Statement by the President on 175th Anniversary of Relations Between United States and Kingdom of Thailand

THE WHITE HOUSE, Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release March 19, 2008

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

Laura and I join in celebrating the 175th anniversary of relations between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Thailand.   The United States and Thailand have long been linked by bonds of trust, appreciation, and friendship.  The Treaty of Amity and Commerce, signed on March 20, 1833, solidified our commitment to working together for mutual benefit and marked the first agreement of its kind between the United States and an Asian nation.  Over the past 175 years, our two governments have worked together on issues such as economic development, healthcare, and security.   Today, we share a commitment to democracy and to free and fair trade as well as a respect for human rights.  Our tradition of cooperation and support remains strong. 

I thank His Majesty the King and the citizens of Thailand for our enduring partnership.  This anniversary is an opportunity to underscore our shared ideal of liberty and reinforce our bonds of friendship and understanding.  We are proud to celebrate this historic day.

Tree Planting Ceremony in Honor of 175 Years of U.S.-Thai Friendship: Thursday, March 20, 11:00am at Jatujak Park

The U.S. Embassy Bangkok, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will celebrate 175 Years of U.S.-Thai Friendship with a special tree planting ceremony at Jatujak Park at 11:00am on Thursday, March 20.  Ambassador Eric G. John and Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, along with senior representatives from the Royal Thai government and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, will open this commemorative ceremony in which local school students and special guests will plant 175 trees in the new U.S.-Thai garden honoring the long and enduring friendship between our two countries.

We invite the public to attend this highly anticipated event, which will take place in the front of the Main Gate at Jatujak Park located on Paholyothin Road.  Public access and parking will be available from the park entrance on Kampaengphet 3 Road.  There will be limited seating.  We look forward to seeing you there! 

Ambassador John Hosts Reception for American Artist Harry Connick, Jr.