MONTHLY REPORT--BANGKOK BUREAU-- FEBRUARY 1987

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 11
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 13, 2012
• Sequence Number: 14
• Publication Date: March 2, 1987
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
2 March 1987
MBK--7006
MEMORANDUM FOR: Director, Foreign Broadcast Information Service
THROUGH: Chief, Operations Group
SUBJECT: Monthly Report -- Bangkok Bureau -- February 1987
February was relatively quiet in Thailand, nevertheless Army
Commander General Chawalit Yongchaiyut managed to stir up quite a bit of
controversy with some pointed criticism of politicians who, in his
opinion, are more interested in profiting from politics than in serving
the public good. While individuals were not mentioned by name, his
descriptions apparently were easily recognizable in many instances.
Criticism from the powerful army commander is always something to be
reckoned with, and judging from the outcry he stirred up he obviously
touched a sore spot. In the past such statements would have created
speculation about a possible coup. This time, however, there is no
indication such a movement is being considered, and some feel the country
has moved beyond the stage where coups would have much popular support.
The prime minister and many of his top officials feel confident enough
that things are in good order that they are going through with a lengthy
official trip to Europe in March.
A. Monitorial/Editorial
1. The South Asian Unit continued its careful, sustained watch
on developments in India and Pakistan, particularly the handling of the
military tensions along their border. At the beginning of the month talks
were held in India to ease tensions, and on the 4th Delhi radio carried a
report on an initial "understanding" to pull back troops from the border.
The ROSET came through with a nice interview of the two negotiators
carried by Indian television, which the bureau filed. Special staffing
arrangements were made to cover the 21-23 February trip by the Pakistani
president to India, ostensibly to watch the cricket match between the two
national teams. During this "cricket diplomacy" President Zia met Indian
Prime Minister Gandhi, which helped to further defuse the situation. The
next round of talks began in Pakistan on the 27th, and at month's end the
Bureau was continuing to keep a close eye on developments and reporting
them promptly.
2. On 1 February, at Headquarters request and following
coordination with Hong Kong Bureau and MOD, Bangkok formally assumed AFF'
coverage of Asia (except the PRC, Taiwan, and the Philippines) as well as
Hong Kong's worldwide AFF' coverage. The changeover went smoothly and the
Bureau has adjusted to its new coverage responsibilities.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
>. Again in February the Bureau was involved in covering
television feeds from the Philippines. From 2-?-4 February an open watch
was conducted on two television transponders on the 60 East Intelsat
during the voting on the new Philippine constitution. Then from 25-26
February the same transponders were observed on the first anniversary of
the revolution that toppled former President Marcos. Three Aquino
speeches were tested and a number of FYIs sent.
4. Due to unforeseen irregularities in a generally reliable
arrangement for receiving Vietnamese newspapers, the Bureau was forced to
ask NEAD to cover NHAN DAN and QUAN DOI NHAN DAN until advised we can
resume coverage, and to ask Hong Kong Bureau to reinstitute subscriptions
to these papers for us. The Bureau has been assured by our local supplier
that the papers should begin, to arrive again any day. Even when that
happens the Bureau plans to retain the t subscription through Hong Kong
as a backup to guard against a repeat of these delivery problems.
5. TDY Engineer installed the Bureau's new STAT
automatic facsimile processor and had it up and running by the 16th.
Since then the Bureau has concentrated an printing the late night Vietnam
fax transmission of their party newspaper NHAN DAN. So far it has riot
been possible to predict what will be carried on any given night. At
times one page has been sent, at other times two pages have been received,
and on a number of occasions only photographs have been transmitted with
no text at all. Nevertheless, the very first printout of a page of NHAN
DAN (the night of 16 February) came in very useful. Early on the 17th,
Hanoi radio reported the largest government reshuffle in 30 years. A
number of ministries were merged and renamed, and a number of ministers
dropped, including the defense minister. The NHAN DAN frontpage printed
at Bang Ping the night before carried the same report broadcast by the
radio, and the monitors were able to confirm the names, some of which
would otherwise have been rendered phonetically. It was also possible to
file a comparison FYI the same day. The Bureau continues to process this
fax transmission for evaluation of its coverage potential.
