Thailand to Australia | Hopeful

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To: <Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Commonwealth of Australia> Owen From: <Sarabun@mfa.mail.go.th> Subject: Enhancement of the Bilateral Relationship Between Thailand and Australia Security Type: NSST 1.0 Architecture | Secret and Encrypted

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To the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia,

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Thailand extends its highest regard to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Commonwealth of Australia and takes the honor of conveying the Government’s intent to deepen the foundation of our bilateral relations through mutual respect and shared aspirations.

Recognizing Australia’s pivotal role as a dynamic force in Oceania and the Pacific, Thailand is confident that a partnership rooted in equity and collective vision can advance a more just and harmonious Asia-Pacific. Such collaboration would stand as a testament to our shared dedication to human dignity and regional prosperity.

In this spirit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposes that His Excellency Surin Pitsuwan, Director-General of the Department of ASEAN, Oceania, and Pacific Affairs, undertake an official visit to Australia. This visit would provide a valuable opportunity to engage in strategic and transparent dialogues aimed at strengthening our mutual cooperation in alignment with our common values.

The Ministry reiterates its profound appreciation for the Australian people, their vibrant culture, and their enduring contributions to global advancement. We anticipate your favorable response with great optimism and remain committed to fostering a partnership reflective of our shared ideals.

Sincerely,

Surin Pitsuwan
Director-General
Department of ASEAN, Oceania, and Pacific Affairs
Republic of Thailand

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Digital Diplomatic Communication​

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[Owen]

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MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS​

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: PROTECTED (ENCRYPTED)​

4 June 2005

Dear Mr. Pitsuwan, You are welcome to visit Australia anytime. Our door has always been open and will always remain open to dialogue. Unfortunately I am not currently in the country and high-level talks with the Prime Minister are not on the table currently but the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Honourable Senator Don Farrell is available for discussions. Don is a stalwart of the Australian Labor Party in the state of South Australia, hailing from the Labor Right faction and a big proponent of closer ties with Asia. He is a master of negotiations and charm, so I couldn't think of any better person to undertake these discussions. Yours sincerely, Kevin Rudd.

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

Protective Marking:	Business Impact Level:	Compromise of Information Confidentiality:	Required to be Encrypted:
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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.

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

A private, encrypted message zipped through digital channels from Thailand’s Department of ASEAN, Oceania, and Pacific Affairs to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Director-General Surin Pitsuwan’s official visit was confirmed. Leaving behind the warmth of his Bangkok home, where his wife and children bid him a quiet farewell, Surin stepped out into the pulsing energy of the city. Thailand’s world-class mass rapid transit system, a feat of engineering that moved 11.2 million passengers daily, swept him effortlessly toward Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

This mission was different. While Thai diplomacy often operated as a well-coordinated ensemble, Surin had chosen to fly solo. To him, this was more than a diplomatic errand—it was a personal commitment to honest, unfiltered dialogue. His decision carried a bold edge, reflecting the same determination that had marked his career.

At the airport, the chartered Airbus A320-200 gleamed under the floodlights, waiting to ferry him to Canberra. Every detail had been secured: active communication channels ensured a smooth and safe journey. As he boarded, his thoughts mirrored the hum of engines coming alive—focused, unrelenting, and ready for whatever lay ahead.

Owen​

 

[Owen]

Don Farrell, colloquially nicknamed 'The Godfather' or 'The Don' of the Australian Labor Party's South Australian Branch, would be waiting at the RAAF Base Fairbairn side of Canberra Airport for Mr. Pitsuwan, along with the Commander of No. 34 Squadron RAAF who was also the Base Commander for Fairbairn and assumably the Thai Ambassador to Australia. Once the aircraft made it across the Australian continent and landed at Canberra it would be instructed to taxi to the RAAF Base Fairbairn side. It would park alongside the VIP aircraft of No. 34 Squadron. Mr. Pitsuwan would be greeted by Mr. Farrell and he would take him through the VIP terminal and Border Force checks.

"Mr. Pitsuwan, thank you for coming down to Canberra today. It is greatly appreciated."

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The motorcade, provided by COMCAR, would take them into Canberra via Pialligo Avenue, Morshead Drive and Kings Avenue. They would whizz down a ramp into an underground section of Parliament House which had a secure entrance for arriving motorcades. They would enter into Mr. Farrell's office and sit around a coffee table. Joining them in the office would be the Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Senator Joe Ludwig.

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"Minister Ludwig is here because we once had discussions about entering into an agricultural agreement but that went no where so he is here to help out with that."

