Thailand | Withdrawal of Ambassador from Australia

[Bossza007]

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To: <Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Commonwealth of Australia> Owen From: <Sarabun@mfa.mail.go.th> Subject: Withdrawal of the Thai Ambassador from the Republic Embassy in Canberra Security Type: NSST 1.0 Architecture

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To the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia,

The Office of the Thai Ambassador to Australia extends its greetings to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Commonwealth of Australia.

The Embassy of the Republic of Thailand, with the utmost regret, informs the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that Ms. Busadee Santipitaks, the Republic Ambassador to Australia, will be withdrawing from her duties at the Embassy in Canberra. At approximately one o'clock in the afternoon local Canberra time, Ms. Busadee will be departing by a chartered aircraft of the Republic Air Force. Ms. Sudarat Boonthep will be appointed as the Chargée d'Affaires for an indefinite period.

The Embassy deeply regrets the necessity of this decision, as directed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand. The Republic Government believes this to be the most appropriate course of action to safeguard the independence of our nation. This decision is deemed necessary in light of the Australian government's public interference with a Thai independent organization and its blatant disregard for Thai laws and our constitution, for which no public apology has been issued.

The Embassy of the Republic of Thailand will continue to uphold its diplomatic mission in Australia through its office in Canberra. The newly appointed Chargée d'Affaires will act as the highest-ranking diplomat from Thailand present in Australia. We remain committed to maintaining and fostering the relationship between Thailand and Australia.

Sincerely,

Sudarat Boonthep
Chargée d'Affaires
Republic of Thailand

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Digital Diplomatic Communication​

After the message was sent in the late morning, the Republic Embassy prepared to bid farewell to its long-serving ambassador, who was returning to her post in Thailand. Arrangements between the Republic Air Force and the Australian Government ensured that the chartered civilian plane would be permitted to enter and leave Australian airspace. At around one o’clock, Ambassador Busadee Santipitaks would depart from Australia to Thailand.​

 

[Bossza007]

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To: <Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Commonwealth of Australia> Owen From: <Sarabun@mfa.mail.go.th> Subject: Phased Diplomatic Staff Reduction of the Republic Embassy in Canberra Security Type: NSST 1.0 Architecture

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To the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia,

The Office of the Thai Ambassador to Australia extends its greetings to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Commonwealth of Australia.

After the recall of the Thai Ambassador from the Republic's Embassy in Canberra two months ago, the Commonwealth of Australia has yet to address our diplomatic concerns or assist with the departure of Thailand's long-serving ambassador. Furthermore, Australia appears to persist in disregarding international law and democratic principles, particularly through actions that interfere with press freedom in Thailand and violate our Constitution. Thailand views these developments and Australia's foreign policy stance with significant apprehension regarding the stability of democratic institutions in the Oceania and Asia-Pacific regions.

To underscore the gravity of these issues within the framework of international norms, Thailand believes it necessary to introduce measured steps to exert pressure on Australia. Over the next two weeks, Thailand will begin by withdrawing non-essential personnel from our Republic Embassy in Canberra, including cultural attachés, educational liaison officers, family members of diplomats, and half of the administrative support staff. In weeks three to four, we will reduce staffing levels further, recalling two-thirds of economic affairs officers, half of consular affairs staff, and a political affairs officer. Should Australia fail to acknowledge these concerns by weeks five to six, Thailand will recall the Deputy Chief of Mission and retain only one political affairs officer. Finally, beginning week seven, the Republic Embassy will maintain essential personnel only, including a Chargée d'Affaires, minimal consular staff for essential services, one political affairs officer, and necessary security personnel.

Thailand will closely monitor developments as we assess Australia's response and its commitment to rectify these issues, which are of significant international concern. We maintain our expectation for a public apology from the Australian Government and its leadership regarding their interference in our affairs and violation of our Constitution.

Sincerely,

Sudarat Boonthep
Chargée d'Affaires
Republic of Thailand

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Digital Diplomatic Communication​

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[Bossza007]

Four days after the Republic Embassy notified Australia of its phased withdrawal, non-essential personnel began leaving the country on a chartered flight provided by the Republic Government. This group included cultural attachés, educational liaison officers, diplomats' families, and half of the administrative staff. The Thai Foreign Ministry's website and the Republic Embassy in Canberra would provide regular updates on the withdrawal. Upon arrival in Bangkok, the returning staff would be greeted by Thai officials and their families.

Owen​