BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK

UNCLAS STATE 020018

SIPDIS
BANGKOK FOR THOMAS HINES

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC TH
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK
ON LICENSE 050145190


1. This is an Action Request. See paragraphs 2 - 4.


2. The Department's Office of Defense Trade Controls
Compliance (PM/DTCC) requests Post's assistance in conducting
a pre-license check on license 050145190 for the export of
pistols to Thailand. Post is requested to complete this Blue
Lantern check within 30 days. Lack of response to a Blue
Lantern check will affect pending and future licenses
involving parties to this license.


3. Reason for Request: The stated end-use for the thirty (30)
.45 caliber pistols listed below is for retail sale to
end-user, Mrs. Bunpluek Maprojong. It is unclear if the
end-user is an arms dealer or a private gun owner. In
addition, the import permit states that foreign consignee
Phongs Firearms is importing the firearms on the end-user's
behalf. More clarification on Thailand's firearms import
policies is requested.


4. Action Request: The stated end-use of the thirty (30)
pistols listed below is retail sale to end-user Bunpluek
Maprojong. It is unclear if the pistols are for personal use
by Bunpluek Maprojong or for further resale. Post is
requested to determine the end-use of the pistols listed
below and establish the bona fides of the parties involved in
this transaction. Post is also requested to make inquiries
to appropriate Thai officials to provide further information
on the firearms import policies of Thailand. The following
points are provided for guidance:

(To Mrs. Bunpluek Maprojong)

--Can you confirm the order of the firearms listed on this
license application? Are you an authorized firearms retailer?
Are these firearms being imported into Thailand for your
personal use or for commercial resale? If for personal use,
can you please explain why the quantity is so high?

--What is your relationship with Phongs Firearms? What are
the terms of the agreement between you and Phongs Firearms in
this transaction? What role is Phongs Firearms playing in
this transaction?

--Are you familiar with the regulations governing the import
of U.S.-origin defense articles, including restrictions on
re-transfer or re-export?

(To Phongs Firearms)

--What is your relationship with Mrs. Bunpluek Maprojong?
What role is Phongs Firearms playing in this transaction? Why
are you involved in the transaction if the import permit is
issued to Mrs. Bunpluek Maprojong?

--Are you familiar with the regulations governing the import
of U.S.-origin defense articles, including restrictions on
re-transfer or re-export?

(To Relevant Thai Import Authority)

--Can you confirm that Mrs. Bunpluek Maprojong is authorized
to import firearms into Thailand? Is she properly registered
as a firearms retailer and/or private firearms owner in
accordance with the law?

--Can you confirm that Phongs Firearms is authorized to
import firearms into Thailand? Is the company properly
registered as a firearms retailer in accordance with the law?

--Can you explain the procedure by which private companies
and individuals import firearms into Thailand? What
limitations on firearms imports exist, according to the laws
and regulations of Thailand? Is there an annual limit to how
many firearms a business or individual may import? Can one's
import allowance be transferred to another business or
individual? In this case, is it lawful for Phongs Firearms to
import firearms using an import permit issued to Mrs.
Bunpluek Maprojong? Please explain the regulations on this
practice.

In its reply, Post may also comment on any other information
pertinent to these transactions such as security of
facilities and concerns about the entities involved.


5. Details of license applications:

DTC Case: 050145190

QUANTITY/COMMODITY:

30 Kimber Pistols, .45ACP Caliber

30 Kimber Magazines

License Value: USD $29,907

SELLER:

Kimber MFG
1 Lawton Street
Yonkers, NY 10705

FOREIGN CONSIGNEE:

Phongs Firearms
2/4 Burapha Road, Wang Buraphabhirom, Pranakorn
Bangkok 10200
Thailand
Tel: 66(02)2218328

FOREIGN END-USER:

Bunpluek Maprojong
No. 330, Chochai-Detudom Road
Buriram Province
Thailand

PURPOSE:

For retail sale to Mrs. Bunpluek Maprojong within Thailand
only.


6. Submitted in support of the license application were the
following documents (PM/DTCC will fax documentation to Posts
upon request):

DSP-83 signed by Bunpluek Maprojong dated 01/15/2009,
Thanaphol Bupparumnee (Phongs Firearms) dated 01/15/2009, and
Donna Logan (Kimber) dated 02/09/2009

Import Permit No. 2/2551 signed by Thamnong Srimuang, Gun
Registrar of Nangrong Province

Purchase Order No. CKB-137/09 from Phongs Firearms signed by
Thanaphol Bupparumnee dated 01/15/2009


7. Please slug reply for PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR
and include the words "Blue Lantern" and the case number in
the subject line. POC is Kyle M. Ballard, Phone:
202-663-1929; Email: BallardKM@state.gov; SIPRNET:
BallardKM@state.sgov.gov. The Blue Lantern Guidebook (ref) is
available as a PDF file in the Bunche Library's E-Book
Collection on the DOS Intranet:
http://virtuallibrary.state.gov/
BlueLanternGuidebook2006%2520 final .pdf


8. Department is grateful for Post's assistance in this
matter.
CLINTON