Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BANGKOK352
2006-01-19 10:02:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bangkok
Cable title:  

BGEN ALLEN'S MEETING WITH MFA DPS PISAN MANAWAPAT

Tags:  PGOV PREL PINR PTER TH POL MIL 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BANGKOK 000352 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

OSD/ISA FOR ALLEN/POWERS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/18/2016
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR PTER TH POL MIL
SUBJECT: BGEN ALLEN'S MEETING WITH MFA DPS PISAN MANAWAPAT

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

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BANGKOK 000352

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

OSD/ISA FOR ALLEN/POWERS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/18/2016
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR PTER TH POL MIL
SUBJECT: BGEN ALLEN'S MEETING WITH MFA DPS PISAN MANAWAPAT

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


1. (C) Summary: In his meeting with BGen John Allen, MFA
Deputy Permanent Secretary Pisan Manapawat stressed the
importance of the long history of US-Thai cooperation to
promote stability and democracy within and beyond Southeast
Asia. He noted that the high degree of trust and confidence
between our militaries was vital during the tsunami response
and would be instrumental in any joint discussions regarding
military modernization/transformation. Pisan agreed that the
next US-Thai Strategic Dialogue session should include at
least one day to focus on China and India. He also expressed
optimism that the situation in southern Thailand will soon
show signs of improvement. End Summary.

PROMOTING STABILITY AND US-THAI COOPERATION
--------------


2. (C) Brigadier General John Allen, accompanied by DCM, met
with MFA Deputy Permanent Secretary Pisan Manapawat on
January 16 at the MFA. Pisan observed that US-Thai relations
are solid, but not sufficiently understood beyond the
Department and DOD. He stressed that the strength and
longevity of this relationship requires nurturing,
particularly within the US Congress. Pisan said that
Thailand,s cooperation with the US in promoting stability
and democracy extends far beyond Burma (citing specific
examples of Iraq and Afghanistan),and noted that it would be
good to make this point better known within the Congress.


3. (C) Pisan agreed with BGen Allen,s suggestion that the
next US-Thai Strategic Dialogue should include a full day
devoted to discussion of Thailand,s special position with
regard to China and India. Pisan noted that Thailand is the
only Asian country to have good relations with both China and
Japan. He suggested that Thailand could play a helpful role
in promoting normalized relations between Japan and China.


4. (C) Pisan and BGen Allen agreed that the close working
relations between Thai and US militaries made possible the
rapid coordination of humanitarian response efforts following
the tsunami. BGen Allen observed that the lack of a similar
relationship with Indonesia had resulted in difficulties
coordinating initial relief operations.

MILITARY MODERNIZATION
--------------


5. (U) BGen Allen informed Pisan that the primary purpose of
his visit was to focus on the process of military
transformation and the role of the military in national
security. He told Pisan that DOD will host a delegation from
the Thai Supreme Command to visit the Joint Forces Command
(JFCOM). The delegation will be able to see how the US
military is accomplishing its transformation and identify
universal principles, that could apply to other militaries
regardless of force size or budget.


6. (U) BGen Allen also emphasized the utility of the Defense
Resource Management Study (DRMS) as a tool for improving
decision-making with regard to procurement, acquisition and
resource management.


7. (C) Pisan said that the high degree of trust and
confidence between our militaries would be instrumental to
any discussions on military transformation. He said that the
military is anxious to modernize but noted, "off the record",
that transformation of the Thai military should begin with
reducing the number of generals on the payroll.

OPTIMISTIC ON THE SOUTH
--------------


8. (C) Pisan expressed optimism that the situation in
southern Thailand will soon show signs of improvement. He
said that the people in the south are generally against the
violence, as they are the ones who are suffering its impacts.
He stated that the RTG is working to address the roots of
problem, noting that the appointment of Privy Council
President General Prem has helped improve trust between the
government and the local population.


9. (C) Pisan said that improved Thai-Malaysia relations
resulting from the recent ASEAN summit will further help the
situation in the south.


10. (U) BGen Allen cleared this message.
ARVIZU