QUESTIONS IN WRITING
Thailand
(Question No. 4886)
Question

Mr McClelland (Barton)  asked the Minister for Defence, in writing, on 27 November 2006:

(1)
Why did Australia’s defence assistance to Thailand decrease from $3.779 million in 2004-05 to $2.903 million in 2005-06.
(2)
Has the Government altered its policy towards defence cooperation with Thailand since the military coup of 19 September 2006.
(3)
Do the following defence cooperation programs with Thailand remain in operation: (a) Special Forces training; (b) Air Force training; (c) capability development and defence acquisition assistance; (d) training of Thai defence personnel in Australia; and (e) English language training in Thailand.
(4)
Are there any other defence cooperation initiatives currently being undertaken with Thailand; if so, what are the details.
(5)
Following the 19 September coup, does the Government intend to suspend any aspects of defence cooperation with Thailand, as the United States has done.
Answer

Dr Nelson (Bradfield—Minister for Defence)—The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

(1)
The decrease in Australia’s defence cooperation budget with Thailand from 2004-05 to 2005-06 is explained by an unusually high take-up rate of Australian training courses by candidates from the Royal Thai Armed Forces in 2004-05. One of the training courses utilised in 2004-05 was flying instructor training, which is high cost (approximately $500,000).
(2)
and (5) The Government is maintaining defence cooperation with Thailand where such cooperation is in Australia’s security interests. The Government will continue to monitor developments in Thailand and will review the defence cooperation program if appropriate.
(3) (a)
, (b), (c), (d) and (e) Yes.
(4)
No.