PRIVY COUNCILLOR TELLS AMBASSADOR OF STEADY

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BANGKOK 000224 SIPDIS SIPDIS NSC FOR PHU E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/22/2017 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL PINS TH SUBJECT: PRIVY COUNCILLOR TELLS AMBASSADOR OF STEADY DETERIORATION IN THAILAND'S TROUBLED SOUTH Classified By: Ambassador Eric G. John, reason 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: During the Ambassador's January 22 courtesy call, a Privy Councillor with long experience in the South encouraged the Ambassador to travel in the troubled region. Palakorn Sunwanrath believed that a visit with southern religious and community leaders would show sympathy for Thailand's difficult situation. Palakorn described the deterioration in security in the South since 2004, noting that both Muslims and Buddhists were fleeing the area. The Ambassador emphasized that it was up to the Thai to handle this internal security issue; at the same time, he urged the security forces to refrain from human rights abuses, such as extrajudicial killings. He said that the US was concerned about the insurgency and wanted to help if we could, although we would not want to cause any misunderstanding of the US role. The Ambassador emphasized that Thailand was an important friend to the US, and looked forward to the lifting of coup-related sanctions once the new government was in place. End Summary. ¶2. (C) Privy Councillor Palakorn Sunwanrath discussed the insurgency in southern Thailand with Ambassador during a courtesy call on January 22. Palakorn, who had worked in the southern provinces as a Ministry of Interior official and head of the Southern Border Provinces Administration Center until 2001, expressed concern at the deterioration of the security situation since 2004. In the past, he said, some local people expressed their grievances by burning schools and other public buildings, but did not try to hurt people. Now, southerners live in fear due to the high levels of violence. Both Muslims and Buddhists are leaving the deep south. This is one of the goals of the insurgents, Palakorn believed; if only the least educated Muslims remained in the area, it would be easier for the insurgents to maintain control. REALLY NICE PEOPLE -------------- ¶3. (C) Palakorn encouraged the Ambassador to travel to the South, although he recommended meeting with religious and community leaders, rather than with the police or military. He said that meetings of this kind could show that the US feels for Thailand's difficult situation, and would "show sympathy for a friend." Palakorn said that the Muslims in the area are not anti-American; they were also "really nice people." He noted that there had been no attacks on US tourists in the area, and even Israeli diplomats had travelled safely in southern provinces. ¶4. (C) The Ambassador said that others had also encouraged him to travel to the South, and he would consider it. There were some concerns that such a trip could be misinterpreted, and could look to the public as though the US were involved in this internal Thai issue. The US agrees with the RTG that maintaining security in the south is important, although with the understanding that security forces should respect human rights and completely avoid extra-judicial killings. As a friend, however, we also wanted to help apropriately, if we could. Palakorn welcomed the Ambassador's interest. He mentioned that he had heard the army had a particular need for advanced equipment to deal with IEDs, which was very expensive, but added that such a request would have to be made by the military itself. SHADES OF GRAY -------------- ¶5. (C) Palakorn commented briefly on the political situation. He expressed disappointment, saying that "after 75 years of democracy," Thai politics should be better. Looking at the formation of the new government, he noted that there were no permanent friends in Thai politics. It would be better if things were more black and white, he said, rather than shades of gray. He said he was not sure who would wind up as prime minister. Regarding rumors that the finance minister slot would go to Surapong Suebwongli, People's Power Party Secretary-General, he noted that Surapong's lack of SIPDIS background in finance (he is a doctor) might not be a serious hindrance, provided he had good staff and "was not crooked." 6, (C) The Ambassador concluded the meeting by emphasizing our desire to show that the bilateral relationship is strong and that Thailand is important to the US. We look forward to lifting sanctions once the new government is in place. BANGKOK 00000224 002 OF 002 Palakorn assured the Ambassador that "eveybody understood" the US position on the coup. COMMENT -------------- ¶7. (C) Palakorn's long persnal connection to the south gives him a more modrate view on the Muslim population compared to may Bangkok-based officials, who do not view the suthern Muslims as "nice people" at all. Palakorn may be inclined to over-estimate the effectiveness of advanced equipment to deal with IEDs. In our experience, officials are too often reluctant to use what good equipment they have, since they don't want to be responsible if it gets blown up. Better trained personnel, rather than better equipment, is probably a more crucial need. Various elements of this Mission have trained a significant number of Thai military and police in bomb disposal and post-blast investigation over the years. JOHN