Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BANGKOK6816
2006-11-09 10:51:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bangkok
Cable title:
THAI TO LIFT MARTIAL LAW IN EARLY DECEMBER
VZCZCXRO4370 OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM DE RUEHBK #6816 3131051 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 091051Z NOV 06 FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2868 INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS PRIORITY RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA PRIORITY 6302 RUEHWL/AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON PRIORITY 1567 RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL PRIORITY 2351 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON PRIORITY 1210 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHHMUNA/USCINCPAC HONOLULU HI PRIORITY RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 006816
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/25/2016
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM TH
SUBJECT: THAI TO LIFT MARTIAL LAW IN EARLY DECEMBER
Classified By: Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce, reason 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 006816
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/25/2016
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM TH
SUBJECT: THAI TO LIFT MARTIAL LAW IN EARLY DECEMBER
Classified By: Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce, reason 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman and Army
Commander Sonthi Boonyaratglin confirmed in a November 9
phone conversation with the Ambassador that the RTG would
lift martial law in conjunction with the King's birthday
celebrations. (Note: The King's birthday is on December 5;
the celebrations proceed for several days. End Note.) The
Ambassador said he would convey the news to Washington.
2. (C) Comment: We are relieved to hear that the CNS is
determined to move in early December. While we believe
current conditions do not warrant martial law, some
conservatives likely hoped to retain emergency powers for an
indefinite period. Having repeatedly urged top RTG officials
to lift martial law, we do not believe we can successfully
lobby the Thais to take this step sooner.
3. (C) Comment (continued): Some RTG officials have stated
that deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra should not return to
Thailand prior to the recision of martial law, so this step
will prompt further speculation about Thaksin's next move.
However, we believe the RTG will signal Thaksin that he
should remain abroad for the time being.
BOYCE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/25/2016
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM TH
SUBJECT: THAI TO LIFT MARTIAL LAW IN EARLY DECEMBER
Classified By: Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce, reason 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman and Army
Commander Sonthi Boonyaratglin confirmed in a November 9
phone conversation with the Ambassador that the RTG would
lift martial law in conjunction with the King's birthday
celebrations. (Note: The King's birthday is on December 5;
the celebrations proceed for several days. End Note.) The
Ambassador said he would convey the news to Washington.
2. (C) Comment: We are relieved to hear that the CNS is
determined to move in early December. While we believe
current conditions do not warrant martial law, some
conservatives likely hoped to retain emergency powers for an
indefinite period. Having repeatedly urged top RTG officials
to lift martial law, we do not believe we can successfully
lobby the Thais to take this step sooner.
3. (C) Comment (continued): Some RTG officials have stated
that deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra should not return to
Thailand prior to the recision of martial law, so this step
will prompt further speculation about Thaksin's next move.
However, we believe the RTG will signal Thaksin that he
should remain abroad for the time being.
BOYCE