[Australia]: Message to Thailand [SEC=TOP SECRET]

[Owen]

​

VICE CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCE​

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET (ENCRYPTED)​

20 December 2005

Dear Commander Jaggabatara, As I'm sure you aware, al-Qaeda is a major threat to the world right now. However, we do not see al-Qaeda as being the worlds sole terrorism threat and we know that many groups are linked to al-Qaeda, especially in our region. Whilst the Australian Government is primarily focused on internal security and people being inspired by al-Qaeda and undertaking attacks as either lone wolves or being directed by al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, the Australian Defence Force being responsible for external security is highly concerned about regional groups. These groups include Jemaah Islamiyah, who operate primarily in Indonesia but also operates in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines and has links to al-Qaeda. There is also several groups who operate in the Southern Philippines, primarily Abu Sayyaf and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front who also threaten Malaysia in the state of Sabah. There is also seperatist groups in South Thailand which we have concerns for, but are not directly linked to Islamic fundamentalism or al-Qaeda. With this situation of various groups operating in our region we see a clear pathway forward for Australia-Thailand cooperation on this matter. A regional issue requires a regional response. I am inviting you to discuss this potential cooperation between our Armed Forces in Canberra. Yours sincerely, Vice Admiral David Shackleton.

Russell Offices, CANBERRA, ACT 2600 Telephone: (02) 6144 9190​

Protective Marking:	Business Impact Level:	Compromise of Information Confidentiality:	Required to be Encrypted:
UNOFFICIAL	No Business Impact	No damage. This information does not form part of official duty.
OFFICIAL	Low Business Impact	No or insignificant damage. This is the majority of routine information.
OFFICIAL: Sensitive	Low to Medium Business Impact	Limited damage to an individual, organisation or government generally if compromised.
PROTECTED	High Business Impact	Damage to the national interest, organisations or individuals.
SECRET	Extreme Business Impact	Serious damage to the national interest, organisations or individuals.
TOP SECRET	Catastrophic Business Impact	Exceptionally grave damage to the national interest, organisations or individuals.

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

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To: <Vice Admiral David Shackleton, Vice Chief of the Defense Force of Australia> Owen From: <Sarabun@rtarf.mail.go.th; Supreme Commander Songkitti Jaggabatara, Chief of Defense Forces of Thailand> Subject: Discussion in Canberra Security Type: NSST 1.0 Architecture | Secret and Encrypted

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Dear Vice Admiral Shackleton,

I extend my sincere gratitude for your private message to my office. It is an honor to communicate with the Vice Chief of the Australian Defense Force. As the Chief of Defense Forces of Thailand, I would like to reaffirm that the Ministry of Defense of Thailand has directed our military to maintain heightened vigilance in light of the recent global terrorist incidents. We share your deep concerns that Al-Qaeda is not the sole actor in the realm of global terrorism, and we acknowledge the troubling potential for other groups to draw inspiration from the devastating attacks carried out by Al-Qaeda in London.

The Republic Thai Armed Forces continue to closely monitor the activities of regional terrorist groups across Southeast Asia, including those specific organizations you have mentioned. While our region faces multifaceted threats from various extremist elements, the current circumstances necessitate particular attention to Islamic groups with aspirations of establishing an Islamic state. Although their activities may have diminished following the collapse of the United Nations, we have no reliable intelligence to suggest that any such groups have disbanded or ceased engaging in covert operations beyond the reach of our surveillance.

It would be a great privilege to undertake an official visit to Canberra to discuss how Thailand and Australia, as key stakeholders in our respective regions, can collaborate effectively to address shared security challenges and uphold the safety and well-being of our peoples. In view of domestic protocols, I would be accompanied by the Thai Ambassador to Australia, who would participate as the civilian representative of my nation. I trust that his presence would be welcomed as we engage in this critical dialogue.​

Best Regards,

Supreme Commander Songkitti Jaggabatara
Chief of Defense Forces of Thailand
Republic Thai Armed Forces Headquarters
Republic of Thailand

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Digital Diplomatic Communication​

Secret and Encrypted unless contextually possible. | NSST 1.0 Architecture​

Supreme Commander Songkitti Jaggabatara prepared to journey to Canberra, coordinating with the Australian Armed Forces and, if required, their government. Dressed impeccably in his military uniform, he carried a sleek tablet fortified with military-grade encryption—its critical contents essential for the discussions ahead. Traveling aboard a chartered plane operated by a Thai worker cooperative, he touched down at Canberra Airport precisely at ten in the morning, local time. The morning sun glanced off the tarmac as he descended the steps, where the Thai Ambassador, Mrs. Busadee Santipitaks, awaited him with poised grace, her presence a symbol of steadfast diplomacy.​

 

[Owen]

COMCAR vehicles would be at the RAAF Base Fairbairn side of airport and would take the Chief and the Ambassador to the Russell Offices once the Ambassador had cleared through the VIP Terminal which was there. It would be a relatively short drive taking them down Pialligo Avenue and Morshead Drive before turning down Russell Drive into the Office complex. Known as the "Australian Pentagon", the Vice Chief of the Defence Force would welcome the Thai Chief to the complex infront of the Australian-American Memorial, a tall column with an eagle on top. On the bottom it would be inscribed:

"In grateful remembrance
of the vital help given by the
United States of America during
the war in the Pacific 1941-1945.
Unveiled by
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
16 February 1954"
​

"Supreme Commander Jaggabatara, it's a pleasure to meet you." He would shake his hand. An honour guard would be set up by the Federation Guard. The Vice Chief and the Chief would walk past and inspect the honour guard before being led inside.

