received a demarche from MFA Director-General Nongnuth Phetcharatana related to the distribution of flyers in Los Angeles that make "inappropriate references" to the King and the Crown Prince. According to DG Nongnuth, the 18-page flyer was distributed in Los Angeles in September 2005 by an anonymous source. She admitted not having seen the full text of the Thai-language flyer, but noted that it appeared to be primarily a personal attack on the Thai Consul General in Los Angeles. She said that there were only one or two sentences that contained inappropriate references to the monarchy. ¶2. (C) DG Nongnuth stated that the RTG would like the FBI to assist the Consul General in Los Angeles in finding out who is behind the production and distribution of these flyers. DCM asked if the flyers contained any threats against the Consul General or the royal family. DG Nongnuth stated that she was uncertain, but believed that the document contained no direct threats. ¶3. (C) DCM responded by assuring the DG that Post would inform the Department, and in particular Diplomatic Security's Office of Foreign Missions (DS/OFM). DCM noted, however, that in the absence of any threat it is unclear what action DS would be able to take. BOYCE