No Thai Plans To Seek S.E.A.T.O. Aid

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32233, 27 February 1970, Page 22

No Thai Plans To Seek S.E.A.T.O. Aid

(N.Z P.A. Staff Correspondent) BANGKOK, February 26. it; Thailand has assured the New Zealand n ' Minister of Defence (Mr Thomson) that there is no likelihood of her having to call on her S.E.A.T.O. allies to counter insurgency unless I her borders are invaded by foreign troops.

Mr Thomson, who is on a two-week Asian tour, received the assurance yesterday from the Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Defence (Field-Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn). Mr Thomson said today that he had assured Marshal Thanom of New Zealand's sympathetic interest in what Thailand was doing to resist the I Communist threat. He said the worsening situation in Laos was the main point of their talks, which ranged over general security in the region. The Genera) Chief of Staff (Air Chief Marshal Dawee Chullaspaya) was also present. It is believed that the Thai leaders told Mr Thomson that troops had been placed on standby to move up to the Laotian border if an invasion appeared imminent. But Government sources emphasised that this was merely a precautionary measure. They said there was no indication that the North Vietnamese intended to cross the border.

a The Thais, however, expect I-i increased terrorist activities - in the north as a result of e-the Communist gains in - Laos. r It is believed that Marshal Thanom and Marshal t Dawee told Mr Thomson that - Thailand needed more mill--jtary and civil equipment to -[counter Communist sub- ? I version. The Thais -plan to increase I their attempts to fight sub--3 version by improving condi- .! tions and living standards in I the volatile border areas, s > The Thai leaders and Mr riThomson are believed to have ■'discussed ways in which New Zealand could further assist i i in this field.