Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BANGKOK1722
2008-06-05 10:16:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bangkok
Cable title:  

BANGKOK GOVERNOR TELLS AMBASSADOR POLITICAL

Tags:  PGOV KDEM TH 
pdf how-to read a cable
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DE RUEHBK #1722 1571016
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 051016Z JUN 08
FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3273
INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS PRIORITY
RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO PRIORITY 0809
RHHMUNA/USCINCPAC HONOLULU HI PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 001722 

SIPDIS

NSC FOR PHU

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2018
TAGS: PGOV KDEM TH
SUBJECT: BANGKOK GOVERNOR TELLS AMBASSADOR POLITICAL
TENSION EASING SLIGHTLY


Classified By: Ambassador Eric G. John, reason: 1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 001722

SIPDIS

NSC FOR PHU

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2018
TAGS: PGOV KDEM TH
SUBJECT: BANGKOK GOVERNOR TELLS AMBASSADOR POLITICAL
TENSION EASING SLIGHTLY


Classified By: Ambassador Eric G. John, reason: 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) During a June 5 courtesy call, the Ambassador asked
Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayothin his view of ongoing
anti-government protests. Apirak said he did not believe the
situation would spiral out of control. He noted that the
atmosphere was currently less tumultuous than in 2006, and
Prime Minister Samak had taken a more moderate tone following
the weekend of May 31-June 1. Apirak opined that the
solution to political confrontation would be found through
parliamentary discussion, and he saw benefit in the movement
in the House of Representatives to establish a committee with
broad membership to consider constitutional amendment.


2. (C) Apirak estimated that it was not likely that a
military coup would take place -- "if the Army stays strong"
in its determination not to allow or instigate another coup.
He considered both Army Commander Anupong Paojinda and Prayud
Chan-Ocha, Commander of the First Army, to be inclined
against a coup. Apirak said he worked very closely with
Prayut, as the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority, the First Army
Command, and the police coordinated matters through a
committee on security in Bangkok.


3. (C) Apirak commented that, while permits are technically
required for protests in Bangkok, people regularly gathered
for rallies without permits. For two years, he quipped, the
two sides in Thailand's polarized environment have held
demonstrations and counter-demonstrations "like ping pong."
He acknowledged that the ongoing demonstrations blocked
traffic, but he appeared resigned to the situation continuing.


4. (C) Comment: We agree with Apirak's assessment that
political tension has eased somewhat since the weekend,
although the potential for escalation remains.
JOHN