THAI CANDIDACY FOR THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE

UNCLAS BANGKOK 002599 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL TH UNESCO SUBJECT: THAI CANDIDACY FOR THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE (WHC) 2009-2013 (SBU) 1. The Thai MFA passed the below dipnote text informing the USG of its candidacy for the World Heritage Committee, along with resumes of its proposed representatives, and asking for U.S. support. The ongoing dispute with Cambodia over the listing of the Preah Vihear border temple as a World Heritage Site, along with the management of the disputed area around the temple, is likely the rationale for the Thai interest in joining the committee. Begin Diplomatic Note text: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor to inform the Embassy that the Royal Thai Government has decided to present its candidacy to the World Heritage Committee (WHC) for the term 2009-2013 in which Dr. Somsuda Leyavanija, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, will represent the Kingdom of Thailand. The elections will be held during the 17th Session of the General Assembly of the States Parties to the World Heritage Convention in Paris, France, During 23-28 October 2009. The Ministry has further the honour to inform the Embassy that the Royal Thai Government attaches great importance to the implementation of the World Heritage Convention and strongly believes that Dr. Somsuda Leyavanija, as a Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture in charge of the work relating to the UNESCO and the World Heritage Convention, will be able to perform efficiently in the Committee if elected. In addition, her extensive knowledge and more than 20 years of experience in the fields of archeology, fine arts, history and culture will enable her to make significant contribution to the work of the WHC. Furthermore, Dr. Leyavanija will be supported by a national team of renowned experts namely Professor Dr. Adul Wichiencharoen who is widely recognized in the work of the UNESCO and the WHC and who served as Thailand's representative on the WHC during 1989-1995 and 1997-2003, Dr. Sasithara Pichaichannarong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, Mrs. Sivitri Suwansathit, Advisor to the Ministry of Culture of Thailand and Member of the Cultural Commission of the Thai National Commission for UNESCO, and Dr. Pisit Charoenwongsa, Director of SEMEO-SPAFA. The curriculum vitaes are attached herewith for consideration. In view of cordial and close relations between the two countries, the Royal Thai Government would highly appreciate the invaluable support of the Government of the United States of America to the Dr. Leyavanija, whose curriculum vitae is enclosed herewith, at the afore-mentioned elections. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States ofd America the assurances of its highest consideration. The biography data of Dr. Leyavanija and her team members will be scanned separately and email to Department. ENTWISTLE