Thailand to Sweden | Ties

[Bossza007]

Private and Encrypted​

"Good, Prime Minister. Since there has been no talking at the highest levels in recent years, let us move on to more urgent business that seems somewhat ambiguous." Thaksin deftly changed the subject. "Let us talk about defense and security cooperation. In order to illustrate how deeply our cooperation was rooted in the past, I recall your former government itself suggested deploying some early warning radar installations in Thailand. Even though a number of years had passed since the end of my first term, I gladly accepted. I mention this to highlight the resilience of our past relationship and Sweden's dynamic policy, not to imply its immediate restoration. Of course, it's your government's choice whether to place such efforts back on track with your current strategic consideration."

"I admit that I still do not understand the nitty-gritties of Sweden's new security paradigm, and this is only to be expected given that your government has had its hands full with domestic affairs since taking power. However, Thailand has stood firm and remained a trustworthy ally in every sense of the word. As previously mentioned, we are prepared to support Sweden militarily if the situation unfortunately calls for it. What had been a fairly specific and close relationship now has a pretty generic status due to this uncertainty, which has been a spin-off from our recent estrangement on defense issues."

Thailand's geopolitical policy and our defense commitment to Sweden continue unchanged and, in my view, will continue so for a long time. I would therefore like to be informed of your government's present view of defense cooperation. It seems to me that it would be in the interests of both countries if our military forces were brought closer together and made stronger again." Anticipating a thoughtful response from Prime Minister Reinfeldt, he concluded.

Connor​

 

[Connor]

"Ah, yes! I am glad you mention this Prime Minister, it is something that was mentioned to me by the Secretary of Defence when I mentioned coming to Thailand - needless to say that the Swedish Strategic Defence Network is, without doubt the worlds largest and most complex array of defence equipment in the world. Not only does our network allow us comprehensive intelligence gathering, it also serves as an irreplaceable early warning system giving us everything we could possibly needs to prevent a devastating attack against our nation. It has been used on several occasions, the most notable of which being an unlawful incursion of Swedish airspace by Russian fighter jets a number of years ago. Needless to say, our advance system has deterred any further military involvement with the Russians... well any nation for that matter.

I would be keen to follow the lead of my predecessor in advancing an agreement between us for the positioning of assets in Thailand. This would require the freeholding of land within Thailand to give us the necessary legal framework in order to operate it as essentially a temporary operating position abroad - obviously if the word freehold sends tremors through your spine, as it does for many, we can look at an extended leasehold, or even a break clause within a freehold agreement which would see the land return to the government should our agreement need to end. Not that I envision a breakdown in our relationship. I must ask however, to what extent would you like to see the introduction of the Swedish Strategic Defence Network in Thailand? Would you like the system as a form of upgrade to your own, covering the entirety of Thailand? or mutual cooperation with strategically positioned facilities?

I think up to now we have had a 'secret handshake' style of mutual defence between our nations - something we have been long thankful for over the years with your support in various armed conflicts in a number of different capacities. It would only be right for us to solidify these arrangements formally."

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

Private and Encrypted​

“Oh, I am glad the defense cooperation topic resonates deeply with you, Prime Minister,” Thaksin remarked with a chuckle. “Of course, the Swedish Strategic Defense Network is world-renowned, and I have a high respect for it. Despite this, the positioning of your assets will be nuanced as I also work within the constraints of our national and constitutional laws. First, Thailand certainly operates early air warning systems that cover the majority of the Southeast Asia Mainland’s airspace. However, we are incredibly open to redundancy and the prospect of Sweden expanding its defense network into the region. It is a highly symbolic gesture, and I’d push for a concrete installation regardless of our existing systems.

Second, land ownership is unique in Thailand, and we would need to know where you want to position your radar system. I want to leave the location to you since a benefit exists if our ally has a dedicated defense network within the region. According to the first section of our constitution, all lands belong to the society as a whole. So, unfortunately, I can’t sell land for Sweden to purchase as freehold due to such a restriction. The state acts as a steward of all lands, but systemic decentralization and devolution exist, and grassroots communities are the decision-makers on land utilization and development. I still agree to the idea of Sweden expanding its network to Thailand, but I am not the one who gets the final say about the land in the country.

We will need a separate meeting, but I will explain the typical process. First, since it is the local community that manages and owns the land within its jurisdiction, the leasehold agreement is more like acquiring a land use right. We can have the experts discussing this in the future, but both my government officials and yours will need to negotiate with the local government, which I do not influence. But since not all local governments are monolithic, I expect certain communities to willingly give up the land use right. And after negotiation is a success, granting the right to a foreign entity will require my administration’s approval, which is the point where I can personally certify it. As a note, I was not involved in drafting this constitution, but my life depends on it.” Thaksin finished explaining about the Swedish Strategic Defense Network.

