THAILAND'S BALANCED REACTION TO IRAN-IAEA VOTE

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 000885

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/14/2016
TAGS: PARM PINS PREL TH
SUBJECT: THAILAND'S BALANCED REACTION TO IRAN-IAEA VOTE

REF: STATE 019516

Classified By: POLITICAL COUNSELOR SUSAN M. SUTTON FOR REASON 1.4 (B,D)


1. (SBU) Poloff delivered ref points and statements to MFA
Director for Middle East Affairs Udomsak Sritangos on
February 10. In a follow-up meeting on February 14, Udomsak
explained that Thailand supports world opinion on this issue
but must balance this position with its growing economic ties
to Iran. The RTG would like to see this issue handled
peacefully, but Thai officials are concerned that the current
impasse could prompt a crisis and higher energy prices.
Finally, Udomsak explained that the Iranian Foreign Minister
may visit Thailand later this month and that MFA officials
are willing to "pass on" any specific messages from the U.S.
Poloff responded that the recent IAEA Board vote was a strong
and clear message of international concern over Iran's
actions and urged RTG officials to repeat this point.


2. (C) Comment. Udomsak's failure to elucidate a resounding
"yes" when asked if Thailand supports the IAEA board vote
represents either RTG inattention to the issue or the usual
Thai willingness to avoid taking sides on tough international
issues. Given Udomsak's repeated (and unprompted) efforts to
"explain" Thailand's need to maintain good relations with
Iran, we're betting on the latter.
BOYCE