​

Upon entering inside they would head to the Vice Chief's office. The Vice Chief would sit down on a sofa chair with a coffee table in front of it and another sofa chair.

"Please take a seat....

It seems like we've found ourselves in a situation with common enemies for once. Jemaah Islamiyah is definitely a major concern for us, particularly their ability to target Australians overseas, notably in Indonesia which receives the highest number of Australian tourists. The Southern Philippines has always been in the back of our minds too, particularly because they threaten Malaysia which Australia has security obligations to. I should mention, though it is on public record, that Australia has two agreements with Singapore regarding Australia being able to station forces in Singapore as well as Australia assisting in the external defence of Singapore. At this point in time, only a small number of personnel are deployed to Singapore, primarily in a training role and there is no equipment.

Our bases in Singapore could well be more of an asset to Thailand rather than a detriment."

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

Secret and Encrypted unless contextually possible. | NSST 1.0 Architecture​

Chief Jaggabatara clasped the Australian Vice Chief’s hand firmly, his expression composed as the Thai Ambassador stood close by. The ceremony proceeded with measured precision. Observing his surroundings with quiet attentiveness, he followed the Australian’s lead, his movements deliberate and assured.

Seated in the Vice Chief’s office, the sofa’s plush upholstery barely seemed to soften his upright posture. His voice carried the weight of authority, steady but tinged with a faint edge of weariness.

“Yes, I see no reason for Thailand to view Australia’s status of force agreement with Singapore as a threat. It remains a bilateral matter beyond our immediate responsibility. No exaggerated threat assessments are necessary—neither country poses a concern to our public. Proceed as you deem appropriate. After all, many Singaporean companies and agencies rely on goods and services provided by our worker cooperatives.”

He paused, his gaze flickering briefly toward the Thai Ambassador before returning to the Australian. “As for our shared concerns, Thailand recognizes the threat of Islamic extremist forces. Our ambassador here can confirm our active role in addressing this, including our war declarations on Al-Qaeda and other organizations. Of course, unconventional warfare carries complexities. This, however, is my personal concern, not necessarily the civilian government’s stance. My role is to follow their directives.”

Leaning slightly forward, his tone sharpened. “Now, as I understand, we’re here to discuss this further. Can you elaborate?”

Owen​

 

[Owen]

"We're certainly not keen on declaring any wars. Afterall, the groups that operate in our region operate inside sovereign nations of their own. Basically we need to make sure we are giving as much support as possible to Indonesia and the Philippines in terms of being able to combat these threats. Whether that be through intelligence and the likes. Operation Resolute, which is the ADF operation to secure Australia's borders is also on the lookout for these threats. We suspect that given the maritime nature of the region, that will result in them using small vessels to either conduct piracy or pose some other threat. Malacca Strait is always a problem. Perhaps some joint patrols could be on the board. Both in the Malacca Strait and the Singapore Straits but also in the Celebes Sea and Sulu Sea, given the nature of the groups inside the Philippines to launch attacks against Malaysian Borneo."

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

Secret and Encrypted unless contextually possible. | NSST 1.0 Architecture​

Chief Jaggabatara listened intently, his expression unreadable as the Australian Vice Chief of the Defense Force proposed a joint patrol operation. At the suggestion, his eyes flickered—just briefly—before he responded with a calm, measured tone.

“While I understand the merit of such collaboration, I must clarify that decisions of this nature lie firmly with our civilian government. The military’s role is constitutionally defined, and we adhere strictly to those boundaries.” He glanced toward the Thai ambassador, inclining his head slightly. “As the Thai ambassador is present, perhaps she could provide insight into the government’s potential stance. I offer this purely as context, not as instruction, as I trust her expertise exceeds my own.”

He paused briefly, his posture impeccably straight, projecting both authority and respect. “For her consideration, the Republic Navy currently operates 35 offshore patrol vessels. Combined with the 30 vessels of our Coast Guard, we stand ready to contribute to any mission deemed appropriate. I now yield the floor to the ambassador.” His tone softened slightly, though his presence remained commanding, a reflection of years of disciplined service.

Ambassador Busadee acknowledged the Thai Defense Chief’s remarks with a composed nod before speaking, her tone calm but purposeful. “The prospect of a joint operation must undergo thorough deliberation within our domestic processes. That said, given the current state of war between Thailand and organized extremist groups, the national government holds the authority to deploy military forces without immediate parliamentary approval—though this remains subject to potential reversal if deemed necessary by the parliament.”

She paused briefly, her gaze steady as she weighed her next words. “It’s important to note that Thailand’s declaration of war arose from a participatory process, independent of the government’s direct initiative. If Thailand were to agree to this proposal, the question remains—what comes next?”

Owen​

 

[Owen]

"Well we would be deploying Royal Australian Navy assets under Operation Gateway, which we have been running since 1984 in the South East Asia region to ensure we meet our obligations to Malaysia and Singapore. We would be seeking to have these assets cooperate with Thai assets in the region to combat threats which may arise. Joint communications would be essentially. Allowing personnel to exchange onto each other's vessels, including the commanders. Replenishing each other's vessels when required."

Bossza007