B. Lateral Services
The BBC requested one item from Jakarta radio during the morithi.
C. Technical
1. Upgrading of the second half of the basement at Bang Ping
has been completed. This will now give LAS additional storage space and
room for a heavy-duty workshop.
2. The renovation of the editorial room has started, in
anticipation of the arrival of the PCs. Completion of the project will
take approximately three weeks.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
3. New Equipment
a. 1 ea. Microdyne Corp.
Model No. 114
satellite TV receiver,
b. Adaptable Facsimile Processor, Delta Info. Systems
Model ARP/NT 600
III. ADMINISTRATION
A. Personnel
1. Editors
promoted to GS-11 effective 1 February.
2. Editorial trainee
effective 1 February.
3. Teletypist trainee
14 February.
Bui ldi_! 9.s ._and Grounds
STAT
was promoted to GS-10 STAT
resigned effective STAT
With the concurrence of Ambassador Brown, State Department's
site selection team decided to construct the new chancery building on the
Peurifoy Compound, located directly across the street from the current
embassy grounds. Construction is due to start in FY-1988 and be completed
by the end of FY-1991. The Bureau will then most likely be moved to the
present chancery compound. We shall see!
A. Engineer) I was on TDY to Bangkok 13--19 February to
install the automatic facsimile processor.
B. Joe McBride, recently arrived chief of the External Unit of the
Political Section of the Embassy, was given a briefing and tour of the
Bureau on 18 February.
visited the Bureau
and Editor
while on private
while on private travel.
Chief, Bangkok Bureau
Attachment.: Monthly Production Report
RMB/c:l a
her husband, and daughter--
travel ; Hong Kong Deputy Chief
STAT
STAT
STAT
STAT
STAT
STAT
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6 .
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
I. TOTALS FROM ALL SOURCES:
TOTAL PUBLISHABLE WORDAGE FILED DURING MONTH: 618,81(=:
TOTAL NON-PUBLISHABLE WORDAGE FILED DURING MONTH: 220,640
TOTAL NUMBER OF PUBLISHABLE ITEMS FILED DURING MONTH: .1,468
BROAD- PRESS PUBLI-
CASTS AGENCIES CATION
I I . INPUT OF REGULAR COVERAGE: 21 , 245 29,310 .2.615.00
(minutes or issues per week) min. min. issues
III. OUTPUT FROM ROSET SOURCES:
(publishable words per month)
INDIA
Delhi Doordarshan Television Network in
English 4,160
Kuala Lumpur BERNAMA in
English g g2(j
NEW CALEDONIA
Noumea RFO Television FEED in
French 470
PHILIPPINES
Manila Television Feed in
English 2,610
SRI LANKA
Colombo Lanka Puwath in
English
^? 490
r,
IV. OUTPUT FROM ALL OTHER SOURCES:
(publishable words per month)
Melbourne Overseas Service in
English
Sydney THE AUSTRALIAN in
English
Sydney THE BULLETIN in
English
Sydney THE WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN in
English
24, 140
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6 ge
BANGLADESH
Dhaka Overseas Service in
English 0
Dhaka Overseas Service in
Bengali Co
Dhaka Domestic Service in
English 3,490
Dhaka Domestic Service in
Bengali 25t:
Dhaka BSS in
English
Dhaka THE BANGLADESH OBSERVER in
English
Dhaka SANGBAD in
Bengali
BRUNEI
Kuala Belait THE BORNEO BULLETIN in
English
BURMA
Rangoon Domestic Service in
English
Rangoon Domestic Service in
Burmese
Rangoon WORKING PEOPLE'S DAILY in
English
Rangoon BOTATAUNG in
Burmese
Rangoon LOKTHA PYEITHU NEZIN in
Burmese
Rangoon MYANMA ALIN in
Burmese
CAMBODIA
Phnom Penh Domestic Service in
Cambodian
Phnom Penh SPK in
English
Phnom Penh SF'F( in
French to KPL Vientiane
Phnom Penh SPK in
French
Phnom Penh VNA in
Vietnamese to VNA Hanoi
Phnom Penh VNA in
French to VNA Hanoi
CHINA
Beijing international Service in
Bengali
Beijing International Service in
Burmese
BROAD- PRESS F'UBL I
CASTS AGENCIES CAT I OL-
4,09
2S, 500
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
Page
BROAD- PRESS F UBL. I -
CASTS AGENCIES CATIOI`N.
