50 Kilometer Rule

The US Ambassador’s policy regarding US military operations near the Thai border states "that any mission involving US personnel or equipment within 50 km of Thailand’s border must be approved by the US Embassy. This policy applies to land, air and sea operations."

The US Embassy routinely grants waivers to conduct such operations, provided specific information is provided.

During the Final Planning Conference, exercise planners must submit requests for the "50 km waiver" to the JUSMAGTHAI Joint Operations Division. The request should include type of training to be conducted, dates (times if able), and location. In addition, an attached map (worth a thousand words) is appreciated but not required.

SAMPLE LETTER For 50 Kilometer Rule

(Use unit assignment letterhead if possible)                                                                                                 Date MEMORANDUM FOR JUSMAGTHAI FROM:  9999 OPS/BDP Unit 1999 ADE AD 99990 SUBJ: Balance Torch (BT) 01-XX Operations within 50 Kilometers (KM) of the Thai Border 1. Request permission to perform operations within 50KM of the Thai border during Balance Torch 01-XX (EXERCISE). 2. Air operations are planned for (DATES) 1-2 July 2000. (WHAT/PURPOSE) An MC-130H aircraft will support the planned Friendship Jumps by airdropping US and Royal Thai Army personnel) at (SPECIFICALLY WHERE) Mae Ding drop zone, located 40 km east of Gopburi - approximately 30 km from Thai/Laotian border - near the village of Muu Baan Miamon. See map. 3. Approval is paramount for accomplishing essential exercise missions. 4. POC is Capt G.W. Freeman, DSN 999-9999, or commercial 011-99-999-9999.                           JACK A. SMITH, Major, USAF Commander, XXX unit (ATTACH MAP) Attachments: Chart of area depicting Mai Ding drop zone and Gopburi.