Thai Minister doubts eavesdropping claims

The Straits Times, February 22, 2007



THAI Minister of Information and Communication Technology Sittichai Pokai-udom has cast doubts on the junta's claims that Singapore was eavesdropping on Thai military conversations.

In an interview on a Thai-language TV talk show, Siam This Morning, on Tuesday, Mr Sittichai said eavesdropping was only a 'concern' and questioned whether the 'complicated' process was even worth the while.

He also said he did not believe a Thai engineer would be willing to manage the process of eavesdropping.

'The eavesdropping is something that we are only suspicious and concerned about. Practically, it is impossible for the government to investigate this matter,' he said when asked which satellite was the most important for the purpose for eavesdropping.

His mild tone in the interview was in contrast to coup leader and army chief Sonthi Boonyarataglin's angry allegations that Singapore had used Shin Corp's assets for spying - a charge the Singapore Government has strongly denied.

Last month, Gen Sonthi alleged that Singapore could eavesdrop on the Thai military's conversations through Temasek Holdings' control of Shin Corp, which has a stake in Thailand's only private satellite operator Shin Satellite (Shin Sat) and also its dominant mobile phone operator, Advanced Info Service (AIS).

'Our army has a problem now. When we make a call, the line goes to Singapore. When we talk secrets, they go straight to Singapore,' Gen Sonthi said last month.

During the TV programme on Tuesday, when the interviewer ventured that people felt satellites provided the means to eavesdrop, Mr Sittichai said: 'This is not accurate. The process of eavesdropping is very complicated. Is it even worth it for them to do this?

'If Shin Sat clients know that there is eavesdropping taking place, they will discontinue their service in favour of other service providers. They have several choices.

'Eavesdropping is just something that people are concerned about right now and they have a right to be worried.

'Ultimately, it depends on the morality of Shin Sat and if they are guided by morals not to do so.

'It is possible for the company to eavesdrop if it so desired.

'However, the CEO would have to ask a Thai engineer to manage the process and I personally believe that the Thai engineer would not be willing to do so.'