Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BANGKOK3497
2008-11-28 08:28:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bangkok
Cable title:
THAILAND CONSIDERING LEGAL ISSUES INVOLVED IN ARF
how-toVZCZCXRO1332 OO RUEHDT RUEHPB DE RUEHBK #3497 3330828 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 280828Z NOV 08 FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5219 INFO RUCNARF/ASEAN REGIONAL FORUM COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/CJCS WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 003497
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/28/2018
TAGS: PREL EAID MARR MOPS ASEAN ARF RP TH
SUBJECT: THAILAND CONSIDERING LEGAL ISSUES INVOLVED IN ARF
VDR PARTICIPATION
REF: STATE 122937
Classified By: Deputy Chief James F. Entwistle, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 003497
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/28/2018
TAGS: PREL EAID MARR MOPS ASEAN ARF RP TH
SUBJECT: THAILAND CONSIDERING LEGAL ISSUES INVOLVED IN ARF
VDR PARTICIPATION
REF: STATE 122937
Classified By: Deputy Chief James F. Entwistle, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) Per reftel instructions, POLOFF discussed possible
Thai participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum Disaster
Relief Voluntary Demonstration of Response (VDR) with Suriya
Chindawongse, Counsellor in the Department of ASEAN Affairs
at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and JUSMAGTHAI discussed
with Special Captain Sanyalak Rungsampan, Assistant Exercise
Director at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters (RTARF).
2. (C) Suriya told us that the RTG was still considering
participation in the VDR but the legal status of potential
participants was a significant hurdle. Suriya recognized
that there was no option to explore a status of forces
agreement with the Philippines. As such, the RTG understood
the Philippine government position was that Thai attendees
would be required to attend the VDR on a visa. Participation
in this manner would expose Thai participants to legal
liability if some sort of damage occurred during the course
of the VDR, Suriya said. While the issue was still under
consideration, Thai participation could be limited to
observer status, Suriya said.
3. (C) RTARF Sanyalak told JUSMAGTHAI that the Thai
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DPMO) was
the responsible Thai agency for the VDR and that RTARF was
waiting for an official decision regarding Thai
participation.
4. (C) POLOFF also discussed the VDR with Donna Rodriquez who
is responsible for ASEAN affairs at the Philippine Embassy in
Bangkok. Rodriquez reported that the Philippine Embassy was
focused on preparations for the ASEAN Summit. The Embassy
would begin to engage the RTG on participation in the VDR
after the Summit had passed.
5. (U) Embassy Bangkok POC for coordination regarding the VDR
is Political Officer Thomas Hines.
JOHN
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/28/2018
TAGS: PREL EAID MARR MOPS ASEAN ARF RP TH
SUBJECT: THAILAND CONSIDERING LEGAL ISSUES INVOLVED IN ARF
VDR PARTICIPATION
REF: STATE 122937
Classified By: Deputy Chief James F. Entwistle, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) Per reftel instructions, POLOFF discussed possible
Thai participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum Disaster
Relief Voluntary Demonstration of Response (VDR) with Suriya
Chindawongse, Counsellor in the Department of ASEAN Affairs
at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and JUSMAGTHAI discussed
with Special Captain Sanyalak Rungsampan, Assistant Exercise
Director at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters (RTARF).
2. (C) Suriya told us that the RTG was still considering
participation in the VDR but the legal status of potential
participants was a significant hurdle. Suriya recognized
that there was no option to explore a status of forces
agreement with the Philippines. As such, the RTG understood
the Philippine government position was that Thai attendees
would be required to attend the VDR on a visa. Participation
in this manner would expose Thai participants to legal
liability if some sort of damage occurred during the course
of the VDR, Suriya said. While the issue was still under
consideration, Thai participation could be limited to
observer status, Suriya said.
3. (C) RTARF Sanyalak told JUSMAGTHAI that the Thai
Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DPMO) was
the responsible Thai agency for the VDR and that RTARF was
waiting for an official decision regarding Thai
participation.
4. (C) POLOFF also discussed the VDR with Donna Rodriquez who
is responsible for ASEAN affairs at the Philippine Embassy in
Bangkok. Rodriquez reported that the Philippine Embassy was
focused on preparations for the ASEAN Summit. The Embassy
would begin to engage the RTG on participation in the VDR
after the Summit had passed.
5. (U) Embassy Bangkok POC for coordination regarding the VDR
is Political Officer Thomas Hines.
JOHN