EXBS: THAILAND/VIETNAM/CAMBODIA ADVISOR MONTHLY

UNCLAS BANGKOK 003698 SIPDIS DEPT FOR ISN/ECC YWONG, ACHURCH, ROWEN, EAP/MLS DRICHELSOPH, BBLACKSHAW, AWEST CBP/INA FOR BMCCRAY DEPT OF ENERGY FOR NNSA TPERRY AMEMBASSY HANOI FOR JBOCKLAGE AMEMBASSY KUALA LUMPUR FOR PZARESK AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH FOR MSWEENEY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KNNP KSTC MNUC PARM PREL TH VN CB SUBJECT: EXBS: THAILAND/VIETNAM/CAMBODIA ADVISOR MONTHLY REPORTING CABLE - DECEMBER 2008 SUMMARY ¶1. (U) Commonwealth Trading Partners (CTP) conducted an Advanced National Control List Workshop in Hanoi, Dec. 10-12. Rapiscan x-ray system installation and operator training in Vietnam was completed Dec 5. The electrical generator for the Rapiscan van in Hue is being prepared for shipment from the UK to Vietnam. Advisor briefed Thai officials on remaining FY08 and proposed FY09 events. Hanoi Program Assistant briefed Vietnamese officials. The U.S. Coast Guard will conduct two Boarding Officer Courses in Thailand, Jan 12-23. Advisor will be in the U.S. for leave and consultations, Dec. 22 - Jan. 10. SITE ASSESSMENTS AND MEETINGS ¶2. (U) Advisor and Thai Program Assistant briefed officials at the Thai Ministry of Commerce and Customs on remaining FY08 EXBS activities and proposed activities for FY09. The Ministry of Commerce, as Chair of the Thai government's Export Control Working Group, was very appreciative of our assistance. Director Tikhumporn of the Bureau of Trade Measures said that the plan now is to present a proposal for an enhanced strategic trade control system to the Cabinet, which will provide the political support to move ahead. Deputy Director General Unchana of the Department of Foreign Trade feels that one of the main impediments holding the process back is the lack of understanding within the other ministries and industry concerning strategic trade management. Accordingly, she feels that the U.S. Study Group visit in June will be particularly helpful in educating her executive counterparts. EXBS Program Assistant in Hanoi has briefed and is soliciting feedback on FY08/FY09 activities from Vietnamese officials. ¶3. (U) Advisor conducted a site survey at Bangkok Port for the USCG Boarding Officer Course in January. Officials are very eager for the anticipated training. TRAINING CONDUCTED ¶4. (U) Commonwealth Trading Partners (CTP) conducted an Advanced National Control List Workshop in Hanoi, Dec. 10-12. Twenty-five participants from six Vietnamese government agencies attended. Understanding of the structure and use of the EU List has improved significantly. EQUIPMENT DELIVERED ¶5. (U) On-site installation and operator training for the three Vietnam Rapiscan x-ray systems was completed on December 5. The electrical generator for the Rapiscan van in Hue is being prepared for shipment from the UK to Vietnam. Transit time is expected to take five weeks. IMMINENT TRAINING/EQUIPMENT UPDATE ¶6. (U) The U.S. Coast Guard will conduct two Boarding Officer Courses in Thailand, Jan 12-23. Training will take place at the ports of Laem Chabang and Bangkok. Advisor will be in the U.S. for annual leave and consultations, Dec. 22 - Jan. ¶10. SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS ¶7. (U) Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, closed by political demonstrators on November 25, began accepting flights again the first week of December. The political situation has improved for the time being, with protestors off the streets and a new Prime Minister appointed December 17, but will continue to bear close watching. JOHN