Thailand to Australia | Ties

[Bossza007]

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To: <John Faulkner, Minister of Defense of the Commonwealth of Australia> Owen From: <Sarabun@mod.mail.go.th> Subject: Official Visit from Thailand to Australia Security Type: High Secure Encrypted Method - Protect by NIA Counter-Intelligence Service

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Defense Minister Faulkner,

The Ministry of Defense of Thailand extends its greetings to the Australian Defense Ministry. We are writing to propose an official visit to Australia by a high-level Thai delegation, led by Admiral of the Fleet Thira Hao-Charoen, Commander-in-Chief of the Republic Thai Navy. Thailand and Australia share a strong mutual interest in the security and stability of Southeast Asia and Oceania. We believe that exploring closer cooperation between our navies would be mutually beneficial. The proposed visit by Admiral of the Fleet Thira Hao-Charoen, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, could include meetings with his Australian counterparts, the Defense Minister and Chief of the Navy. Thailand is committed to fostering constructive dialogue and mutual understanding between our two militaries, and we believe such discussions would be favorable for both nations.

Sincerely,

Sutin Klungsang
Minister of Defense
Republic of Thailand

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Digital Diplomatic Communication
Audited and Advised by the Foreign Ministry of Thailand​

 

[Owen]

CHIEF OF NAVY​

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION: SECRET (ENCRYPTED)​

6 January 2004

Dear Admiral Hao-Charoen, As the Chief of Navy, it is my pleasure to be your counterpart in Australia. We do have an Admiral of the Fleet but that rank is reserved for His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh. I am the highest ranking Australian official of the Royal Australian Navy. The Chief of the Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove is also eager to have meetings with you. Meetings with the Minister will be subject to availability. I invite you to the Russell Offices in Canberra to undertake these meetings. Yours sincerely, Vice Admiral Russ Crane.

Russell Offices, 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.
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Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

The Admiral of the Fleet Thira Hao-Charoen, Commander-in-Chief of the Republic Thai Navy, would take the Republic Navy Boeing 747-400 chartered aircraft to fly to Canberra to have a bilateral discussion with his Australian counterpart. The Thai Government would establish a secure and direct communication line with the Australian Government to coordinate the successfully logistics operation. As the airplane flew toward Australia, it would consistently communicate with Australian authority regarding its location and estimate time of arrival. The Thai Government would request the Australian Government for its charted aircraft to enter the Australian airspace without disruption, including the landing Canberra Airport or any designated airfield.

Owen

 

[Owen]

As the 747 moved across Indonesian airspace to immediately south of the island of Timor, it would be transferred to Australian-controlled airspace.

"Thai ###, this is Jakarta Centre, please switch to Brisbane Centre on 134.000. Good day."

"Thai ###, this is Brisbane Centre, you have Civil Aviation Safety Authority permission to proceed into Australian airspace, continue on route, maintain 38,000."

Through the state-of-the-art The Australian Advanced Air Traffic System (TAAATS) it would be monitored for the entire journey. As it passed half way across the continent... "Thai ###, this is Brisbane Centre, please switch to Melbourne Centre on 130.300. Good day."

As they approached southern New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory... "Thai ###, please switch to Canberra Terminal Control Unit. Good day."

"Thai ###, please switch to Canberra Approach West on 125.900. Good day."

The aircraft would be directed to fly in over the north of the city to Runway 17. To the right of the aircraft, Mount Ainslie and to the left of the aircraft, Kowen Escarpement.

"Thai ###, cleared to land Runway 17."

Drivers on the Majura Parkway would be surprised to see a Thai Airways 747 landing in Canberra, as jets of such size don't make commercial flights to Canberra.

"Thai ###, exit runway right, switch to RAAF Fairbairn Tower."

