Embassy Activities
Webdialogue with the Ambassador (Transcript)
Welcome: Thank you all for your interest in this webdialogue and for allowing me to share my thoughts and experiences as U.S. Ambassador to Thailand with you. I received so many thoughtful and interesting questions that sadly I will not be able to respond to them all. I hope you find my responses to those that I did have time to answer both informative and enjoyable. Happy reading!
Q: Can you describe what it is like to be the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand? "Zaw," Bangkok
A: This has been one of the most challenging assignments of my career and it has certainly been one of the most rewarding. I could not have chosen a more exciting way to end my career as a diplomat than as Ambassador to Thailand. The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok is the third largest American diplomatic mission in the world, with over 500 American staff and about 1,500 Thai staff, representing dozens of U.S. government agencies. This Mission represents Americans living and traveling in Thailand, providing them necessary consular services. We also issue visas to the tens of thousands of Thais who travel to the United States every year. At the same time, we coordinate closely with U.S. government departments and agencies back in Washington, as well as international organizations, like the UN in New York, and others around the world.
We also work with nearly every Thai government entity and numerous private organizations, universities, and individuals. In other words, we are constantly negotiating, interacting with, and coordinating with many, many different organizations and people. As U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, I have operated in a multi-faceted work environment that often has competing agendas and priorities, different languages and cultures -- both organizational cultures and societal cultures -- and different world views. This has made my tenure here challenging, endless fascinating, and truly gratifying.
Q: What are you most impressed with about Thailand and what will remind you of the country once you return to the US? [Original text in Thai: จากความรู้สึกของท่าน และท่านประทับใจสิ่งใดเป็นกรณีพิเศษที่สามารถทำให้ท่านคิดถึงประเทศไทยในขณะที่ท่านมาอยู่ที่ USA แล้ว] Thiraporn Manee-Yoi, Bangkok
A: I say it all the time, but it is true. The warmth and friendliness of the Thai people is something that has always impressed me. Thailand and my Thai friends will be in my thoughts often after I have departed. Of course, whenever I smell Thai food or hear Thai language, I will instantly think of this country!
Q: What has been the highlight of your tenure here in Thailand?
John Gunther, AUA Chiang Mai
A: It is hard to pick just one highlight or even just a few. There have been so many over my three year tenure. The U.S.-Thai relationship is longstanding and strong. We will celebrate 175 years of diplomatic relations next year. Following the coup in September 2006, we faced the challenge of speaking out against the coup – an act that disappointed the U.S. and set back Thai democracy – while at the same time working to maintain the bonds of friendship between our two countries. With the December 23 elections, we hope that Thailand will return to an elected government that reflects the will of the Thai people and works for their welfare. We remain steadfast – Americans and Thais – in our commitment to one another as partners and allies. The ability to successfully balance this important bilateral relationship during a particularly trying period of political uncertainty was one of the most gratifying aspects of my tenure here.
On a more personal level, it has also been a privilege and pleasure to live in the Ambassador’s residence on Wittayu Road. It is a very special house. I have enjoyed the opportunity of hosting many Thai guests in this house and appreciated the honor of living there. It has remarkable architecture and a fascinating history, which I took pleasure in researching over the years. I plan in the future to write about this historical house. It is also a wonderful symbol of enduring U.S.-Thai relations. I will miss living in that spectacular home!
Q: Do you think you will be in as much demand as a musician -- or at least a drummer -- after you have left office as you have been while serving? Michael Eiland, Bangkok
A: Music, as many of you know, is my passion. However, as the saying goes I won’t be “quitting my day job” to pursue music as a profession anytime in the near future. All the professional drummers out there can sleep soundly. I will not be stealing their jobs!
Q: With your assignment drawing to a close, do you have a favorite anecdote or memory you can share with us that stands out for you these past three years? Eric Wilson, Bangkok
A: My tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Thailand has been filled with countless memorable moments, but one that sticks in my mind is from just a few days ago. I have been fortunate that my tenure as Ambassador coincided with the auspicious occasions of His Majesty the King’s 60th anniversary on the throne and his 80th birthday. On December 5 of this year, the day of the His Majesty’s 80th birthday, I was traveling on the streets of Bangkok en route to attend the celebration in honor of His Majesty the King’s 80th birthday. As we neared the palace, I looked out the window and saw a sea of yellow. Yellow as far as the eye could see. Thais of every gender and age, shape and size were out to celebrate the auspicious occasion. I was taken aback. I was flooded with emotion. It is a sight I will not soon forget.
