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	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.

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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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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​

 

[Owen]

Joe Ludwig would speak.

"The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry does maintain many agencies under its umbrella that deal with agricultural research and development. These include the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Agrifutures Australia, Australian Eggs, Australian Grape and Wine Authority, Australian Pork, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Dairy Australia, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation,Forest and Wood Products Australia, Grains Research and Development Corporation, Meat and Livestock Australia and Sugar Research Australia. Of course we're open to collaborations but they do need to be tightly controlled and negotiated as we wouldn't want our research secrets getting revealed and potentially losing our edge in any of those markets. We're also eager to have our Trade and Market Access Division establish a posting at the Australian Embassy in Bangkok."

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

“Yes, such cooperation would be ideal, Mr. Farrell. If we are to formalize this into an agreement, I’d prefer your team handle it, as I’m here alone.” Surin chuckled lightly. “That said, Thailand adopts a different approach to research and development. While I fully respect your position that research conducted in Australian facilities must remain confidential and tightly regulated, Thailand follows a contrasting philosophy.” He paused, his gaze steady. “Over the past year, our economy and productive assets have been entirely collectivized. Our domestic ecosystems have moved beyond capitalist frameworks. No offense to your country’s system, of course. Marxism recognizes the advancements brought by capitalism, even as we strive to transcend it.” He sipped his tea, his tone measured. “As part of our policy to democratize knowledge, all findings in our facilities are made public. Intellectual property here is governed by copyleft laws. Therefore, I suggest clarifying Australia’s specific terms regarding research and development conducted within its facilities.”

Turning to the embassy arrangement, Surin replied, “I don’t personally oppose Australia establishing the Trade and Market Access Division within its Bangkok embassy. However, I do have reservations about how our countries can create an accessible framework and the necessary resources for your employees to work effectively here.” He placed the tablet down momentarily. “As you know, it’s been four months since we stopped using traditional currency in our domestic ‘market.’ I imagine you’re aware that when we say ‘market,’ we’re not necessarily speaking the same language.” He smiled faintly before continuing. “Thailand has an intense commitment to democracy—some might even call it an obsession—and every decision here is made through collective deliberation. While we enjoy vibrant trade relations with many countries, our system operates differently. Some refer to it as ‘globalization from below.’ When we trade, it’s based on equal resource exchange.” Surin’s tone grew slightly more serious. “I recommend Australia recruits staff who are highly adaptable and patient, as they’ll need to navigate our rigorous democratic processes. For instance, they’ll have to persuade local community officials why Australian products should be stocked and made redeemable with labor tokens.”

Owen​

 

[Owen]

Joe Ludwig would slide the proposed agreement on agriculture over to Mr. Pitsuwan.

Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Socialist Republic of Thailand on Co-operation in Agriculture

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA AND THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF THAILAND ON CO-OPERATION IN AGRICULTURE​

THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF THAILAND, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT the significance of food production for the people of both countries and of the world; DESIROUS of applying modern knowledge and technology in the field of agricultural production; CONVINCED that co-operation in the field of agriculture would facilitate the further development of relations generally between the two countries; AIMING to develop further the exchange of notes on Co-operation in Agriculture concluded in Canberra on 2 December 2003; HAVE AGREED as follows:

Article I​

The Contracting Parties shall develop and implement co-operation in the field of agriculture on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

Article II​

The Contracting Parties shall promote the development of co-operation in the following main areas: (1) Regular exchange of information on actual planted areas, on volumes of production and procurement of major agricultural products in the form of annual totals as well as targets or forecasts of agricultural production for the current year and current five-year period.​ ​ (2) Plant science, plant breeding, nutrition and protection from diseases and pests.​ ​ (3) Animal science, livestock improvement and production, fodder production and veterinary science.​ ​ (4) Soil science.​ ​ (5) Land improvement and reclamation and reclamation engineering.​ ​ (6) Use of agricultural chemicals.​ ​ (7) Processing, storage, transport and preservation of animal and plant products.​ ​ (8) Forestry.​ ​ (9) Agricultural economics.​ Other areas of co-operation may be mutually decided upon.

Article III​

Co-operation between the Contracting Parties, as outlined in the previous Article, shall take the following forms: (1) Exchange of scientists, specialists and trainees.​ ​ (2) Organization of bilateral symposia and conferences.​ ​ (3) Exchange of scientific, technical and economic information and documentary material.​ ​ (4) Exchange of seed samples, plant material, micro-organic cultures and veterinary preparations.​ ​ (5) Joint research and implementation of activities on problems of mutual interest.​ Other forms of co-operation may be mutually decided upon.

