VZCZCXRO6528
PP RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH
DE RUEHBK #2599 2821016
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 091016Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8581
INFO RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 0932
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 2166
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 5465
UNCLAS BANGKOK 002599
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL TH UNESCO
SUBJECT: THAI CANDIDACY FOR THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE
(WHC) 2009-2013
(SBU) 1. The Thai MFA passed the below dipnote text
informing the USG of its candidacy for the World Heritage
Committee, along with resumes of its proposed
representatives, and asking for U.S. support. The ongoing
dispute with Cambodia over the listing of the Preah Vihear
border temple as a World Heritage Site, along with the
management of the disputed area around the temple, is likely
the rationale for the Thai interest in joining the committee.
Begin Diplomatic Note text:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to
the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor
to inform the Embassy that the Royal Thai Government has
decided to present its candidacy to the World Heritage
Committee (WHC) for the term 2009-2013 in which Dr. Somsuda
Leyavanija, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of
Culture, will represent the Kingdom of Thailand. The
elections will be held during the 17th Session of the General
Assembly of the States Parties to the World Heritage
Convention in Paris, France, During 23-28 October 2009.
The Ministry has further the honour to inform the Embassy
that the Royal Thai Government attaches great importance to
the implementation of the World Heritage Convention and
strongly believes that Dr. Somsuda Leyavanija, as a Deputy
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture in charge of
the work relating to the UNESCO and the World Heritage
Convention, will be able to perform efficiently in the
Committee if elected. In addition, her extensive knowledge
and more than 20 years of experience in the fields of
archeology, fine arts, history and culture will enable her to
make significant contribution to the work of the WHC.
Furthermore, Dr. Leyavanija will be supported by a national
team of renowned experts namely Professor Dr. Adul
Wichiencharoen who is widely recognized in the work of the
UNESCO and the WHC and who served as Thailand's
representative on the WHC during 1989-1995 and 1997-2003, Dr.
Sasithara Pichaichannarong, Permanent Secretary of the
Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand, Mrs. Sivitri
Suwansathit, Advisor to the Ministry of Culture of Thailand
and Member of the Cultural Commission of the Thai National
Commission for UNESCO, and Dr. Pisit Charoenwongsa, Director
of SEMEO-SPAFA. The curriculum vitaes are attached herewith
for consideration.
In view of cordial and close relations between the two
countries, the Royal Thai Government would highly appreciate
the invaluable support of the Government of the United States
of America to the Dr. Leyavanija, whose curriculum vitae is
enclosed herewith, at the afore-mentioned elections.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs avails itself of this
opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States ofd
America the assurances of its highest consideration.
The biography data of Dr. Leyavanija and her team members
will be scanned separately and email to Department.
ENTWISTLE