BRIGADIER GENERAL ALLEN'S MEETING WITH SENIOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 000350

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

OSD/ISA FOR ALLEN/POWERS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/17/2016
TAGS: PREL TH POL MIL
SUBJECT: BRIGADIER GENERAL ALLEN'S MEETING WITH SENIOR
ROYAL THAI SUPREME COMMAND CHIEF OF JOINT STAFF

Classified By: CHARGE D'AFFAIRES ALEX A. ARVIZU FOR REASONS 1.4(B,D)


1. (C) Summary: During a January 16 call at Royal Thai
Supreme Command (RTSC) Headquarters, Department of Defense
Principal Director for Asian and Pacific Affairs for
International Security Affairs Brigadier General John Allen
expressed his appreciation to RTSC Chief of Joint Staff
General Lertrat Ratanavich for Thailand's role in aiding and
rebuilding the region after the 2004 tsunami. General
Lertrat said that he plans to be in Washington March 13-14 to
visit the Joint Forces Command and discuss transformational
opportunities as discussed between Secretary of Defense
Rumsfeld and Prime Minister Thaksin last year. General Allen
also urged a Thai response to participation in the Defense
Resources Management Program. In response to General Allen's
query on Sino-Thai military relations, General Lertrat
described the two nations' armed forces cooperation as
"level," not rising or falling. End summary.


2. (C) On January 16 Department of Defense Principal
Director for Asian and Pacific Affairs for International
Security Affairs, Brigadier General John Allen called on
Royal Thai Supreme Command (RTSC) Chief of Joint Staff
General Lertrat Ratanavich. General Allen thanked General
Lertrat for Thailand's role in aiding and rebuilding the
region after the 2004 tsunami, especially its prompt opening
of U-Tapao Naval Airbase for regional relief operations.
General Lertrat commented that conditions are fast returning
to normal in the Thai affected regions and said that the goal
now was to get tourists back to revive the economy.


3. (C) In response to General Allen's query on Sino-Thai
military relations, General Lertrat described the two
nations' armed forces cooperation as "level," not rising or
falling. He added that the Thai military continues to have a
much greater degree of cooperation and interaction with its
"oldest ally," the United States, than with China. General
Allen added that though U.S.-Sino military ties have not
included operations-related activities, we are beginning
educational exchanges, a positive outcome of Secretary
Rumsfeld's visit to China last year.


4. (C) General Lertrat said that he plans to be in
Washington March 13-14 to visit the Joint Forces Command
(JFCOM) to study transformational opportunities. He added
that, if necessary, he could extend his visit for further
discussions in Washington. General Lertrat said that he is
interested in visiting JFCOM in Norfolk and in learning more
about transformational activities. He was particularly
interested in understanding how the U.S. armed forces are
transforming, adding that the RTG has appointed 10 committees
to study a range of aspects to the Thai armed forces
transformation, from unit restructuring to logistics to a
switch to a military/civilian mix in its personnel system.
General Lertrat is also interested in how the U.S. military
would conduct the Defense Resource Management Study (DRMS)
offered to Thailand.


5. (C) General Allen responded that in visiting JFCOM the
Thai could gain insights on transformation in organization,
education, systems and equipment. A very important area, he
added, is in military education and how it can be applied to
enhance joint and special operations. General Allen said
that briefings on the DRMS could be added to the General's
program while he is in the U.S. He repeated the invitation
for Thailand to send officers to the Philippines to view that
country's DRMS program and benefits. Allen cautioned,
however, that as much as we want Thai participation in the
program, time is running out and we would need an answer
shortly or we will have to invite others in Thailand's place
for this slot. Lertrat replied that RTSC will brief the
Prime Minister shortly on the U.S. offer and he would likely
have an answer before he comes to the U.S.


6. (U) BGen Allen has cleared this message.
ARVIZU