On April 27, the Ambassador participated in the
first quarterly meeting of the Thailand G8 Counter-Terrorism
Action Group (CTAG) under the Chairmanship of British
Ambassador David Fall. Reviewing the progress of the CTAG,
members noted that the RTG has repeatedly expressed its
desire to support international CT efforts. However, closer
coordination with the international community has been
hampered by the lack of a clear point of contact within the
RTG on CT issues. In 2004, CTAG members had proposed the
creation of a RTG/CTAG working group on CT but action was
delayed by the December 26, 2004 tsunami. (NOTE: On May 2,
Ambassador Fall met with MFA Permanent Secretary Krit
Garnjana-Goonchorn to press for the establishment of the
working group. Krit responded that the RTG was eager to move
forward with the idea and would work with the CTAG on its
creation. END NOTE)
DOCUMENT FRAUD
3. (SBU) The CTAG discussed the new G8 Control Strategy and
Draft Action Plan on Counterfeit Document Production in
Thailand, which is designed to provide a framework for G8
assistance to Thailand on document fraud. It is part of an
effort to improve the exchange of information and operational
coordination between the CTAG and RTG.
4. (SBU) The Control Strategy was developed in response to
concerns expressed at the November 2004 CTAG meeting (reftel
B) about operational gaps in information sharing between the
RTG and CTAG members. The Thais designated the National
Intelligence Agency (NIA) as the point of contact for
document fraud, but have not given it a clearly defined role.
CTAG members agreed that the Control Strategy is a good
start towards better coordination with the RTG on document
fraud. However, clarification is needed on the role of the
NIA.
5. (SBU) Members also expressed concern over how the
Ministry of Justice is interpreting and applying Thai
document fraud laws. Overall, CTAG members agreed that Thai
document fraud laws are adequate as written. What is lacking
is understanding of these laws by working level police and
customs officials. Members agreed to explore possibilities
for enhanced capacity building with the RTG. Ambassador Fall
will meet with Attorney General Kampree to discuss the role
of the NIA and to explore how CTAG members can assist the RTG
in effectively enforcing document fraud laws.
TESTIMONY BY DIPLOMATIC PERSONNEL
6. (SBU) CTAG members agreed that the RTG should be