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