Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Eric G. John at Opening Ceremony, Ministry of Education Commemoration of 175 Years of Thai-U.S. Relations, Bangkok Art and Cultural Center
(As prepared for delivery)
Thank you. I am very happy to join Minister Jurin, Governor Sukhumband, and officials from the Ministry of Education in opening this commemoration of 175 years of Thai-U.S. relations.
We are now approaching the end of our 175th anniversary year. The Thai-U.S. Treaty of Amity and Commerce was signed on March 20, 1833, and was America’s first treaty with any Asian country. This treaty began a partnership that has developed and strengthened over time.
Over the past year, I have been reminded of how broad and deep our bilateral relationship really is. Thailand and the United States are true partners in tackling global problems in a wide variety of areas.
In the health field, we are jointly researching a possible vaccine to prevent HIV-AIDS and are partners in combating other diseases such as Avian Influenza.
We are working together to combat trafficking in persons as well as trafficking in illegal narcotics.
As treaty allies, our militaries cooperate very closely, and next week will be holding the annual Cobra Gold exercises. In recent years we have worked together to provide humanitarian assistance to the victims of the tsunami and of cyclone Nargis in Burma.
One of the most important aspects of our bilateral relationship is educational exchange. It is therefore appropriate that the Ministry of Education should host this event. Over 9000 Thai students are currently enrolled in U.S. educational institutions, placing Thailand among the top ten sources of international students in the United States. We hope to see that number increasing in the future.
With new governments in both the United States and Thailand, we are ready to continue to strengthen our bilateral relationship, and to write new chapters in the long history of Thai-U.S. Friendship.
Congratulations to all the organizers of this event. I look forward to touring the exhibition.