Cablegate: Thailand Supports U.S. Indictment in Juthamas

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DE RUEHBK #0146 0190923
ZNR UUUUU ZZH (CCY AD104DF9 MSI5972-695)
P 190923Z JAN 10
FM AMEMBASSY BANGKOK
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9605
INFO RUEAWJL/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY

UNCLAS BANGKOK 000146

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C O R R E C T E D COPY CAPTION
DEPT FOR L/LEI WILSON/JOHNSON, EAP/MLS FOR SMITH

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KCOR KCRM TH
SUBJECT: THAILAND SUPPORTS U.S. INDICTMENT IN JUTHAMAS
BRIBERY-CORRUPTION CASE

REF: STATE 04713

1. (SBU) Summary. Per reftel request, we notified officials
at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Office of the
Attorney General (OAG), and the National Anti-Corruption
Commission (NACC) January 17-18 regarding DOJ's intention to
unseal an indictment against Juthamas Siriwan and her
daughter, Jittisopa Siriwan, on January 20. None of the
officials notified expressed concern over the decision to
unseal the indictment; they expressed their appreciation for
the prior notification and for U.S cooperation on this
matter. The NACC commissioner indicated a Thai indictment of
three-four Thai connected to the case would likely occur in
several months. End Summary.

2. (SBU) NACC Commissioner Medhi Krongkaew, who leads the
Thai investigation into the case, expressed gratitude to DOJ
attach January 17 for the advance notice. He also expressed
a willingness to provide assistance to the U.S. "without
hesitation." Medhi plans to travel to Los Angeles for the
January 21 sentencing of U.S. film executives Gerald and
Patricia Green and had submitted a letter to the U.S. court
for the sentencing at the prosecutor's request. Medhi
indicated that while the NACC was still processing evidence,
it expects to initiate charges against three or four Thai,
including Juthamas and her daughter, involved in the case
within the next two months.

3. (SBU) OAG Director General of International Affairs
Sirisak Tiyaphan told us January 17 that he was familiar with
the case and expressed appreciation for the advance notice.
Sirisak said he looked forward to working closely with the
USG on this case and other cases. He expressed no concern
regarding the unsealing of the indictment or a possible
extradition request.

4. (SBU) MFA Director of the North America Division Kanchana
Patarachoke thanked us January 18 for prior notification,
noting that she would share the information with the MFA
Department of Treaty and Legal Affairs, which would have the
lead on this matter for the MFA.
JOHN

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