While the world’s attention has been focussed on the steady outpouring of secret and confidential US State Department cables from the Wikileaks website, Prachatai has come across a similar treasure trove from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As is the case with Wikileaks, Prachatai will not divulge the identity of its source, but guarantees his reliability, since he regularly gets to the Ministry’s rubbish bins in the alleyway next to Mahidol before the BMA’s garbage trucks.

The documents below have been carefully selected to allow readers a fascinating glimpse into the workings of the Thai Foreign Service.

Friday, July 16, 2010
089133 London
To MinFAff Bangkok
From 3rd Sec (Pol)
Subject: Analysis of New UK Government
S E C R E T

1. The coming to power of the new Conservative/Lib-Dem government in the UK will usher in radical policy changes, including trade, security, immigration and tourism, all of which may impact the RTG. This is a preliminary outline of the likely new policies and their impacts in order to inform and guide RTG responses to these.

2. This observer finds most alarming the apparent lack of prior planning by the incoming PM, David Cameron. With a deteriorating economic situation and a disastrous election campaign by the incumbent Labour administration, it must have been obvious even to someone as out of touch with the common man as PM DC that his party was almost certain to take power. Yet policies are being issued in haste and in a jumbled manner with all signs that they have not been properly thought through and are being composed on the spot. Informed sources (2nd Sec Econ, Greek Embassy at their vin d’honneur 2 weeks ago) are of the opinion that ‘this lot haven’t got a clue and could well end up like us’.

3. In the absence of any coherent policy framework, likely future moves by the Con/Lib-Dem govt and PM DC can only be guessed by reference to the personal philosophy/prejudices of the PM as he goes about making things up on the hoof.

4. As the well-heeled scion of a wealthy family who has benefited from a socially exclusive education, DC can be assumed to have the instincts of his class. Implications for RTG include:

(a) Xenophobic tightening of border controls making it harder for Thai nationals to enter for study, work, recreation, and business. No hope of them going into Schengen and giving us a backdoor entry via Italy.

(b) Further trade bullying in EU-Thai FTA negotiations and other venues.

(c) More grief over lax security at Bkk Intntnl Airport, contaminated imports, dodgy investment deals, etc. Commissions on military procurement expected to be secure.

(d) Likely end to FA subsidy for Thai national football team coach.

Recommendation: Unpredictable nature of new admin is stretching Pol Sec’s resources to monitor and analyze. Additional staff plus budget for more extensive travel, schmoozing urgently required. Ask Germany for replacement coach/subsidy.

END

Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010
462102 Bangkok
To All Posts
From MinFAff Bangkok
Subject: Monthly Sitreps
S E C R E T

1. Please be advised that all (ALL) posts are delinquent on Monthly Sitreps

2. See updated Report Form 143/2553 and note additional reporting requirements:

(a) Any and all sightings of fugitive terrorist former PM TS and other UDD/Red leadership

(b) Update on progress in publicizing the Sufficiency Economy and host country reception

(c) Feedback on host govt/media reporting of Apr/May incidents and measures taken to make locals understand that the red shirt terrorists shot themselves before committing arson. (Incl assessment of local perception of safety for tourists).

3. This is a final warning for all posts more than 36 months in arrears with sitreps (Uzbekhistan; Gabon; Lao). Don’t think you’ll get recalled if you persist in your idleness. We’ll make you do another tour instead.

END

Friday, Aug 14, 2010
462776 Bangkok
To 3rd Sec (Pol) London
From MinFAff Bangkok
Subject: UK PM DC
S E C R E T

1. You seem to have forgotten that UK PM DC went to school with RTG PM AV. Please submit a suitably revised Analysis of New UK Government.

2. Additional budget request denied.

END

Monday, Aug 17, 2010
090033 London
To MinFAff Bangkok
From 3rd Sec (Pol)
Subject: Revised Analysis of New UK Government
S E C R E T

1. New UK PM DC has exceeded all expectations in courageous, creative, far-sighted policies to restore country’s fortunes, providing dynamic and forceful leadership that is a credit to all associated with him, especially while he was a student.

2. If I can persuade him to visit PM AV for Christmas hols, can I have my budget?

END