Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BANGKOK2929
2009-11-18 09:53:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Bangkok
how-toVZCZCXRO1270 PP RUEHCHI RUEHCN RUEHDT RUEHHM DE RUEHBK #2929 3220953 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 180953Z NOV 09 FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8982 INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS PRIORITY RUEHCHI/AMCONSUL CHIANG MAI PRIORITY 7297 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 5469 RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 002929
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP/MLS, IO
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/18/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV TH
SUBJECT: THAILAND: NO CHANGE IN APPROACH TO
COUNTRY-SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS RESOLUTIONS
REF: A. STATE 116267
B. BANGKOK 2771
C. BANGKOK 2518
Classified By: DCM James F. Entwistle, reason 1.4 (b,d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 002929
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP/MLS, IO
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/18/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV TH
SUBJECT: THAILAND: NO CHANGE IN APPROACH TO
COUNTRY-SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS RESOLUTIONS
REF: A. STATE 116267
B. BANGKOK 2771
C. BANGKOK 2518
Classified By: DCM James F. Entwistle, reason 1.4 (b,d)
1. (C) DCM and PolCouns engaged Acting PermSec Chitriya
Pimthong, the highest ranking MFA official in country
November 18, on U.S. priorities for upcoming country human
rights resolutions on Iran, Burma, and North Korea (ref A;
Thai positions previously reported in Ref B). Referencing
Thai FM Kasit's expressed interest in consulting more closely
and regularly with the U.S. on strategic approaches to
UN-related issues, DCM asked Chitriya to consider moving
Thailand away from its traditional stance of voting for
no-action motions, which aim to stifle debate, and abstention
on all country-specific motions. PolCouns noted that the
DPRK motion is based on the work of the UN Special Rapporteur
for DPRK, a well respected Thai constitutional law/human
rights professor, Dr. Vitit, who cooperates closely with the
Thai MFA on a number of issues, having served as the Thai
expert in establishing the terms of reference for the new
ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights.
2. (C) Acting PermSec Chitriya, who overseas the
International Organizations Department, thanked us for the
U.S. position, expressed understanding of our approach to
human rights issues, but replied that Thailand would continue
with its prior voting pattern, based on a belief in
constructive dialogue to improve conditions in countries, as
opposed to resolutions condemning specific countries.
Chitriya cited Thailand's support on resolutions affecting
women and children as an example. DCM suggested that
Thailand, which aspires to join the Human Rights Commission
as an Asian member in 2010 (ref C),should support discussion
of human rights issues and thus abstain from no-action
motions. Chitriya replied that Thailand's approach to the
Human Rights Commission work had yet to be determined,
pending actual membership.
JOHN
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP/MLS, IO
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/18/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV TH
SUBJECT: THAILAND: NO CHANGE IN APPROACH TO
COUNTRY-SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS RESOLUTIONS
REF: A. STATE 116267
B. BANGKOK 2771
C. BANGKOK 2518
Classified By: DCM James F. Entwistle, reason 1.4 (b,d)
1. (C) DCM and PolCouns engaged Acting PermSec Chitriya
Pimthong, the highest ranking MFA official in country
November 18, on U.S. priorities for upcoming country human
rights resolutions on Iran, Burma, and North Korea (ref A;
Thai positions previously reported in Ref B). Referencing
Thai FM Kasit's expressed interest in consulting more closely
and regularly with the U.S. on strategic approaches to
UN-related issues, DCM asked Chitriya to consider moving
Thailand away from its traditional stance of voting for
no-action motions, which aim to stifle debate, and abstention
on all country-specific motions. PolCouns noted that the
DPRK motion is based on the work of the UN Special Rapporteur
for DPRK, a well respected Thai constitutional law/human
rights professor, Dr. Vitit, who cooperates closely with the
Thai MFA on a number of issues, having served as the Thai
expert in establishing the terms of reference for the new
ASEAN Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights.
2. (C) Acting PermSec Chitriya, who overseas the
International Organizations Department, thanked us for the
U.S. position, expressed understanding of our approach to
human rights issues, but replied that Thailand would continue
with its prior voting pattern, based on a belief in
constructive dialogue to improve conditions in countries, as
opposed to resolutions condemning specific countries.
Chitriya cited Thailand's support on resolutions affecting
women and children as an example. DCM suggested that
Thailand, which aspires to join the Human Rights Commission
as an Asian member in 2010 (ref C),should support discussion
of human rights issues and thus abstain from no-action
motions. Chitriya replied that Thailand's approach to the
Human Rights Commission work had yet to be determined,
pending actual membership.
JOHN