THAI COUP: CANADIANS WERE NOT AMUSED

C O N F I D E N T I A L OTTAWA 003026 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/06/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM TH CA SUBJECT: THAI COUP: CANADIANS WERE NOT AMUSED REF: STATE 166345 Classified By: A/DCM BRIAN FLORA FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D) ¶1. (C) Pol M/C delivered reftel demarche on the U.S. reaction to the Coup in Thailand to Foreign Affairs Office Director Deborah Paul (Southeast Asia and the Pacific Region) on October 5. Paul said our approach was very timely, as she was heading an interagency task force that was seeking ways to impress upon on the coup leaders (and the military in other states in the region) the seriousness with which Canada views developments in Thailand. Foreign Minister MacKay immediately expressed Canada,s dismay and called for the rapid return of a democratic government, restoration of democratic institutions, and respect for human rights and freedoms. ¶2. (C) The government intends to make it clear that it is not just &business as usual8 until democracy is restored. No official visits have been scheduled, and the Foreign Office intends to recommend against any taking place until free and fair elections take place. Canada led the move at the recent Francophonie to defer Thailand,s request for observer status. Assistance programs (except for those involving humanitarian assistance and health matters) will be reviewed on a case by case basis, and Canada,s limited military exchange/training program will likely be cancelled. Ms. Paul said that the Canadian mission Bangkok was already coordinating with its U.S., Australian, and New Zealand counterparts, but Canada was open to further coordination and ideas on how to signal the West,s displeasure and convince the military leaders to get back to the barracks. Visit Canada's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/ottawa WILKINS