Thailand to Australia | Collaboration

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To: <Group Captain Ritchie Cunningham, Australian Defense Attaché to Thailand> Owen From: <Sarabun@mod.mail.go.th> Subject: Coordinating on the Defense Cooperation between Thailand and Australia Security Type: High Secure Encrypted Method - Protect by NIA Counter-Intelligence Service

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Dear Ritchie Cunningham,

The Ministry of Defense of Thailand extends greetings to the Defense Attaché Office of the Royal Australian Embassy in Bangkok. We are writing to reiterate Thailand's commitment to continued collaboration between our defense forces. While there have been recent changes within Thailand's senior military leadership following the last official visit by a Thai Chief of General Staff, we are confident in the continuity of our strong relationship with Australia. The former Chief of Navy, now serving as an advisor to the Navy Staff, has ensured the smooth handover of information and arrangements established during his visit to Australia. The Ministry of Defense is pleased to confirm that the agreements reached between Thailand and Australia will be upheld by the new Chief of General Staff.

In accordance with our established agreement, the Republic Thai Coast Guard will be sending a contingent of 30 naval officers to Australia in 2004 for professional and open-source military education. These officers will be strategically placed within Thailand's Naval Patrolling Group One upon their return. The contingent will comprise 15 officers attending the Peace Operations Training Center, 10 at the Australian War College, and 5 at the Warfare Training Center. Thailand deeply appreciates the opportunity for its naval officers to participate in this valuable regional training program. We are confident that this continued collaboration in military education will not only strengthen the ties between the Republic Thai Armed Forces and the Australian Defense Force, but also contribute to a broader and more stable regional security environment.

Thailand acknowledges the proposal for a joint Thai-Australian command to combat piracy and safeguard maritime commerce in the Strait of Malacca, as previously raised by the former Chief of Navy. We understand that Australian Cabinet approval is necessary for this initiative to proceed. Thailand remains committed to collaborating on solutions to address this shared regional security concern. We look forward to receiving an update on the Australian Government's decision-making process.

Sincerely,

Sutin Klungsang
Minister of Defense
Republic of Thailand

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Digital Diplomatic Communication​

 

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DEFENCE ATTACHÉ TO THAILAND​

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET (ENCRYPTED)​

2 February 2004

Dear Mr. Klungsang, No update at this current time. Yours sincerely, Group Captain Ritchie Cunningham.

Embassy of Australia, 181 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, BANGKOK, THAILAND 10330 Telephone: +66 2 344 6300​

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