CHINA (continued)
Beijing International Service in
Indonesian
Beijing International Service in
Lao
Beijing International Service in
Thai
Beijing in
Cambodian to Cambodia
Beijing in
Hindi to India
Beijing in
Malay to Malaysia
Beijing in
Urdu to India and Pakistan
CLANDESTINE
(Clandestine) Voice of Tamil Eel am in
English 0
(Clandestine) Voice of Democratic Kampuchea in
Cambodian 10,58C-)
(Clandestine) Voice of Malayan Democracy in
Malay 1,280
(Clandestine) Voice of the Khmer in
Cambodian 6,100
(Clandestine) Voice of the National Army Democratic
Kampuchea in
Cambodian 8,570
(Clandestine) Voice of the People of Burma in
Burmese 1 , 370
(Clandestine) Voice of the People of Malaysia in
Malay ti
(Clandestine) Voice of Tamil Eelam in
Tamil 3,710
Hong Kong APP in
English
63,290
INDIA
Delhi
General Overseas Service in
English
6,460
Delhi
Domestic Service in
English
45,500
Delhi
Doordarshan Television Network
English
in
4,160
Delhi Domestic Service in
Hindi
120
Delhi ISI Diplomatic Information Service in
English 300
Bombay THE TIMES OF INDIA in
English
Calcutta THE STATESMAN in
English
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
Page 4
Delhi INDIAN EXPRESS in
English
Delhi NATIONAL HERALD in
English
Delhi PATRIOT in
English
Delhi THE HINDUSTAN TIMES in
English
Delhi THE HINDU in
English
Delhi INDIA TODAY in
English
Calcutta ANANDA BAZAR PATRIKA in
Bengali
INDONESIA
Jakarta International Service in
English
Jakarta Domestic Service in
Indonesian
Jakarta JAKARTA POST in
English
Jakarta THE INDONESIA TIMES in
English
Jakarta BERITA BUANA in
Indonesian
Jakarta KOMPAS in
Indonesian
Jakarta MERDEKA in
Indonesian
Jakarta TEMPO in
Indonesian
Vientiane Domestic Service in
Laos
Vientiane KPL in
English
Vientiane KPL in
English to SFK. Phnom Penh
Vientiane k::PL in
French to SPK. Phnom Penh
Vientiane SPK in
French to SPK Phnom Penh
Vientiane VNA in
Vietnamese to VNA Hanoi
Vientiane PASASON in
Lao
Vientiane VIENTIANE MAI in
Lao
BROAD- PRESS PUBL.I-
CASTS AGENCIES CATION
2,560
34,40C)
1,rl.=i_
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
rage 5
Kuala Lumpur
English
Kuala Lumpur-
English
Kual a Lumpur
Malay
Kuala Lumpur
English
Kual a Lumpur
English
Kual a Lumpur
English
Kual a Lumpur
Malay
Kuala Lumpur
Malay
Kual a Lumpur
Malay
Kuala Lumpur
Malay
NEPAL
International Service in
Domestic Service in
Domestic Service in
BERNAMA in
NEW STRAITS TIMES in
NEW SUNDAY TIMES in
BERITA HARIAN in
BERITA MINGGU in
MINGGUAN MALAYSIA in
UTUSAN MALAYSIA in
Katmandu External Service in
English
Katmandu THE RISING NEPAL in
English
NEW CALEDONIA
Noumea RFO Television FEED in
French
PAKISTAN
Karachi Overseas Service in
English
Karachi Overseas Service in
Urdu
Karachi Domestic Service in
English
Karachi Domestic Service in
Urdu
Islamabad THE MUSLIM in
English
Karachi DAWN in
English
Islamabad THE PAKISTAN TIMES in
English
Karachi JASARAT in
Urdu
Karachi MASHRIQ in
Urdu
Rawalpindi HAIDER in
Urdu
BROAD- PRESS PUPL_I--
CASTS AGENCIES CATION
,880
9,920
2,25o
C)
8,790
19,200
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6?ge b
Lahore Jang in
Urdu
Karachi NAWA-E WALT in
Urdu
PHILIPPINES
Manila Television Feed in
English 2,61C.)