Canberra Airport was unique in that unlike other joint airports used by the RAAF and civilian aircraft where the RAAF would maintain all air traffic control, civilian air traffic control would be employed at Canberra until tower services were required. The aircraft would be directed to taxi to the RAAF Base Fairbairn area of the airport, on the north-east side, whereas the main passenger terminal was on the south-west side. As it parked, a RAAF stairwell would be attached to the side of the aircraft to allow passengers off. The red carpet would also be unfurled. Wing Commander Wayne Baylis, the Commander of No. 34 Squadron, the only squadron based at Fairbairn would stand at the bottom of the stairs saluting. The Secretary of the Department of Defence, Nick Warner, would be awaiting to greet the Admiral. A fleet of Commonwealth cars and Australian Federal Police cars and motorcycles would be lined up ready to take the Admiral.

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

The RTAF Boeing 747, a colossal presence in the sky, gracefully descended onto Runway 17 of Canberra Airport, a spectacle to behold. The stirring touch on the tarmac marked not just the landing of an aircraft but a symbolic entry. Admiral of the Fleet Thira Hao-Charoen, amid the grandeur, sensed the profound significance of his visit to Australia. While not inherently a diplomat, the winds of change in Thailand had shaped him into an adaptable figure, a perpetual student in the school of life. In a quiet moment before stepping onto the Australian soil, he clenched his fist, drawing strength from the deep breath he took. This act, a personal ritual, reassured him, echoing the training imparted by the civilian Foreign Ministry—a reminder of the diplomatic role thrust upon him, and the responsibility he bore as an ambassador of his nation in this unfamiliar terrain.

Stepping off the plane as the door gracefully swung open, Thira was met with the sleek stairwell and a vibrant red carpet below. A smile played on his lips as he emerged, spotting Wayne Baylis, Wing Commander of Squadron No. 34 stationed in Fairbairn. Descending, he acknowledged Baylis with a firm salutation, a gesture reflecting his deep respect for the Australian Armed Forces. Maintaining a demeanor that was both calm and approachable, Thira understood the delicate balance of representing his nation with sincerity. His interactions were measured, never veering into the territory of nonchalance. Upon meeting Nick Warner, the Australian Secretary of the Department of Defense, Thira offered a salute before engaging in conversation, seamlessly switching between British and Australian English to navigate the subtle nuances of communication.

“Secretary Warner, please accept my gratitude for Australia’s hospitality.”

Owen

 

[Owen]

"You're very welcome Admiral. Welcome to Canberra." He would gesture him to follow into the vehicles. They would take a short drive to the Russell Offices, the Australian Pentagon, up Pialligo Avenue and Morshead Drive, a 10 minute drive. Australian Federal Police motorcycles would escort and Police SUVs would set up road blocks for adjoining roads. The Chief of the Defence Force and Chief of Navy would be waiting at the Russell Offices. The Australian Federation Guard would be set up in Blamey Square in front of the offices, named after Field Marshal Sir Thomas Blamey, the only Australian person to reach the rank of Field Marshal and one of only four (the other 3 are British, including 2 royals). The Australian-American Memorial would stand tall in the middle of the square.

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A sculpture of a bald eagle would stand ontop of the memorial. An inscription would read at the base of the memorial:

"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"
​

The two Chiefs would greet the Admiral and the Secretary as they stepped out of their cars. The Chiefs, the Secretary and the Admiral would take seats on a raised platform in front of the Federation Guard. The Navy Band would play several pieces of music, starting with the national anthems of Australia and Thailand.

Once the anthems were finished they would perform some marches, notably the Navy March to honour the Chief of Navy as well as Waltzing Matilda, a song which would be familiar with the Admiral.

Once the music was finished, the two Chiefs would lead the Admiral in inspecting the guard before heading inside to the offices.

​

They would head inside the offices, followed by the two Chiefs aide-de-camps. They would go into a meeting room where the two Chiefs would sit down with the Admiral and other Navy and Defence officers subordinate to the Chiefs. The Chief of the Defence Force would chair the meeting.

​

"I would like to welcome Admiral of the Fleet Thira Hao-Charoen of the Thai Navy to Canberra here today in what is a momentous occassion. Welcome."

