DEPARTMENT CLEARANCE FOR LEAHY REQUEST - JUSMAG - ROYAL THAI

UNCLAS STATE 120035

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MARR MASS MOPS PHUM PREL SNAR KCRM TH
SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT CLEARANCE FOR LEAHY REQUEST - JUSMAG - ROYAL THAI
ARMY OFFICERS TO VISIT FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA AND MAC DILL AIR
FORCE BASE, TAMPA, FLORIDA

REF: BANGKOK 3288


1. (SBU) The Department of State reviewed its files and found that,
to date, it possesses no credible evidence of gross violations of
human rights committed by the individuals listed below. These
individuals are candidates to visit the United States Army Special
Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Special
Operations Command at Mac Dill Air Force Base, Florida from December
7-13, 2008.


2. (U) Candidates:

Name: Puchong Rattanawan
DPOB: May 02, 1950; Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Title/Rank: Lieutenant General, Commanding General
Unit: Special Warfare Command, Royal Thai Army

Name: Soopawoot Utama
DPOB: July 07, 1053; Nong Khai, Thailand
Title/Rank: Major General, Commander
Unit: 1st Special Forces Division, Royal Thai Army

Name: Powpon Ponglowkam
DPOB: April 22, 1953; Suphan Buri, Thailand
Title/Rank: Major General, Commander
Unit: Special Warfare Center and School, Royal Thai Army

Name: Sadet Arkajag
DPOB: August 14, 1969; Korat, Thailand
Title/Rank: Lieutenant Colonel, Commander
Unit: 1st Battalion 3rd Special Forces Regiment, Royal Thai Army


3. (U) Post may provide the following statement to authorized
parties: Embassy verifies that the Department of State possesses no
credible information of gross violations of human rights by the
individuals identified above, as of this date. Post may cite this
cable in response.


4. (U) If, in the future, post becomes aware of possible human rights
violations by the individuals listed above, post should inform the
Department and not proceed with training.


5. (U) POC for this action is Jameson DeBose:
-Email: DeBoseJL@state.gov
-Phone: 202-647-2989
RICE