Thailand to Australia | HAFNC Report

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To: <John Faulkner, Minister of Defense and the Senate of the Commonwealth of Australia> Owen From: <Sarabun@mod.mail.go.th> Subject: Thai Mission in New Caledonia Security Type: NSST Protocol + High Secure Encrypted Method – Protect by NIA Counter-Intelligence Service

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Minister Faulkner,

I hope you are in good health and high spirits.

On behalf of the Thai government, I extend our sincere appreciation to your nation, particularly Prime Minister Julia Gillard, for his willingness to engage in open dialogue and seek understanding of our mission in New Caledonia. We fully recognize the importance of your immediate region and commend your nation's commitment to its stability. As Minister of Defense of Thailand, I want to reiterate our unwavering commitment to regional security and assure you that we have no intention of contributing to any escalation of tensions in the South Pacific. We are grateful for Australia's offer to assist with our logistics operations and welcome the opportunity to collaborate further on this matter.

I wish to reiterate that Thailand's deployment to New Caledonia is solely for humanitarian purposes. Our Humanitarian Aid Force to New Caledonia (HAFNC) operates within the framework of our broader commitment to promoting global well-being. The Thai Armed Forces are renowned for their professionalism and dedication to upholding international norms, which remain our highest priority. Our presence in New Caledonia is fully aligned with international frameworks and undertaken with the full consent of the French government, respecting its sovereignty. Moreover, our actions adhere strictly to our principle of non-interference, and we only engage in external affairs when explicitly requested.

In the spirit of collaboration, Thailand is committed to providing regular updates on the New Caledonian situation to the Australian Ministry of Defense. We propose sharing bi-monthly reports, detailing the ongoing activities and progress of the HAFNC. Currently, the HAFNC comprises 450 highly trained volunteers, equipped with the necessary transportation and ground logistics vehicles. Additionally, they have access to a wide range of resources, allowing them to effectively respond to diverse needs, including those arising from health crises, food shortages, community development initiatives, and other charitable endeavors.

In closing, I would like to once again express Thailand's profound gratitude for Australia's valuable assistance in this humanitarian endeavor. Our collaboration serves as a powerful example of responsible global leadership, demonstrating our collective commitment to improving the well-being of all. Thailand firmly believes that our bilateral relationship with Australia plays a critical role in ensuring the continued development, security, and stability of Southeast Asia, Oceania, and the South Pacific. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership through continued collaboration and exploration of new avenues for cooperation.

Sincerely,

Sutin Klungsang
Minister of Defense
Republic of Thailand

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Digital Diplomatic Communication​

 

[Owen]

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MINISTER FOR DEFENCE​

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET (ENCRYPTED)​

12 December 2003

Dear Mr. Klungsang, Whilst we appreciate your periodic updates on your involvement in New Caledonia, the National Security Committee has decided at this time to withdraw our offer of logistical support to Thai Forces in New Caledonia, for reasons to which I cannot disclose as matters of Cabinet-in-Confidence. Any Thai Forces attempting to land or dock in Australia or Australia's territorial waters or territories, including Norfolk Island and the Coral Sea Islands, other than for emergencies, will be barred from entering. Yours sincerely, Senator John Faulkner.

Parliament House, CANBERRA, ACT 2600 Telephone: (02) 6277 7700​

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