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

Meanwhile in the Thai Government House, Bangkok
Office of the Prime Minister

"Do you reckon the Navy Commander-in-Chief has learned his lesson?" inquired Thaksin, the Prime Minister of Thailand. Seated at his opulent yet meticulously organized desk, he wore an expression of weariness, mirroring the fatigue etched on the face of his Defense Minister counterpart, Sutin.

Sutin responded with a nonchalant air, his gaze wandering the room as he spoke, "Honestly, if I had you on the line every night at 11 pm, I might withdraw forces from the Western Hemispheres too." The weariness in Sutin's demeanor extended beyond the conversation; logistics for a massive withdrawal operation loomed, coupled with the bureaucratic tasks that accompanied such endeavors.

Thaksin, somewhat taken aback, cast a curious eye at his counterpart. "What's that supposed to mean? I'm just trying to be constructive. After all, I've got more years on this planet. Experience should count for something."

Sutin sighed before offering his insight. "Thaksin, the Admiral of the Fleet is a unique military officer. He values his sleep. Subjecting him to your nightly admonishments is a toll on his mental health. It might be prudent to formalize the withdrawal request through my ministry. Once he submits it to me, I'll have to recommend the Army and Airforce withdraw from Türkiye as well." As he spoke, Sutin shuffled papers, the weight of the decision evident in the rustling of documents.

"I get that, but I reckon he's open to listening because of our successful policy—reducing military meddling in politics and beefing up civilian oversight," Thaksin remarked, a subtle note of pride lacing his words.

"That's my policy, mind you. I've already ousted the previous Chief of Defense Forces. You seemed a bit hesitant to let go of someone responsible not only for the Laos and Cambodia invasions but also an attempt to overthrow the Myanmar Government. Speaking of which, I'm leaning towards rejecting the Navy Chief's bid for re-election. He's left quite a mess in the Western Hemisphere," Sutin retorted, his irritation evident. "You ought to be thanking me, Thaksin. Firmness with the military is the only way. If you don't show you're in control, they might just stage a coup eventually." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle in the air.

Canberra, Australia

In the ceremonial proceedings, Navy Chief Thira navigated each step with meticulous attention. His movements were a dance of precision, a reflection of his professionalism and profound respect for the Australian Armed Forces. Throughout the ceremony, he maintained a composed demeanor, acutely aware of his role and position, ensuring not to overshadow the host nation. Taking his place in the meeting room alongside the Australian Chief of Defense Forces and Vice Admiral Russ Crane, as well as other officers, Thira exuded a quiet but respectful commanding presence.

He would respond to the welcoming from his Australian counterpart. “Thank you, Chief of Defense Forces Cosgrove. I appreciate the warm welcome and hospitality extended to me. I am aware of the esteemed reputation of the Australian Navy and its long history of accomplishments. While I am honored to be here today, there's no need for such humility on my part. It is a pleasure to be meeting with a distinguished leader like yourself.” He nodded respectfully before speaking again. “While my expertise lies primarily in naval operations, I have recently undergone training with the Thai Foreign Ministry to enhance diplomatic understanding. Rest assured, my purpose here today is not to propose any naval cooperation that might extend into Australia's immediate sphere of influence. We understand the sensitivity of such matters. Instead, I hope this meeting fosters a productive exchange based on mutual respect, understanding, and open dialogue, strengthening the relationship between our two navies.”

“Chief of Defense Forces Cosgrove, in the spirit of fostering a productive exchange, I'd appreciate your insights on the potential scope of collaboration between our navies. This could encompass areas of mutual interest that fall outside of Australia's immediate sphere of influence, which we understand holds significant importance to you. Additionally, I'm eager to hear any specific concerns you may have regarding Thai naval activities. I assure you that I'm here to listen respectfully and provide clear and comprehensive answers to your questions.”

