Following Mr. Donald J. Trump’s election as the 45^th President of the United States, General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.), Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand today sent a congratulatory message to the President – elect as follows:

Dear President - elect Trump,

On behalf of the people of the Kingdom of Thailand, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to you on being elected the 45th President of the United States and to Governor Mike Pence for being elected the next Vice President of the United States.  Your historic victory and new direction are reflective of how the American people have placed their confidence in you to lead the country forward. I offer you my best wishes and support in this regard.

For 183 years, Thailand and the United States have enjoyed a cordial and important friendship. Thailand is the first ally of the United States in Asia, and this alliance has become a foundation of peace, stability, and prosperity for the Asia-Pacific. Our long standing ties are preserved and propelled by mutual interests in various areas, including economic, security, social and regional cooperation. Our two nations have stood together and fought shoulder to shoulder in the past, and the bonds of friendship between our peoples have always been strong and enduring.

I am very confident that the relationship between Thailand and the United States will be strengthened under your leadership.  I look forward to working closely with you and Vice President-elect Pence to reinvigorate the mutually beneficial relationship between our two countries and peoples, and advance the strategic partnership between ASEAN and the United States.

I wish you every success in your endeavors.                                                                                                                 

                                                                             Your sincerely,

                                                                General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.)

                                                            Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand