RUSSIA-GEORGIA CONFLICT: THAIS NONCOMMITTAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 002545 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/RUS, EAP/MLS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/26/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC GG RU MARR TH SUBJECT: RUSSIA-GEORGIA CONFLICT: THAIS NONCOMMITTAL REF: A. SECSTATE 90978 ¶B. BANGKOK 2536 Classified By: DCM James F. Entwistle, reason 1.4 (b, d) ¶1. (SBU) We conveyed ref A points on Russia's position on South Ossetia and Abkhazia to MFA Director for Central and Eastern Europe Pachuen Phornmongkol on August 26, following up the previous demarche (ref B). Pachuen assured us that the RTG viewpoint on the conflict would be in line with past RTG policy decisions involving sovereignty and territoriality. (Note: Thailand has not recognized Kosovo as an independent country, concerned about the possible precedent it might create for the separatist movement in Thailand's southern provinces. End note.) RTG Awaits UN Position, plans PM trip to Moscow -------------- -- ¶2. (C) Pachuen thanked us for the timing of the two demarches and said she was incorporating the points into a report on the Russia-Georgia conflict for Foreign Minister Tej Bunnag. However, Thailand's size and location, she added, meant the RTG would not apply pressure on Russia in terms of its possible recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Instead, "We will look to the UN before we decide anything." ¶3. (SBU) Note: Pachuen will be part of an advance team visiting Moscow on September 2 to prepare for PM Samak's planned meeting with President Medvedev, now scheduled for October 14 (see ref B for more details). JOHN