VZCZCXRO0292
RR RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH
DE RUEHBK #3698 3540408
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 190408Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5442
RHMFIUU/US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION WASHINGTON DC
RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHDC
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC
RULSJGA/COMDT COGARD WASHDC
INFO RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE
RUCNEXC/EXPORT CONTROL AND RELATED BORDER SECURITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC
RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS BANGKOK 003698
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR ISN/ECC YWONG, ACHURCH, ROWEN, EAP/MLS
DRICHELSOPH, BBLACKSHAW, AWEST
CBP/INA FOR BMCCRAY
DEPT OF ENERGY FOR NNSA TPERRY
AMEMBASSY HANOI FOR JBOCKLAGE
AMEMBASSY KUALA LUMPUR FOR PZARESK
AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH FOR MSWEENEY
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KNNP KSTC MNUC PARM PREL TH VN CB
SUBJECT: EXBS: THAILAND/VIETNAM/CAMBODIA ADVISOR MONTHLY
REPORTING CABLE - DECEMBER 2008
SUMMARY
1. (U) Commonwealth Trading Partners (CTP) conducted an
Advanced National Control List Workshop in Hanoi, Dec. 10-12.
Rapiscan x-ray system installation and operator training in
Vietnam was completed Dec 5. The electrical generator for
the Rapiscan van in Hue is being prepared for shipment from
the UK to Vietnam. Advisor briefed Thai officials on
remaining FY08 and proposed FY09 events. Hanoi Program
Assistant briefed Vietnamese officials. The U.S. Coast Guard
will conduct two Boarding Officer Courses in Thailand, Jan
12-23. Advisor will be in the U.S. for leave and
consultations, Dec. 22 - Jan. 10.
SITE ASSESSMENTS AND MEETINGS
2. (U) Advisor and Thai Program Assistant briefed officials
at the Thai Ministry of Commerce and Customs on remaining
FY08 EXBS activities and proposed activities for FY09. The
Ministry of Commerce, as Chair of the Thai government's
Export Control Working Group, was very appreciative of our
assistance. Director Tikhumporn of the Bureau of Trade
Measures said that the plan now is to present a proposal for
an enhanced strategic trade control system to the Cabinet,
which will provide the political support to move ahead.
Deputy Director General Unchana of the Department of Foreign
Trade feels that one of the main impediments holding the
process back is the lack of understanding within the other
ministries and industry concerning strategic trade
management. Accordingly, she feels that the U.S. Study Group
visit in June will be particularly helpful in educating her
executive counterparts. EXBS Program Assistant in Hanoi has
briefed and is soliciting feedback on FY08/FY09 activities
from Vietnamese officials.
3. (U) Advisor conducted a site survey at Bangkok Port for
the USCG Boarding Officer Course in January. Officials are
very eager for the anticipated training.
TRAINING CONDUCTED
4. (U) Commonwealth Trading Partners (CTP) conducted an
Advanced National Control List Workshop in Hanoi, Dec. 10-12.
Twenty-five participants from six Vietnamese government
agencies attended. Understanding of the structure and use of
the EU List has improved significantly.
EQUIPMENT DELIVERED
5. (U) On-site installation and operator training for the
three Vietnam Rapiscan x-ray systems was completed on
December 5. The electrical generator for the Rapiscan van in
Hue is being prepared for shipment from the UK to Vietnam.
Transit time is expected to take five weeks.
IMMINENT TRAINING/EQUIPMENT UPDATE
6. (U) The U.S. Coast Guard will conduct two Boarding Officer
Courses in Thailand, Jan 12-23. Training will take place at
the ports of Laem Chabang and Bangkok. Advisor will be in
the U.S. for annual leave and consultations, Dec. 22 - Jan.
10.
SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS
7. (U) Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport, closed
by political demonstrators on November 25, began accepting
flights again the first week of December. The political
situation has improved for the time being, with protestors
off the streets and a new Prime Minister appointed December
17, but will continue to bear close watching.
JOHN