Embassy Nomination for FSN Economic Training (PE220):

UNCLAS BANGKOK 000464

STATE FOR FSI/SPAS/ECON M. Keller and R. Winchester

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AFSI ECON AMGT AFSN ETRD TH
SUBJECT: Embassy Nomination for FSN Economic Training (PE220):
Cheanchom Thongjen

REF: SECSTATE 12341


1. In response to reftel, Post would like nominate Cheanchom
Thongjen for the FSN Economic Training Course (PE220) scheduled for
April 6 - 17, 2009. We strongly believe Ms. Thongjen would benefit
greatly from the course in question, which would also be enhanced
through her participation.


A. Name and grade of FSN: Cheanchom Thongjen Grade 11-02

B. Nationality: Thai

C. Passport Number: N614360

D. Agency: Economic Section, U.S. Embassy Bangkok

E. Position title: Economic Specialist

F. American supervisor's name and email address: Lawrence Petroni,
petroniLJ@state.gov

G. FSN's education, job experience and current responsibilities:

Education
--------------
B.A. Economics, Chulalongkorn University
M.S. Economic Policy, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
(Major: International Economics and Public Finance)


Job Experience
--------------
5 Mar 1998 - 13 Jan 2004: Tax Economist, The Revenue Department,
Thailand
26 Jan 2004 - July 2005: Tax Analyst, Grant Thornton, Thailand
1 Aug 2005 - 15 Jan 2008: Economist, World Bank, Thailand
21 Jan 2008-present: Economic Specialist, U.S. Embassy Bangkok

Current Responsibilities
--------------

1. Provide written reports and translations as directed (e.g.
Trafficking in Persons Report, Child Labor Report, etc)

2. Maintain and develop local contacts in portfolio areas (e.g.
Labor, human trafficking, transport, telecommunication, etc.)

3. Perform research and analysis supporting objectives

4. Schedule meetings, accompany officers and visitors

5. Respond to requests for information

6. Exercise judgment in dealing with others


H. Description of how course would enhance nominee's productivity
at post: Ms. Thongjen has already proven herself to be a skilled
researcher who quickly comes to understand complex economic topics
ranging from Thai labor law to telecommunications regulation. Her
performance would be enhanced through a deeper understanding of the
objectives of USG policy makers in Washington, and an improved
understanding of how to effectively present relevant information to
them (i.e., oral briefings for visiting officials, cable/memo
drafting, etc.). The opportunity to consult with end-users of the
many reports and products which she works on would be of particular
importance. This would be the nominee's first visit to Washington
as a USG employee.


I. Suggestions for course content: The overall course content
appears well thought out and relevant. Post suggests that, when
discussing Washington end-users, course instructors should not limit
their comments to only those within the State Department. Many of
the most engaged end-users of our services sit in the Departments of
Labor, Treasury, Energy, etc., as well as at the NSC and USTR. If
necessary, Post suggests shifting some time away from the
substantive topics listed (reftel, paragraph 6) to allow for greater
discussion of the interagency process and the members it involves.


J. Comments on list of skills and topics: Post notes that the list
of substantive topics covered in the course (reftel, paragraph 6)
does not include labor issues, to include labor rights, forced
labor, broadly and trafficking in persons. We view these topics to
be intrinsically economic issues, as labor exploitation in all its
forms by definition involves business/economic activity. Ms.
Thongjen spends much of her time on these issues.


K. Names and dates of all FSI training courses taken: None


2. Post appreciates the strongest consideration of our nominee.