Owen

 

[Owen]

The Chief of Navy would respond, "Well there are many areas which we can see collaboration between Australian and Thai naval forces, without being necessarily seen as moves towards an alliance. There are numerous matters which all nations can agree on needs a response to combat.... illegal fishing, illegal migrants, the drug trade, human trafficking, threats to global trade. South East Asia is a hot bed for a lot of these activities and the Royal Australian Navy and Republic of Thailand Navy are at the forefront of combating these problems... these criminals. These are areas which we can see Australia and Thailand collaborating on at this time, given the nature of your relationships with our closest allies. Obviously if Thailand can improve its international standing, we would be more open to a closer alliance.

Whilst we understand that Thailand is withdrawing from the western hemisphere, we are obviously still concerned about activities in the eastern hemisphere, which we share. The South Pacific and Oceania region is Australia's responsibility first and foremost. Whilst we welcome Thailand to cooperate on matters in this region, taking a leading or assertive role would be seen as inappropriate. Thailand's focus should be on South East Asia, which of course we would fully respect you maintaining a leading role in that region. The Royal Australian Navy is ready to cooperate with Thailand in South East Asia on matters like what I've just described. We have defence obligations to Malaysia and Singapore, but I'm sure there will be no problems there."

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

Note: Thira would remain the Chief of Navy until he returns to Thailand and assume the advisor role for his successor per the Supreme Court’s ruling.

“Chief, I am in complete agreement with your proposed approach. I grasp the delicacy of the situation Thailand finds itself in, and we are keenly aware of the need to avoid burdening Australia with the intricacies of our ongoing processes. Any potential engagement of the Thai Navy in the Oceania region will be in alignment with Australian leadership directives. I propose the inclusion of a second-in-command from our naval ranks to foster collaboration. Conversely, when your Navy operates in Southeast Asia, we expect a similar reciprocal arrangement.” He paused for a second. “I believe that, to set any arrangement in motion, Australia takes the lead by joining our mission in Southeast Asia first. At present, we have no naval deployment in Southeast Asia beyond our Exclusive Economic Zone. Perhaps we should concentrate our efforts on the Strait of Malacca, addressing piracy and curbing illegal activities. How does that resonate with you? Despite Thailand's capability for deployment at any scale, I deem a joint effort with your Navy on a proportional level can create an image of equality between our nations.”

Owen

 

[Owen]

"There are definitely issues in the Strait of Malacca when it comes to piracy. At this point in time, we don't have the capability for such deployments, but we are open to them in the future. The idea of joint command over such operations is also an appealing and reasonable proposal."

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

Thira would say. "I recognise that Australia may not have the capacity to deploy at the moment. Still, I believe we can alleviate the current difficulty. What are your thoughts on establishing a joint operation command now? We might start planning our activities across the Strait. Thailand will offer two offshore patrol vessels first. This means that Thailand will send a Task Unit headed by our Captain on one ship, while an Australian commander will serve as second-in-command on another. What are your thoughts? If you agree, I believe we can begin planning what we should do.

Owen

 

[Owen]

"Whilst I'm able to give advice and insight into the Royal Australian Navy, such a decision like that would need to be taken by the National Security Committee of Cabinet. I can't make decisions about that but I can certain make recommendations to the National Security Committee in support of them. Everything I propose or discuss needs to be approved by Cabinet first, but they are recommendations which I'm putting forward to you that I will also put forward to Cabinet."

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

"I believe I can agree with that, Chief. Perhaps there is nothing we can discuss, but I believe we have made significant gestures of respect between our Armed Forces, do not you? I would appreciate it if you could forward my proposal to the National Security Committee of Cabinet, and so on. If you do not have anything further to add, I believe we can end this meeting on a positive note?"

Owen

 

[Owen]

"I think that would be a very short meeting then, Admiral. Are you sure there are no other proposals you have we can discuss? One thing which we had in mind was allowing a small cohort of Thai Navy Officers to be trained at the Australian Defence Force Academy. We have had a long history of training regional forces in doctrine and offering degrees suitable for their roles as officers in their respective Armed Forces. Most of the training they will receive will be ambiguous and open-source education, not access to sensitive or classified tactics or information held by the Australian Defence Force. It may be unpopular with our traditional allies, but we see the training of officers as important to develop a Thai Armed Forces which sees Australia in a positive light and ultimately, our allies.

