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