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