Article IV​

1. To implement the present Agreement, a joint Australian-Thai working group on co-operation in agriculture shall be established. The joint working group shall meet normally once every two years, alternately in Australia and Thailand, if not otherwise agreed. 2. The joint working group shall review and approve specific projects and programs of co-operation, establish the order of their implementation, and determine the institutions and organisations responsible for the implementation of joint measures of co-operation. 3. The Executive Bodies for the co-ordination and implementation of the present Agreement are: for the Government of Australia - the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and for the Government of the Socialist Republic of Thailand - the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. 4. The Executive Bodies shall facilitate, in their respective countries, and to the extent that their powers and functions permit, the co-operation of other institutions and organisations in the implementation of co-operation under the present Agreement. 5. In the period between the meetings of the joint working group, the Executive Bodies shall maintain contact with each other, co-ordinate and supervise co-operation undertaken in accordance with the present Agreement.

Article V​

1. The Contracting Parties shall, for the purposes of the present Agreement and to the extent that their functions permit, promote, facilitate and direct the development of co-operation between appropriate organisations of the two countries, including the conclusion of working arrangements and commercial agreements of a contractual nature relating to the implementation of specific projects and activities in accordance with the present Agreement. The financial and legal conditions of implementation of such working arrangements and commercial agreements of a contractual nature shall be considered and agreed to in each specific case. 2. Co-operation under the present Agreement shall be carried out in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in each country.

Article VI​

The costs of participation by the Contracting Parties in co-operative activities carried out under the present Agreement shall be borne as follows: (1) The exchange of scientists and specialists shall normally be organized on the basis that travel from one country to the other is paid for by the sending side, and the costs of accommodation, board and travel in the country are met by the receiving side.​ ​ (2) The receiving side shall, as necessary, provide interpreters for scientists and other delegates of the sending side.​ ​ (3) The exchange of scientific and technical information, seed samples, plant material, micro-organic cultures and veterinary preparations, shall take place on a non-commercial basis.​

Article VII​

Nothing in the present Agreement shall be construed as being contrary to or amending any agreements in force between the Contracting Parties.

Article VIII​

1. The present Agreement shall enter into force from the date of its signature, shall remain in force for an initial period of five years, and shall be considered valid unless the Government of either Party receives written notice from the other Party of its intention to terminate the Agreement. In this case the Agreement shall be terminated six months from the receipt of such notice. 2. The present Agreement may be amended by mutual agreement of the Parties. 3. The present Agreement may be supplemented by mutual arrangement of the Parties. 4. The termination of the present Agreement shall not affect the validity of the working arrangements concluded in accordance with the present Agreement between institutions, organisations and firms of both countries.

DONE at Canberra on 16th June 2005 in duplicate, in the English and Central Thai languages, each text being equally authentic.

FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA: [Signed:]​	FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF THAILAND: [Signed:]​

Don would speak up again.

"Thailand is entitled to do as it wishes internally. But of course trade and cooperation with the outside world needs to be done on mutual terms. Having a competitive edge in an export market is something we strive for, rather than giving our competitors an advantage in terms of a research and development. For Australia and Thailand, this would be mainly in the fisheries space as our differing climates mean that we do not share many similarities in land-based agriculture, though we do have a strong sugarcane, Banana and Mango sector in Northern Australia.

When it comes to these labor tokens, whatever they may be, that does throw a spanner in the works for any free trade agreement. Obviously Australian businesses would prefer to be paid for their exports, in U.S. dollars preferably. I'm not sure they're going to be too happy to export to Thailand if they were being paid in labor tokens. Could you elaborate further on how those work with international trade?"

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[Bossza007]

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

Surin took the proposed agreement document and read it carefully before speaking. “This is a fair and beneficial agreement, Mr. Ludwig. I have no objections to the language of this treaty.” He returned the document, ready to sign if requested by the Australian side. Then, he explained how Thailand’s dual-track economy operates.

“It’s not difficult to grasp, though the mechanisms behind it can be complex. However, they won’t interfere significantly with crafting a free trade agreement. For instance, Australian businesspeople won’t be paid in labor tokens—that system is strictly domestic and based on the principle of ‘to each according to their contribution.’ All of Thailand’s trading partners are paid in U.S. Dollars. The key difference lies in how you secure a place for your goods in our country.” He paused briefly, gathering his thoughts. “Consider our distribution centers. They’re somewhat similar to Australian supermarkets, but there are crucial distinctions. In Australia, a business typically negotiates with a supermarket manager or the board of a parent company to supply goods. Here, each distribution center is governed by a local community assembly. These assemblies ensure a consistent stock of goods that can be redeemed by local residents.”

Sutin’s expression grew serious. “After customs clearance, foreign businesses must persuade these elected administrators that stocking their goods benefits the local population. If an agreement is reached, the goods’ prices are calculated based on the global average for similar products—unless, of course, the business can scientifically justify a higher price.” He concluded with a thoughtful nod.

Owen​