Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BANGKOK4374
2006-07-20 10:01:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bangkok
Cable title:
SRI LANKA: TENTATIVE THAI RESPONSE ON CONTACT
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C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 004374
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR EAP, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, SA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/19/2016
TAGS: MARR PINS PREL PTER CE TH
SUBJECT: SRI LANKA: TENTATIVE THAI RESPONSE ON CONTACT
GROUPS
REF: A. STATE 107231
B. STATE 94541
C. BANGKOK 3522
Classified By: Political Counselor Susan M. Sutton. Reason. 1.4 (b,d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 004374
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR EAP, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, SA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/19/2016
TAGS: MARR PINS PREL PTER CE TH
SUBJECT: SRI LANKA: TENTATIVE THAI RESPONSE ON CONTACT
GROUPS
REF: A. STATE 107231
B. STATE 94541
C. BANGKOK 3522
Classified By: Political Counselor Susan M. Sutton. Reason. 1.4 (b,d)
1. (U) This is an action cable. Please see paragraph 4.
2 (C) On July 20, poloffs had follow-up consultation with
Panyarak Poolthup, Deputy Director-General from MFA's
Department of South Asian Affairs and other MFA South Asian
and Counter-Terrorism officials to discuss reftel demarche.
Panyarak said that Thailand was interested in both the Sri
Lankan weapons procurement and financing contact groups. The
RTG is concerned about weapons smuggling from and through
Thailand and about the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka.
Panyarak agreed that Thai involvement in the proposed contact
groups "made sense" and noted that participation would
complement ongoing efforts to improve internal coordination
of policy towards Sri Lanka. (Note: In an earlier meeting,
Paisit Boonparlit from MFA's North American Division
indicated that there were serious disagreements within MFA
over how to respond "officially" to our request. According
to Paisit, the competing UNSYG candidacies of Thai Deputy
Prime Minister Surakiart and Sri Lankan diplomat Jayantha
Dhanapala complicated the issue. End Note)
3. (C) Panyarak said that before committing to join the
contact groups the RTG will need additional operational and
logistics details, and wants to ensure the proposal has full
buy-in from Colombo before proceeding. In addition, the Thai
are concerned the contact groups might duplicate existing
efforts, including the Sri Lankan Co-Chairs and ongoing
intelligence sharing arrangements. Panyarak noted that
Thailand exchanged intelligence with Sri Lanka on a regular
basis bilaterally. Additionally, the Bay of Bengal
Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEC) -- which includes Sri Lanka, India and
Thailand -- also provided a forum for information sharing.
4. (C) Action request: post would appreciate additional
information on the proposed contact groups including details
on 1) possible meeting schedules and other logistics
information; 2) how the groups will interact with the Sri
Lanka Co-Chairs and other existing groupings; 3) the level of
commitment from the Sri Lankan government.
ARVIZU
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR EAP, EAP/MLS, EAP/RSP, SA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/19/2016
TAGS: MARR PINS PREL PTER CE TH
SUBJECT: SRI LANKA: TENTATIVE THAI RESPONSE ON CONTACT
GROUPS
REF: A. STATE 107231
B. STATE 94541
C. BANGKOK 3522
Classified By: Political Counselor Susan M. Sutton. Reason. 1.4 (b,d)
1. (U) This is an action cable. Please see paragraph 4.
2 (C) On July 20, poloffs had follow-up consultation with
Panyarak Poolthup, Deputy Director-General from MFA's
Department of South Asian Affairs and other MFA South Asian
and Counter-Terrorism officials to discuss reftel demarche.
Panyarak said that Thailand was interested in both the Sri
Lankan weapons procurement and financing contact groups. The
RTG is concerned about weapons smuggling from and through
Thailand and about the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka.
Panyarak agreed that Thai involvement in the proposed contact
groups "made sense" and noted that participation would
complement ongoing efforts to improve internal coordination
of policy towards Sri Lanka. (Note: In an earlier meeting,
Paisit Boonparlit from MFA's North American Division
indicated that there were serious disagreements within MFA
over how to respond "officially" to our request. According
to Paisit, the competing UNSYG candidacies of Thai Deputy
Prime Minister Surakiart and Sri Lankan diplomat Jayantha
Dhanapala complicated the issue. End Note)
3. (C) Panyarak said that before committing to join the
contact groups the RTG will need additional operational and
logistics details, and wants to ensure the proposal has full
buy-in from Colombo before proceeding. In addition, the Thai
are concerned the contact groups might duplicate existing
efforts, including the Sri Lankan Co-Chairs and ongoing
intelligence sharing arrangements. Panyarak noted that
Thailand exchanged intelligence with Sri Lanka on a regular
basis bilaterally. Additionally, the Bay of Bengal
Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEC) -- which includes Sri Lanka, India and
Thailand -- also provided a forum for information sharing.
4. (C) Action request: post would appreciate additional
information on the proposed contact groups including details
on 1) possible meeting schedules and other logistics
information; 2) how the groups will interact with the Sri
Lanka Co-Chairs and other existing groupings; 3) the level of
commitment from the Sri Lankan government.
ARVIZU