WHO SMALLPOX DEMARCHE: THAILAND SUPPORTS US

UNCLAS BANGKOK 002848 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR IO/T PLEASE PASS HHS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL AORC TBIO WHO SUBJECT: WHO SMALLPOX DEMARCHE: THAILAND SUPPORTS US POSITION REF: STATE 71569 ¶1. Post Health Attache contacted Dr. Supamit Chunsutthiwat, RTG Ministry of Public Health (MOPH),and communicated points in reftel. Dr. Supamit replied that the RTG concurs with the last WHO Executive Board report, which calls for a temporary maintenance of the virus stocks, and is not supportive of setting an arbitrary date for their destruction. The RTG reserves its right to modify this position based on new information presented at the WHA. ¶2. Dr. Suwit Wibulpolprasert will serve as the technical lead for the Thai delegation at the WHA. At this time, it is not clear whether the Minister of Health, a Vice Minister or a Deputy Permanent Secretary will represent the MOPH as the overall head of delegation. BOYCE