(UNTITLED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85T00287R000401550001-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: January 12, 2017
• Document Release Date: July 1, 2011
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: September 27, 1983
• Content Type: MEMO

peg -?
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/07/01: CIA-RDP85T00287R000401550001-8 25X1
Central Intelligence Agency
DIRECTORATE OF INTELLIGENCE
27 September 1983
Background on Thailand's Request for Technology Assistance
The Thai economy has been one of the developing world's
success stories over the past two decades, with economic growth
averaging more than 7 percent a year. This impressive
performance was based on the extension and diversification of
agriculture and the expansion of technologically simple
manufacturing industries such as textiles and food processing.
The current Thai five year economic development plan (1982-
86), however, calls for many projects that will require the
acquisition of more sophisticated science and technology.
Bangkok places the most emphasis on the expansion of the energy
sector--both offshore and onshore--and on the establishment of a
natural gas-based heavy industry complex to include
petrochemicals and fertilizer plants. Bangkok also needs the
technology to improve agricultural yields, among the lowest in
Asia. Plans to acquire sophisticated military hardware, upgrade
the communications network, and establish a labor-intensive,
export-oriented electronics industry all require major advances
in the level of technology employed.
Over the last year, Thai officials have made increasing
references in the press to the need to upgrade science and
technology capability. Much of this effort has been spurred by
the energetic Damrong Lattahaphitat, Minister for Science,
Technology, and Energy, with the support of Prime Minister
Prem. Damrong's ministry will take the lead in any discussions
with the US on-science policy. Damrong currently has no
This memorandum was prepared byl (Office of East
Asian Analysis, for Dr. George Keywort , Presidential Science
Adviser. Comments and queries are welcome and may be directed to
Chief, Southeast Asia Division
EA M-10190
25X1
25X1
25X1
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/07/01: CIA-RDP85T00287R000401550001-8
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/07/01: CIA-RDP85T00287R000401550001-8
authority over agricultural, biomedical, or industrial research,
however, and shares authority for enerav search with the
Petroleum Authority of Thailand. 25X1
The US Embassy believes that while Thailand would welcome
the joint US-ASEAN technology center proposed by the US, it is
more interested in a bilateral agreement that would provide a 5-
15 year package of science and technology assistance designed to
complement the country's agricultural, industrial, and energy 25X1
development projects. We believe that Bangkok is likely to
continue to press for such aid even if the United States insists
that much of the responsibility lies with the private sector.
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/07/01: CIA-RDP85T00287R000401550001-8
 IW
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/07/01: CIA-RDP85T00287R000401550001-8
SUBJECT: Background on Thailand's Request
for Technology Assistance
Distribution:
OEA/SEA/ITB
George Keyworth, New Executive Office Building
OEA/SEA
OEA/MSI
OEA/NEA
OEA/CH
D/OEAA
OEA/Research Director
PDB
C/NIC
NIO/EA
DDI
Executive Director
CPAS /I MD/CB
C/PES/DDI
OCR/ISG
C/EA
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/07/01: CIA-RDP85T00287R000401550001-8