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Thailand plays an important role in the political development and security in Southeast Asia. Therefore, from the German/European perspective, it is essential to enhance a dialogue on security policy with Thailand. KAS Thailand has contributed to the enhancement of the cooperation in this field by organizing a round-table discussion on 17 March 2008, with Thomas Kossendey, Member of the German Bundestag and the Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister of Defence. Among other participants were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Thailand, General Winai Phattiyakul, and the Deputy Permanent Secretary, General Saprang Kalayanamitr as well as high-ranking representatives from the military.

In his speech, Kossendey expressed a strong support for an intensive dialogue between Thailand and Germany/Europe. In Europe, the interest in cooperation with Southeast Asian countries in security policy has increased. Thailand, which plays a central role in the integration process of ASEAN, is a significant partner because of its geographical location and its engagement in international peace-keeping missions. Kossendey has also mentioned concrete security issues in the region and southern Thailand.

Regarding the German – Thai cooperation in security, Kossendey has emphasized the importance of the cooperation in the training of Thai military officers in Germany and the “Fact-Finding Mission Talks”, organized regularly between the Ministry of Defence of Thailand and Germany. He has also encouraged an expansion of cooperation in the training of military officers for international peace-keeping operations.