US embassy cable - 05BANGKOK2887

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 002887 
 
SIPDIS 
 
PACOM FOR FPA HUSO 
DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/BCLTV 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/28/2015 
TAGS: MARR, MASS, PGOV, TH, POL/MIL 
SUBJECT: APPROVING MILITARY INFORMATION SUPPORT TEAM 
PROPOSAL FOR THAILAND 
 
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Alexander A. Arvizu.  Reason 1.4 
. (a) and d)) 
 
1.  (C)  USPACOM proposed deployment of a military 
information support team (MIST) to Thailand to offer military 
support to public diplomacy.  The focus of this team will be 
to advise and assist the Royal Thai Army in its efforts to 
address ongoing unrest in southern Thailand.  Post concurs 
and recommend that USPACOM proceed with this proposal as 
outlined below.  END SUMMARY. 
 
2.  (C) This initiative is in response to a directive from 
the USPACOM Commander to explore methods to assist the RTG 
with its efforts in southern Thailand.  On February 4, 2005, 
Post requested a small team of public information experts 
deploy to Thailand to assess methods of assistance to the 
RTG.  During the March-April 2005 assessment, DoD military 
and civilian planners and analysts worked closely with Post 
and JUSMAGTHAI to develop a Military Support to Public 
Diplomacy-Thailand (MSPD-TH) program.  The assessment 
recommends deployment of a team to support US efforts and to 
advise and assist the Royal Thai Army (RTA) in its public 
information efforts.  Initial team deployment or working 
locations will be Bangkok (JUSMAGTHAI) and the Royal Thai 
Armed Forces Special Warfare Center at Lop Buri.  MIST 
members will not deploy or travel to affected southern 
provinces. 
 
3.  (C)  Proposed public information themes will focus on 
human rights, cultural awareness, economic growth, long-term 
security and stability, and other similar messages. The DoD 
team, in coordination with Post, will develop public 
information plans and advise and assist the RTG on current 
methods, techniques, and utilization options for a variety of 
dissemination media. 
 
4.  (C) PACOM,s proposed program will provide a means to 
extend messages in support of US policy to audiences 
difficult to reach via existing resources.  We support 
USPACOM submission of the MSPD-TH program to Joint Staff for 
consideration, approval, and execution authorities. 
BOYCE