US embassy cable - 05BANGKOK6978

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 006978 
 
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E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/2015 
TAGS: PREL, TH 
SUBJECT: FORMER PRIME MINISTER ANAND CRITICIZES SURAKIART 
RUN FOR UN SECRETARY GENERAL POST 
 
Classified By: AMBASSADOR RALPH BOYCE.  REASON: 1.4 (D) 
 
1.  (C)  During a November 3 conversation with the 
Ambassador, National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) Head and 
former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun derided Deputy Prime 
Minister (and former Foreign Minister) Surakiart 
Sathirathai's campaign to succeed Kofi Annan as next UN 
Secretary General.  Anand described Surakiart's campaign as 
 
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"pathetic."  Anand said that Surakiart has no understanding 
of the process.  "He just doesn't understand that what counts 
is the Security Council and in the Security Council it is one 
country (the U.S.) that counts," Anand added.  "Instead he's 
flying around claiming that he has the support of all these 
countries." 
 
2.  (C)  Anand faulted Surakiart for assuming that the 
Secretary General's chair was awarded on a rotating basis 
 
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among the world's regions.  "You've already said that you do 
not accept selection by regions," said Anand, "but Surakiart 
still doesn't understand this."  When the Ambassador asked 
Anand what the repercussions would be if the United States 
supports another candidate, Anand responded "None. There 
would be no blow to US-Thai relations.  There are too many 
other interests that are more important." 
 
3.  (C)  Comment:  Surakiart continues to campaign 
relentlessly for the top UN job.  As the December 2006 date 
for Kofi Annan's end of term draws closer, the U.S. stance 
towards his candidacy will increasingly become an issue here. 
 
BOYCE