Q: How do you view the political situation in Thailand in the future? K., Nakhon Si Thammarat
A: It will be up to the people of Thailand and its elected leaders to navigate the future of Thailand over coming months and years. I have confidence in the Thai people and the Thai leadership to keep this country on a democratic, peaceful and prosperous path.
Q: Are there any political or social events that occurred in Thailand during your tenure that you will always remember? Why? [Original text in Thai มีเหตุการณ์ทางการเมืองหรือเหตุการณ์ทางสังคมอะไรที่เกิดขึ้นในประเทศไทยในขณะที่ท่านดำรงตำแหน่ง แล้วเหตุการร์นั้นจะเป็นความทรงจำที่ท่านจะจดจำมันไว้เสมอ เพราะอะไร] Suvicha, Bangkok
A: I arrived in Thailand to serve as the U.S. Ambassador on January 3, 2005, just weeks after the December 24 tsunami ravaged the coast. A few weeks later, I accompanied former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton to areas devastated by the natural disaster and witnessed the destruction – of both lives and land – that took place. It is something that I will never forget. From that experience, I and all those around me took back a resolve to assist this country and its courageous people to rebuild and ensure that such a tragedy did not occur again. Together we have done so. Thailand finds itself well down the path of rebuilding and there is now an early warning system in place.
On a happier note, the Embassy, in cooperation with the American Chamber of Commerce and Association of American University Alumni (AUA), brought the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Thailand in November of this year for three special performances in honor of His Majesty the King’s 80th birthday. Dr. Pathorn, a close friend of the band and a talented musician who plays in His Majesty’s band who worked closely with us on this program, remarked at the final performance that, “Thank you for making my King happy.” With that, I knew that all the hours of work my staff and I and others put in on this program were worth it. That was truly wonderful!
Q: I would like to ask for your opinion about the role of educational collaboration between US and Thailand. Dr. Warangkana Warisnoicharoen, Bangkok
A: We consider education and educational exchange to be one of the pillars of our broader people-to-people relationship with Thailand. It is a high priority for the U.S. and our Embassy here. The U.S. and Thailand have jointly managed the Fulbright scholarship program for well over 50 years. There are also many exchange programs – both private and U.S. government-funded – that bring American students here and send Thai students to the U.S. More than 8,800 Thai students went to study in the U.S. last year, putting Thailand in 9th place in the world as the country of origin for foreign students. We also work closely with high schools and universities in Thailand, by supporting American Studies programs, bringing American academics to address classes or conduct workshops, participating in international performing arts festivals, and supporting curriculum development.
These are just a few examples of the areas of cooperation between the U.S. and Thailand. But as one can see, the United States is committed to development of education and strongly supports educational collaboration between our two countries.
Q: After your completion of your tenure in Thailand, what is your plan for the future? Jarunee, Pathumthani
A: First of all, I have decided to retire from the U.S. Foreign Service. I am happy to leave on this high note. I have had a wonderful career – I could not have asked for more in my Foreign Service life. I will be staying in the region. In January, I will begin working for a consulting firm on Southeast Asia issues and I will also be a Visiting Fellow at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore.
This is one of the reasons I have made a point of not saying “goodbye.” My time as the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand has come to an end, but I will remain here in Southeast Asia among my many dear friends and associates.
Closing remarks: Serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand has been a true honor for me and, quite honestly, a dream come true. It’s the job I always dreamed of since my first tour in Thailand some 20 years ago. It has been one of the greatest highlights of my professional career and has provided me with experiences and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. As Ambassador to Thailand, I have had the opportunity to meet so many very exceptional individuals throughout the country. I’ve spoken with Thai students, business people, professors, soldiers, politicians, cartoonists, media personalities, and more. I have learned from each and every one of them. I have had the distinct honor of attending audiences with His Majesty the King and other members of the royal family. These and all the others are experiences that I will keep with me for the rest of my life.
Thank you again for participating in this dialogue. I have enjoyed the experience and hope you have too.
Kind Regards,
Ralph L. Boyce
U.S. Ambassador to Thailand