THAILAND

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP67B00446R000600260022-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 27, 2006
• Sequence Number: 22
• Publication Date: February 5, 1965
• Content Type: BRIEF

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OCI No. 0755/65
5 February 1965
DCI BRIEFING
FOR THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
THAILAND
I. In Thailand, Prime Minister Thanom's govern-
ment has assumed control smoothly over the
year since the death of Marshal Sarit, but
the transition cannot yet be considered com-
pleted.
A. There have been continuing rumors of coup
plotting among various elements of the rul-
ing military clique. One plot was squelched
by a series of arrests in late November
and early December.
B. The present government's viability rests
largely on the informal alliance between
the Prime Minister and strongman Praphat,
who is concurrently deputy premier, interior
minister, and commander-in-chief of the Thai
armed forces.
1. The basis of the alliance is partly per-
sonal. Praphat's son recently married
,MORI/CDF,
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Thanom's daughter. The durability of
the alliance will depend on how long
both men--and especially Praphat--find
it politically useful.
II. No matter who Sarit's long-term successor is, it
seems likely that he will come from the select
military group which has ruled Thailand since
1932.
A. It also seems likely that there will be
little change in Thailand's pro-Western
foreign policy and membership in SEATO.
1. The Thais have staunchly supported US
policy in South Vietnam and Laos, al-
though they have at times privately
expressed the view that US policy is
not strong enough, and concern that
the restraints other allies seek to
place on the US may leave Thailand out
on A' limb.
2. Bangkok has given a limited amount of
tangible support to South Vietnam, in-
cluding the training of South Vietnamese
pilots.
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RE ET
III. There are some disquieting signs of increased
Communist subversion in Northeast Thailand?
including three apparently politically in-
spired assassinations and propaganda activity.
A. The Communists also have been increasing
their propaganda activity throughout
Thailand. Relatively sophisticated Com-
munist propaganda has been distributed
in Bangkok and elsewhere.
1. Peiping and Hanoi, recently have been
giving front groups unusual attention.
This may signal a new Communist sub-
version effort or it may be an effort
to unite the various fronts under one
banner in anticipation of Thai elec-
tions expected later this year.
I
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