Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BANGKOK428
2008-02-08 10:17:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bangkok
Cable title:
THAI REACTION TO USG LIFTING RESTRICTIONS ON
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C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 000428
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
NSC FOR PHU
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/07/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS MASS KPAO KMDR TH
SUBJECT: THAI REACTION TO USG LIFTING RESTRICTIONS ON
MILITARY ASSISTANCE
Classified By: Ambassador Eric G. John, reason: 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 000428
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
NSC FOR PHU
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/07/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS MASS KPAO KMDR TH
SUBJECT: THAI REACTION TO USG LIFTING RESTRICTIONS ON
MILITARY ASSISTANCE
Classified By: Ambassador Eric G. John, reason: 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (U) The Ambassador on February 7 held a press conference
at the Embassy to brief the media on the USG's removal of
restrictions on military assistance. Over a dozen broadcast
and print journalists attended, posing questions on a wide
range of issues, including USG views on Burma and on the
cabinet. Reporting on the lifting of restrictions was
straightforward and without editorializing. Reports were
carried inside the popular business paper Krungthep Thurakit
(page 15, circulation 50,000),Matichon (page 13, circulation
150,000),Khom Chat Leuk (page 15, circulation 100,000),and
on the front page of Naew Na (circulation 30,000).
Television channels 7, 9, and 11 featured the press
conference in their evening broadcasts.
2. (C) Prior to the press conference, the Ambassador
explained the removal of restrictions in a brief phone
conversation with Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. The
Ambassador used the opportunity to congratulate Samak on his
swearing-in, and to remark that the diplomatic corps deeply
appreciated Prime Minister Samak's appearance at the
Australian Embassy's February 4 national day reception.
(Samak had previously told the Ambassador he felt it
important that the RTG provide high-level representation at
such receptions, and he intended to attend as many as
possible.) Samak spoke with enthusiasm about his February 4
phone conversation with President Bush and reiterated his
willingness to accommodate USG requests for meetings. After
the press conference, the Ambassador also called Foreign
Minister Noppadol Pattama to congratulate him on his new
position and inform him of the lifting of restrictions, which
Noppadol welcomed.
JOHN
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
NSC FOR PHU
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/07/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS MASS KPAO KMDR TH
SUBJECT: THAI REACTION TO USG LIFTING RESTRICTIONS ON
MILITARY ASSISTANCE
Classified By: Ambassador Eric G. John, reason: 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (U) The Ambassador on February 7 held a press conference
at the Embassy to brief the media on the USG's removal of
restrictions on military assistance. Over a dozen broadcast
and print journalists attended, posing questions on a wide
range of issues, including USG views on Burma and on the
cabinet. Reporting on the lifting of restrictions was
straightforward and without editorializing. Reports were
carried inside the popular business paper Krungthep Thurakit
(page 15, circulation 50,000),Matichon (page 13, circulation
150,000),Khom Chat Leuk (page 15, circulation 100,000),and
on the front page of Naew Na (circulation 30,000).
Television channels 7, 9, and 11 featured the press
conference in their evening broadcasts.
2. (C) Prior to the press conference, the Ambassador
explained the removal of restrictions in a brief phone
conversation with Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej. The
Ambassador used the opportunity to congratulate Samak on his
swearing-in, and to remark that the diplomatic corps deeply
appreciated Prime Minister Samak's appearance at the
Australian Embassy's February 4 national day reception.
(Samak had previously told the Ambassador he felt it
important that the RTG provide high-level representation at
such receptions, and he intended to attend as many as
possible.) Samak spoke with enthusiasm about his February 4
phone conversation with President Bush and reiterated his
willingness to accommodate USG requests for meetings. After
the press conference, the Ambassador also called Foreign
Minister Noppadol Pattama to congratulate him on his new
position and inform him of the lifting of restrictions, which
Noppadol welcomed.
JOHN