Singapore Domestic Service in
English
Singapore THE STRAITS TIMES in
English
Singapore THE SUNDAY TIMES in
Eng l i sh
SRI LANKA
Colombo International Service in
English
Colombo International Service in
Hindi
Colombo Domestic Service in
English
Colombo Domestic Service in
Tamil
Colombo Lanka Puwath in
English
Colombo DAILY NEWS in
English
Colombo SUN in
English
Colombo WEEKEND in
English
THAILAND
Bangkok Voice of Free Asia in
English
Bangkok Voice of Free Asia in
Cambodian
Bangkok Voice of Free Asia in
Lao
Bangkok Voice of Free Asia in
Thai
Bangkok Voice of Free Asia in
Vietnamese
Bangkok Domestic Service in
English
Bangkok Domestic Service in
Thai
Bangkok First Army Division Radio in
Thai
BROAD- PRESS F'UBL..I--
CASTS AGENCIES CATIOP'N.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6 --,
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
Page 7
THAILAND (continued)
Bangkok Television Service in
Thai
Bangkok BANGKOK POST in
English
Bangkok BANGKOK WORLD in
English
Bangkok THE NATION in
English
Bangkok KHAO PHISET in
Thai
Bangkok LAK. THAI in
Thai
Bangkok MATICHON in
+ Thai
Bangkok MATICHON SUT SAPDA in
Thai.
Bangkok NAEO NA in
Thai
Bangkok SIAM RAT in
Thai
Bangkok SIAM RAT SAPDA WICHAN in
Thai
Bangkok SU ANAKHOT in
Thai
Bangkok THAI RAT in
Thai
Bangkok: ZHONG HUA RIBAO in
Chinese
Bangkok XING XIAN RIBAO in
Chinese
Bangkok XIN ZHONG YUAN RIBAO in
Chinese
UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS
BROAD- PRESS PUBL.I --
CASTS AGENCIES CAT I ON`'
3,010
Moscow International Service in
Tami 1 0
Moscow in
Bengali to Bangladesh 0
Moscow in
Burmese to Burma 1,750
Moscow in
Cambodian to Cambodia 1,490
Moscow in
Hindi to India 0
Moscow in
Indonesian to Indonesia 80
Moscow in
Lao to Laos 980
Moscow in
Thai to Thailand 0
Moscow in
Urdu to India 0
Moscow in
Urdu to Pakistan
28 , 1 5 0
6,310
25,990
500
Cy
2,651!
2,07(:,j
2,570
2 , 6 5 0
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6
Page O
BROAD- PRESS PUBL I --
CASTS AGENCIES CAT:[OF-
UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS
(continued)
Moscow Radio Peace and Progress in
Indonesian
UNITED KINGDOM
London BBC World Service in
English
93C)
VIETNAM
Hanoi
International
English
Service in
6,t02(--)
Hanoi
Hanoi
International
Cambodian
International
Thai
Service in
Service in
i)
r")
Hanoi Domestic Service in
Vietnamese
P4, 216C)
Hanoi
VNA in
English
1.65C)
Hanoi
NHAN DAN in
Hanoi
Vietnamese
QUAN DOI
NHAN DAN in
Vietnamese
Hanoi
TAP CHI CONG SAN in
Vietnamese
Hanoi
TAP CHI QUAN DOI NHAN DAN in
Vietnamese
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/06/13: CIA-RDP88-00733R000100030014-6