THAILAND'S RESPONSE TO INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR FUEL BANK

UNCLAS BANGKOK 001407 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR T, IO/T, ISN/NESS E.O. 12958, AS AMENDED: N/A TAGS: ENRG TRGY KNNP IAEA TH SUBJECT: THAILAND'S RESPONSE TO INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR FUEL BANK DEMARCHE Sensitive But Unclassified. For Official Use Only. REF: STATE 57093 ¶1. (SBU) On June 10, Econoff delivered reftel demarche talking points to Mr. Pakawat Srisukwattana of the Peace, Security, and Disarmament Division; Department of International Organizations; Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ¶2. (SBU) Mr. Pakawat stated that the Royal Thai Government (RTG) is planning to send a representative to attend the June 15-18 IAEA Board of Governors Meeting. While it is not certain who will attend for the RTG, Mr. Pakawat said that it would likely be the Thai Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna. (Note: Thailand is a member of the IAEA, but is not on the Board of Governors. End note.) ¶3. (SBU) Mr. Pakawat said that the RTG is aware of the "assurance of supply" issue and is familiar with the proposed three models for fuel banks. While the RTG does not have a formal position on the issue, Mr. Pakawat noted that the RTG did not want proposed fuel banks to become obstacles to developing countries who are establishing nuclear energy industries. Mr. Pakawat said the RTG would consider USG concerns on nuclear fuel banks. ENTWISTLE