On 8 August 2017, the Honorable Rex Tillerson, Secretary of State of the United States of America, paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Thailand. 

The Secretary of State signed the book of condolence in remembrance of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Grand Place, paid a courtesy call on H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand at the Government House, as well as held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Don Pramudwinai, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Secretary of State Tillerson reaffirmed the importance of Thailand - United States alliance and reiterated the desire to strengthen bilateral relations.  Both sides discussed ways to further enhance and expand cooperation in the areas of defense and security, including counter – terrorism and countering violent extremism, as well as trade and investment. The Secretary of State welcomed Thailand’s significant progress in combating human trafficking and infringement of intellectual property, while the Prime Minister highlighted economic opportunities in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) for the US’s potential investment, as well as requested for trade facilitation and  investment opportunities for Thai investors in the United States.

During the bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, both sides discussed preparation for the visit to the United States of the Thai Prime Minister at President Trump’s invitation, which will take place at a mutually convenient date.  Both Ministers welcomed the progress made at the 6th Thailand – United States Strategic Dialogue, held in July at Washington D.C., which produced positive developments that would ensure the success of the upcoming Thai Prime Minister’s visit to the US.  Both sides also agreed on ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of cyber security, counter – terrorism and countering violent extremism, and economic cooperation.

Both Ministers also exchanged views on regional issues, such as the situation in the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea as well as cooperation to strengthen peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region. In this regard, Secretary of State Tillerson took note of the positive role and contribution of Thailand and ASEAN, and reaffirmed his support for ASEAN centrality in resolving conflicts through peaceful means.