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

Director-General Surin arrived at the RAAF Base Fairbairn side of Canberra Airport, where Parliamentary Secretary Don Farrell stood waiting with the Australian Commander of Fairbairn and the Thai Ambassador to Australia. Surin, always thorough, had pored over research on the "God Father"—a towering figure in the Australian Labor Right faction. Within his department, skepticism brewed over engaging someone who championed the Third Way—a position many democratic socialists lambasted as a betrayal of leftist ideals. But Surin, unruffled, had resolved to prioritize diplomacy, traveling alone to sidestep ideological entanglements. As Farrell extended a handshake, Surin reciprocated with professional grace. “Thank you, Mr. Farrell, for hosting me in Canberra. Thailand truly values this reception,” he said, his voice measured but firm. Together, they rode in a motorcade winding through Canberra’s orderly streets toward Parliament House’s subterranean levels.

Descending into the building, Surin couldn’t help comparing it to Thailand’s sprawling parliamentary complex. Here, underground spaces carried an air of precision and austerity—far from the expansive, sunlight-drenched halls he knew. In Farrell’s office, the scent of coffee mingled with polished wood. Surin exchanged greetings with Senator Joe Ludwig, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, bowing slightly before taking his seat. The rich aroma of coffee grounded the moment as conversation began—a diplomatic dance against a backdrop of ideological contrasts.

“Yes, that’s how the latest meeting went, but let’s move to a broader topic today,” Surin began, leaning forward slightly. “What does Australia think about liberalizing our trade relations? At present, they’re virtually nonexistent. Thailand could import your raw materials at lower tariff rates, and in return, Australia could take some of our finished goods—carefully, of course, to avoid disrupting local industries. People are wary of trade these days, with all this talk of alter-globalization and protectionism,” he continued, his tone sharpening. “But instead of dodging the inevitable, why not reinforce what should already be in place? Unless, of course, you disagree.” With a quick, fluid motion, he slid his tablet across the table. “Here’s our export directory. Take a look—tell me what catches your interest.”

Surin paused, letting the silence hang before delivering his next point. “If tariff reductions feel too risky, we can always implement quotas. Honestly, though, Thailand’s economy is one of the most regulated in the world. There’s no way our exports’ price could outcompete your domestic goods unless your consumers actively wanted to try our indigenous innovations. We’re not here to flood your markets—we’re here to complement them.” His voice was calm, his words deliberate, but the spark in his eyes betrayed the calculated energy behind his pitch.

Owen​

 

[Owen]

Don was taken a back but the abrupt nature of Mr. Pitsuwan trying to pursue a economic relationship that Australia didn't even have with its closest allies.

"Well, I do agree that there is a lot of waryness these days of globalisation. I would have thought Thailand would fall under that category given your recent moves towards a Socialist Republic, keen to protect your own local industries and jobs from the "wrath of capitalism", so I am quite surprised your government wants to pursue this agenda. Australia is at the forefront of liberalised trade and we strongly advocate for it, all of our free trade agreements have been thoroughly thought through and specific to the country we are dealing with but also comprehensive.

At this point in time we only have a full free trade agreement with New Zealand and a partial one with the United Kingdom. We had proposed one with Singapore at a point in time when their government still existed, but that was never finalised. However given we do not even have full agreement with the United Kingdom or an agreement at all with the United States, we are hesitant to pursue such an agenda with Thailand. Our relationship simply is not sufficient enough to sign a free trade agreement. I do agree that it is probably inevitable that we see free trade right across the Asia-Pacific region, but at this point in time we need to take baby steps in our relationship rather than trying to rush things built on no foundation. An agreement with Korea or Japan would come before Thailand at this point in time. That's why we are open to hearing what you originally had proposed just for the agriculture sector at the last face-to-face meetings our governments had."

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

Director-General Surin gave Farrell a measured nod, his expression betraying a flicker of approval. “You’re both correct and wrong,” he said, his tone edged with calm authority. “But I’m not here for an ideological debate. Thailand supports globalization, though not for the same reasons as Australia. Socialist theory offers... nuances.” His lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile before he sipped his tea. “Anyway, let’s talk agriculture.” He set the cup down with precision. “Trading products isn’t the goal. Instead, we can collaborate on optimizing crop yields. Thailand has been pouring resources into Agri-Tech centers and Coastal Fisheries Development facilities. Our biodiversity—like yours—is unmatched, and we know you’re keen to ramp up R&D.”

His hand gestured lightly, as if tracing an idea in the air. “We should start small: an academic exchange for scientists to work in each other’s facilities. Language won’t be a barrier—most Thais can speak British English—but,” his eyes twinkled, “we may need help with your accent.” Another sip. His expression softened, almost conspiratorial. “Honestly, I’m glad Australia’s so stable. Makes my department meetings dull, though,” he added, the wry edge of his humor breaking through like sunlight on a cloudy day.

Owen​