Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BANGKOK2303
2008-07-30 10:07:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bangkok
Cable title:  

PREAH VIHEAR: THAI MFA BRIEFS ON TALKS WITH

Tags:  PREL PGOV MOPS ASEC CASC UNESCO SCUL PBTS 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BANGKOK 002303 

SIPDIS

PARIS PLEASE PASS TO USMISSION UNESCO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/29/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS ASEC CASC UNESCO SCUL PBTS
UNSC, TH, CB
SUBJECT: PREAH VIHEAR: THAI MFA BRIEFS ON TALKS WITH
CAMBODIA

REF: BANGKOK 2294 (MFA ON JULY 28 TALKS)

BANGKOK 00002303 001.2 OF 002


Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission James F. Entwistle, reason 1.4 (
b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BANGKOK 002303

SIPDIS

PARIS PLEASE PASS TO USMISSION UNESCO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/29/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS ASEC CASC UNESCO SCUL PBTS
UNSC, TH, CB
SUBJECT: PREAH VIHEAR: THAI MFA BRIEFS ON TALKS WITH
CAMBODIA

REF: BANGKOK 2294 (MFA ON JULY 28 TALKS)

BANGKOK 00002303 001.2 OF 002


Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission James F. Entwistle, reason 1.4 (
b) and (d).


1. (SBU) Summary: In a July 30 briefing, a Thai senior MFA
official discussed with a select group of diplomats the
Thai-Cambodian dialogue on the Preah Vihear temple. (DCM and
Poloff attended.) The Cambodian Ambassador to Thailand was
present and, in a show of harmony, echoed many of the Thai
points. The two countries' Foreign Ministers may meet again
as soon as August 7 to continue to work toward a peaceful
settlement, although the Thai side will require a substantial
time to obtain legislative approval for any agreement with
Cambodia on this matter. End Summary.


2. (SBU) On July 30, Virachai Plasai, Legal Advisor to the
Office of the Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary, briefed
Chiefs of Mission from UNSC and ASEAN countries on the July
28 Thai-Cambodian talks on Preah Vihear. Virachai stuck
closely to the operative language in the text of the MFA's
public statement ("story") provided in reftel. In a show of
harmony, Virachai welcomed the presence of the Cambodian
Ambassador to Thailand, who then repeated the operative
language of the text as he explained his government's
position.


3. (SBU) In his briefing and the ensuing discussion, Virachai
added the following clarifications:

- Thai military commanders had provided assurances that they
could restrain the troops in the border area and would
prevent any "individual acts" that could lead to an
"undesirable incident."

- The redeployment of troops away from the vicinity of the
temple would be directed by the governments of both sides,
not necessarily in a coordinated fashion; the modalities of
troop withdrawal remained to be determined. The Thai Army
Commander would redeploy his troops when ordered to do so by
civilian authorities.

- Unresolved issues of top priority included the disposition
of Cambodians in the vicinity of the temple, as well as their
homes and market.

- The Thais would require substantial time to conclude an
agreement with Cambodia, as any agreement on this matter
appears to require legislative approval, under the provisions
of Article 190 of the Thai Constitution.

- The two sides' Foreign Ministers would meet again as soon
as possible, hopefully after a delay measured in weeks rather
than months. The Cambodian Ambassador interjected that the
Royal Government of Cambodia had suggested a meeting on
August 1 or August 7, but the RTG was unable to accept those
dates. Virachai responded that the Thai side did not rule
out August 7, but the newly-appointed Thai Foreign Minister
faced substantial demands on his time relating to his
assumption of his office.

- The relevant formula for meetings between the Foreign
Ministers entails the two sides "agreeing to recommend"
certain actions to their respective governments. The Thai
MFA had on July 29 forwarded to the Thai cabinet
recommendations that emerged from the July 28 talks, as
specified in the text reported in reftel.

- The "Temporary Coordinating Task Force" specified in the
text reported in reftel would consist of "all concerned
agencies."


4. (C) Comment: There is clearly more work to be done to
resolve the issues surrounding the Preah Vihear temple, and
the Thai side appears to be significantly constrained by
constitutional provisions requiring parliamentary approval of

BANGKOK 00002303 002.2 OF 002


"treaties." It appears, however, that the Thais are
committed to resolving the matter peacefully, and they have a
vision for how to proceed in their bilateral talks with
Cambodia.
JOHN