“Returning to the defense commitment, I am glad that we have a mutual flank assurance regarding mutual defense. I certainly agree to the need to formalize it. Naval or aerial replenishment rights are also what I imagine, as our militaries have utilized one another’s facilities. Regardless, the meeting was very productive and I ran out of my prepared agenda. Do you have anything more to add, Prime Minister? We are making good use of time, so there is more time for our negotiators to discuss the finer detail of the treaty before we get to give our final approval and sign it.”

Connor​

 

[Bossza007]

Connor

 

[Connor]

"I can appreciate you have your own practices and resources in place - that's only natural - you don't achieve world power status without being... well... a world power. We know this better than many, despite losing our official accreditation as a result of our 'back seat' political stance recently. It is not my intention to cause total confusion and financial consequence to systems in place. Your domestic laws in relation to land ownership may cause concerns for the Department for Defence who would be keen to ensure a solid legal power to ensure the security of the land in use for military purposes. I can see this having the possibility of being a complex matter which may be better afforded to my teams responsible for that kind of development - needless to say we will have a complete risk assessment, property analysis and cost register drafted for your acknowledgement, then we can look into the legalities of land, ownership and security in the future." he would quickly make notes on the subject, keen for this to be developed further.

"Sweden has a number of overseas territories: Antarctica, South Africa and a number of sub-antarctic islands which makes us a key strategic and tactical asset. We'd look to solidify access to certain military facilities, primarily naval and air, for the purposes of refuelling and replenishment - a lot of our operations are often classified and impromptu so these arrangements would need some short-notice facility drafted into them to allow for strategic, quick-time turnaround of assets. I have no issue with this in any of our territories and to echo your own point, we have both naval and air replenishment capabilities - both boom and drogue-and-shoot - which we are more than happy to extend into the agreement. These capabilities, are also global, not confined to operational range from mainland Sweden - they are all tactically positioned."

Bossza007

 

[Bossza007]

Private and Encrypted​

Thaksin nodded and said: “Well, yeah, I agree about your point. I understand how such a domestic constitutional law might cause concerns for the Swedish Department of Defense. It is quite a complex matter, and I also don’t believe I can address it individually. It should be a separate treaty when our Defense teams meet and negotiate, but Thailand is committed to what we agree upon.” He paused to listen as Reinfeldt remarked about Swedish overseas territories. “I heard that there is some commotion in South Africa. Unfortunately, we are running out of time, and it isn’t quite on our agenda. Therefore, I won’t pry into your domestic affairs.”

Thaksin noted something on his tablet before gesturing for Reinfeldt to stand up. “Anyway, please follow me, Prime Minister. Now that we agree in principle on many fronts, we must inform your respective delegations of the drafting process. The Ivory Room is a perfect place for that.” He smiled and led Reinfeldt out of the private meeting room. They would have a chance to inform their delegation of what was discussed, which was during a 10-minute recess. During that time, several reporters would be capturing, recording, or photographing as Thai or Swedish officials consulted among themselves.

Eventually, the Thai and Swedish delegations would enter the Ivory Room to negotiate the finer details of the treaty. After two hours, the Thai side would present the following document. Thaksin would state: “Ladies and gentlemen, and people of other orientations, if there are any, the Thai side is honored to present the first draft of our treaty. Thank you.”​

DRAFT TREATY ORIGINAL

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Strategic Partnership and Democratic Alliance Treaty Between the Socialist Republic of Thailand and the Kingdom of Sweden​

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Preamble​

Recognizing the longstanding commitment of the Socialist Republic of Thailand and the Kingdom of Sweden to democratic values, human rights promotion, and the inviolability of civil liberties;

Acknowledging the unique existing partnership between Thailand and Sweden, which took root during the 1998 Swedish-South African War, resulting in the unprecedented humanitarian cooperation between the two countries to alleviate the suffering of all people under the apartheid and authoritarian regime;

Affirming the mutual dedication to mutual defense, interests, prosperity, and enlargement of our citizens’ freedom to live unfettered lives as they wish, given that it doesn’t interfere with the freedom of others;

Desiring to formalize the strategic partnership between Thailand and Sweden, grounded in the shared aspiration of our people for a future free from war, wants, oppression, and ecological destruction;

Expressing a commitment to peaceful international relations, mutual respect, and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations, while upholding the principles of responsibility to protect and international laws;

The Socialist Republic of Thailand and the Kingdom of Sweden (hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”) have reached the following bilateral agreements:

Article I: Purpose

1. This Strategic Partnership and Democratic Alliance Treaty (hereinafter referred to as “the Treaty”) serves to formalize the existing and deep bilateral cooperation between the Parties on a comprehensive scope, whether militarily, culturally, economically, or politically.
2. The Treaty is intended to create legally binding obligations under international law and represents a statement of intent to pursue collaborative activities based on mutual understanding and reciprocal benefit.