As you can see Admiral, most of the hurdles in our relationship could be resolved if Thailand worked to improve its relations with the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, just to name a few."

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

"I agree with sending our navy officers for regional training in Australia, Chief. Still, I must express my worry that Thailand and Australia are building different foundations for their own navies. However, I would want to have Thai navy commanders study conventional Australian naval doctrine, as Thailand had done before to 1996. Our Naval Academy has already established a respected standing, and we have discovered how our fleet functions. But on this, I agree with you. And, in terms of our connection with the West, I believe Thailand and Japan had a friendly relationship, at least during the previous regime. Our Prime Minister has communicated with the President of the United States, and I am unable to comment on any aspect of my country's politics. My mission is only to preserve Thailand's marine interests."

Owen

 

[Owen]

"I'm not sure what you mean by "different foundations", Admiral?"

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

"It indicates that our Navies functioned under different doctrines, priorities, and values, Chief. However, this does not imply that Thailand is unwilling to dispatch navy officers to Australia in the same way it did before to 1996. I just hinted that our Navies are based on a different basis; it is that easy. If Australians allow me, I would want to send Coast Guard naval officers to Australia for regional training. The Republic Coast Guard has direct authority over South-east Asia, although our Navy has a wider sphere of operations. Oceania is also within our coast guard's capabilities. For example, our Coast Guard, which specialises in regional operations, manages the majority of missions involving the New Caledonia humanitarian task force. I apologise if this appears offensive; it was never my goal, but I can assure you that sending our Coast Guard naval officers will be the most suitable alternative."

Owen

 

[Owen]

"That would depend, does your Coast Guard operate as more of a military arm or a law enforcement arm of your government? Obviously it wouldn't be appropriate for them to attend a military academy if they were mainly dealing with law enforcement. If they are a military branch, I would be more than happy to recommend to the Commandant of the Australian Defence Force Academy, Air Commodore Margaret Staib, that they allow up to 30 of your Coast Guard officers to attend in the Australian Defence College overall. There are also other areas of the Australian Defence College, along with ADFA, that would be open to hosting them. The War College offers Command and Staff as well as Strategic Studies courses and the Training Centre has a range of centres, such as the Warfare Training Centre, Peace Operations Training Centre, Chaplains College and School of Language. It also has the Defence International Training Centre which will be the starting point for any Thai officers who come to the Australian Defence College or any other college in any branch of the military. I guess it will be up to you to work out the finer details of who that 30 will be and what they will study. I will also double check with the other Commandants, but I'm sure there are available spaces at the Royal Australian Naval College, the RAAF College and the Royal Military College, Duntroon as well."

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

"That's great to hear, Chef. The Republic Coast Guard functions as both low enforcement authority and a military branch capable of conventional naval warfare. They would be particularly pleased if they can send future naval officers who will serve the helicopter carrier group of the Coast Guard to Australia for conventional training and study from the expertise of the Australian Navy. I understand that the name can be confusing, but I also have no idea why no one produces a better name. Overall, they still operate 20 offshore patrol vessels for Thai maritime law enforcement. Is there any immediate arrangement Thailand and Australia needs to facilitate to ensure the successful training program for Thai naval officers in Australia? I am also here as a diplomat and a Navy Chief, which means I have the authority to advance any agenda we discuss in this meeting."

Owen

 

[Owen]

"There shouldn't be too much of an arrangement, as I said this is a decision of the Commandant of the College as to whether they wish to admit foreign students, not a decision of government, though the Minister can veto the decision if he chooses. All your visiting students will be granted Special Category Visas as they are foreign military on official orders. Just simply let me know where you wish to distribute your 30 student allowance across the defence education network and we can accomodate it."

Bossza007