US embassy cable - 05BANGKOK6727

UNCLAS BANGKOK 006727 
 
SIPDIS 
 
INFO ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS 
AMEMBASSY COLOMBO 
HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OVIP, CASC, PREL, EAID, TH, Tsunami 
SUBJECT: THAI EXPECTED TO INVITE FORMER PRESIDENTS TO 
TSUNAMI COMMEMORATION 
 
SIPDIS 
 
1.  This is an action request.  Please see paragraph 3. 
 
2.    The Thai government is planning a large commemoration 
ceremony on December 26 in memory of those who died in the 
2004 tsunami.  Post's consular section is already working 
with the families of victims and Americans who were affected 
by the disaster who wish to participate in the event. 
Because relatively few Americans were in the tsunami zone, we 
expect at most a few dozen of these American participants. 
 
3. Post has been told informally by the Thai that they expect 
to invite former presidents Bush and Clinton, whose work to 
promote tsunami relief was so warmly appreciated by the Thai 
people and government.  Former Secretary Powell might also be 
included in the invitation, although this is less clear. 
The ceremony will be held in Phuket, the area most severely 
affected by the disaster, with smaller commemorations held at 
different locations around the island.  Prime Minister 
Thaksin will preside over the main commemoration ceremony. 
We fear that the RTG will not produce a formal invitation for 
the former presidents until very late.  Logistical 
arrangements for flights and acceptable hotels will be 
difficult, as both are scarce.  Other embassies, which are 
anticipating the arrival of hundreds of their citizens, are 
already booking rooms.  If either VIP does attend, post will 
need to start soonest to ensure transportation and 
accomodation. ACTION REQUEST: Therefore, we request 
Department check informally to determine whether either of 
the former presidents would accept an invitation to attend 
the ceremony.  Participants would need to arrive in Bangkok 
no later than 12/24 and plan to fly into Phuket no later than 
12/25 to be in place for the ceremony on the morning of 
12/26.  We also request a rough head-count of travelers who 
would accompany, including any representatives from the 
Department.  End Action Request. 
 
 
KEUR