Article 2: Reciprocal Visa-on-Arrival Arrangement

1. Thailand shall ensure the safe, swift, and predictable passage of all Swedish passport holders through:
   • The issuance of a 60-day visa on arrival to all Swedish passport holders upon their legal and documented registration of intention to stay at the Thai Customs.
   • The equal treatment of all Swedish passport holders in Thailand is equivalent to that of Thai citizenship holders.
   • The assurance of necessary civil liberties required for uninterrupted legal conduct in Thailand, such as freedom of expression, freedom of movement, right to peaceful assembly, access to legal representation, due process, and other rights as protected by Thai laws, to Swedish passport holders.
2. Sweden shall ensure the safe, swift, and predictable passage of all Thai passport holders through:
   • The issuance of a 60-day visa on arrival to all Thai passport holders upon their legal and documented registration of intention to stay at the Swedish Customs.
   • The equal treatment of all Thai passport holders in Thailand is equivalent to that of Swedish citizenship holders.
   • The assurance of necessary civil liberties required for uninterrupted legal conduct in Sweden, such as freedom of expression, freedom of movement, right to peaceful assembly, access to legal representation, due process, and other rights as protected by Swedish laws, to Thai passport holders.
3. The Parties shall exchange intelligence when their respective countries' high-profile individuals, specifically former prisoners, potential crime suspects, and dangerous personalities, intend to travel to the Parties’ territories.
4. The Parties agree that both countries reserve the right to deny entry to individuals deemed undesirable per Article 2 (3), and the Parties must facilitate the return of such persons.
5. The Parties agree that both countries reserve the right to arbitrarily return individuals from the other party who commit a crime inside the territories of the Parties, following international law and due process.

Article 3: Mutual Defense and Security Commitment

1. The Parties hereby enter a mutual defense pact where an attack on one party is considered an attack on the other. This clause can only be invoked in the case of a defensive war and shall never be abused as a justification to attack other sovereign nations.
2. The Parties agree to foster comprehensive and transparent intelligence exchange schemes between both countries’ intelligence communities regarding mutual threats, interests, or provisional collaborations. They also agree that the Parties reserve the right to deny sharing intelligence deemed critical to their national security.
3. The Parties’ armed forces agree to the extent of the right of naval and aerial replenishments to one another. They shall allow the military assets and personnel of one another to utilize their military facilities, whether of ground, naval, or air forces, after a secure and advanced notice is provided. The Parties reserve the right to refuse such requests, but shall always allow military facility utilization in case of humanitarian distress.

Article 4: Technological Cooperation and Sustainable Development

1. The Participants recognize the transformative potential of technology for advancing social progress and sustainable development within their respective constitutional frameworks and relevant domestic laws.
2. The Participants agree to explore mutual sustainable development goals in pursuit of a cleaner and greener world for their future generations.
3. The Parties agree to intensify or establish a formal channel for their scientists to exchange best practices and research contributing to their countries’ greater clean energy independence.
4. The Participants will explore opportunities for joint research and development projects in areas of mutual interest, focusing on technologies that enhance social well-being, environmental sustainability, and democratic participation.

Article 5: Democratic, Educational, and Cultural Exchanges

1. The Parties agree that democracy is the most suitable form of governance where the people have the right to self-determination through inclusive, transparent, and deliberative processes.
2. The Parties agree to exchange best practices regarding democratic governance, human rights promotion, civil liberties safeguard, and humanitarian assistance. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs shall serve as the point of exchange.
3. The Parties agree to promote greater cultural and educational exchanges between the countries, fostering a lasting people-to-people relationship based on mutual values and democratic foundations.

Article 6: Implementation and Modalities

1) To facilitate the implementation of the Treaty, the Parties will establish a Joint Working Group (JWG) comprised of representatives from the Socialist Republic of Thailand and the Kingdom of Sweden.
2) The JWG will be responsible for:

• Developing specific plans of action and collaborative projects within the areas of cooperation outlined in the Treaty.
• Facilitating communication and coordination between the Participants.
• Monitoring the progress of cooperative activities and evaluating their effectiveness.
• Organizing meetings, exchanges, and joint initiatives as agreed upon by the Participants.

3) The JWG will meet periodically, either in person or virtually, as mutually determined by the Parties.
4) The Parties will each designate a primary point of contact to serve as a liaison for the JWG and to facilitate the implementation of the Treaty.
5) The activities undertaken within the framework of the Treaty will be subject to the availability of resources and mutual agreement of the Parties.​

Article 7: General Provisions

1. The Treaty will commence upon signature and subsequent ratification by the authorized representatives of the Parties and will continue for an initial period of ten (10) years, with the possibility of extension or renewal upon mutual agreement.
2. The Treaty may be amended or supplemented by mutual written agreement of the Parties.
3. Any differences or disputes arising from the interpretation or implementation of the Treaty will be resolved amicably through consultations and dialogue between the Parties.
4. The Treaty may be terminated by either Party upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the other Party. Termination will not affect the completion of ongoing activities unless otherwise mutually agreed upon.
5. The Treaty is signed in duplicate in Bangkok on this day, the Fifteenth of April, 2006.

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Connor​