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​