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Cablegate: Blue Lantern Level 3: Pre-License End-Use Check On

Published: Thu 13 Mar 2008 09:55 AM
VZCZCXYZ0003
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHBK #0802/01 0730955
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 130955Z MAR 08
FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2244
INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS BANGKOK 000802
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
PM/DTCC FOR BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC TH
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: PRE-LICENSE END-USE CHECK ON
LICENSE 05-050081688
REF: STATE 13087
1. (U) According to the Thai Ministry of Commerce, Aumnaj
Firearms was registered as follows:
Registration No. 0103513014952
Registered Date: August 25, 1970
Status: Limited Partnership
Name: Aumnaj Firearms Ltd, Part.
Capital Registration: 2,000,000 baht
Business partners: Wichien Suphap, with an investment of
1,300,000 baht; Phinit Suphap, with an investment of 400,000
baht; Ratchani Phienphithak, with an investment of 100,000
baht; Winit Suphap, with an investment of 100,000 baht; and
Nitthida Suphap, with an investment of 100,000 baht.
Manager: Wichien Suphap, without limitation of authority.
Location: 66 Unakan Road, Wang Burapha Phirom Sub-District,
Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok.
The business has submitted annual financial reports during
1999-2006.
Purpose of Company: Wholesale and retail sale of guns and
ammunition.
2. (U) Aumnaj Firearms Ltd., Part. was listed in the
directory under the same address and telephone number as
stated in reftel and in the commercial registration.
3. (U) POL FSN made an unannounced visit to the company at
the address listed reftel. The business was in a three-story
concrete shop house in the Bangkok's gun-selling business
area. The first floor was open for selling guns and the
upper floors were for gun storage. Several staff were in the
shop. POL FSN met Winit Suphap who said that reftel guns
were ordered by Aumnaj on behalf of the Meekhun Firearms Ltd,
Part., the original licensee, who had authorized Aumnaj to do
so, as approved by Pricha Chotthawiwat, registrar for Dan
Chang District, Suphanburi Province, where Meekhun is
located. Winit presented copies of Aumnaj's Purchase Order
00982/2550, dated 12/17/2007; and Import Permit License
3/2550, dated 11/26/2007, by Dan Chang District Chief.
4. (U) Additional questions per reftel:
How long has your company been in the business of importing
and selling defense articles in Thailand?
Answer: Aumnaj has been in this business since 1970. It is a
family-run business.
What services and products are sold by your company?
Answer: Import and sale of guns. Most guns sold are from
the U.S., Czech Republic, Italy, and Germany. The shop does
not sell ammunition to the general public but stocks
ammunition to sell to gun customers. The shop does not fix
guns or sell gun accessories.
Who are your regular customers? Where do they reside?
Answer: The general public and law enforcement personnel who
reside throughout Thailand. Civil servants in Bangkok are
allowed to buy guns via the Ministry of Interior's (MOI)
Department of Provincial Administration and civil servants
residing outside Bangkok are allowed to buy through the
Ministry of Interior's District Office. Buyers must be Thai
citizens. A non-Thai cannot purchase a gun unless granted a
permit by the MOI. The shop keeps records of each gun and
customer, as required by Thai law.
Are you familiar with the regulations governing the import of
US-origin defense articles, including restrictions on
re-transfer or re-export?
Answer: Yes, this is required by Thai law.
6. (U) According to the Ministry of Commerce, Meekhun
Firearms Ltd., Part. was registered as follows:
Registration No. 0723536000154
Registered Date: April 21, 1993
Status: Limited Partnership
Name: Meekhun Firearms Ltd, Part.
Capital Registration: 200,000 baht
Business Partners: Wiphawi Wanwichit, with an investment of
50,000 baht; Phawini Wanwichit, with an investment of 50,000
baht; Kunthida Wanwichit, with an investment of 50,000 baht;
and Chutima Wanwichit, with an investment of 50,000 baht;
Managers: Phawini Wanwichit and Chutima Wanwichit, with no
limitation of authority.
Location: 501 - 502 Mu 5, Tambon Nong Makhamong, Amphoe Dan
Chang, Suphanburi.
The business has submitted its annual financial reports of
Year 1999-2006.
Purpose of Company: Wholesale and retail sale of guns and
ammunition.
JOHN
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