Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BANGKOK228
2008-01-24 04:49:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bangkok
Cable title:
AMBASSADOR AND EAP/DAS MARCIEL URGE RTG TO BAN
how-toVZCZCXRO9597 OO RUEHCHI RUEHCN RUEHDT RUEHHM DE RUEHBK #0228 0240449 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 240449Z JAN 08 FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1543 INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 5452 RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA 8228 RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 4973 RUEHNY/AMEMBASSY OSLO 0970 RUEHOT/AMEMBASSY OTTAWA 7518 RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 4177 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO 0304 RUEHWL/AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON 2126 RUEHHK/AMCONSUL HONG KONG 4344 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 5275 RUEHIN/AIT TAIPEI 8914
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 000228
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
FOR EAP/MLS AARON COPE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/24/2018
TAGS: PREL ETRD PHUM BM TH
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND EAP/DAS MARCIEL URGE RTG TO BAN
IMPORTS OF BURMESE GEMS AND HARDWOODS
REF: A. SECSTATE 5276
B. 07 STATE 164893
Classified By: Ambassador Eric G. John, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 000228
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
FOR EAP/MLS AARON COPE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/24/2018
TAGS: PREL ETRD PHUM BM TH
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND EAP/DAS MARCIEL URGE RTG TO BAN
IMPORTS OF BURMESE GEMS AND HARDWOODS
REF: A. SECSTATE 5276
B. 07 STATE 164893
Classified By: Ambassador Eric G. John, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) During a January 23 introductory call on Foreign
Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram the Ambassador used reftel A
points to encourage the RTG to adopt measures to ban the
import of Burmese gems and hardwood. Noting the approaching
political transition in Thailand, the Foreign Minister
encouraged the USG to coordinate measures on Burma with the
new government.
2. (C) In a separate, wide-ranging discussion on Burma
issues with MFA Permanent Secretary Virasakdi Futrakul on
January 23 (septel),Deputy Assistant Secretary Scot Marciel
emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to maintain
pressure on the Burmese junta using mechanisms such as an
import ban on Burmese gems and hardwoods. EAP DAS Marciel
recognized the affect a gem and hardwood ban would have on a
country like Thailand, a major importer of these products,
but reiterated that it was unacceptable to continue business
as usual with Burmese regime. Permsec Virasakdi took note of
the USG position but underscored the hardships that sanctions
such as these would cause Thailand.
3. (C) Comment: We will need to engage with the new
government on Burma issues, as the current ministers will be
replaced early next month. The new government is unlikely to
be any more enthusiastic about sanctions, particularly those
that directly affect the livelihoods of a significant number
of Thais, but we will encourage the RTG to look for ways to
exert pressure on the junta. End comment.
JOHN
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
FOR EAP/MLS AARON COPE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/24/2018
TAGS: PREL ETRD PHUM BM TH
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND EAP/DAS MARCIEL URGE RTG TO BAN
IMPORTS OF BURMESE GEMS AND HARDWOODS
REF: A. SECSTATE 5276
B. 07 STATE 164893
Classified By: Ambassador Eric G. John, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) During a January 23 introductory call on Foreign
Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram the Ambassador used reftel A
points to encourage the RTG to adopt measures to ban the
import of Burmese gems and hardwood. Noting the approaching
political transition in Thailand, the Foreign Minister
encouraged the USG to coordinate measures on Burma with the
new government.
2. (C) In a separate, wide-ranging discussion on Burma
issues with MFA Permanent Secretary Virasakdi Futrakul on
January 23 (septel),Deputy Assistant Secretary Scot Marciel
emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to maintain
pressure on the Burmese junta using mechanisms such as an
import ban on Burmese gems and hardwoods. EAP DAS Marciel
recognized the affect a gem and hardwood ban would have on a
country like Thailand, a major importer of these products,
but reiterated that it was unacceptable to continue business
as usual with Burmese regime. Permsec Virasakdi took note of
the USG position but underscored the hardships that sanctions
such as these would cause Thailand.
3. (C) Comment: We will need to engage with the new
government on Burma issues, as the current ministers will be
replaced early next month. The new government is unlikely to
be any more enthusiastic about sanctions, particularly those
that directly affect the livelihoods of a significant number
of Thais, but we will encourage the RTG to look for ways to
exert pressure on the junta. End comment.
JOHN