On 27 September 2018, H.E. Mr. Virasakdi Futrakul, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, presided over the “Two Centuries of Thai-US Friendship and 185 Years of Diplomatic Relations” Reception at the Great Hall, Library of Congress, Washington, DC. 

 

      The reception was attended by Assistant Secretary of State Marie Royce, as the representative of the US Government, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Representative Ted Yoho (R-FL3), and representatives from the US Congress, Department of State and other US agencies, as well as the US and Thai private sector, including Charoen Pokphand Group, Thai Union Group, Thai Summit Group, PTT Global Chemical, Bangkok Bank, and Royal Interpack, and those who have been instrumental to the Thai-US relations and cooperation. This special evening also reminisced over a landmark event in Thai-US relations with the display of Thai instruments gifted by His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej to the Library of Congress during the historic Royal Visit to the United States in 1960, and a musical performance of His Majesty’s jazz compositions by the world famous John di Martino Quartet. 

 

      Two centuries ago, Thailand and the United States began their initial contacts after the arrival of the first American merchants to the Kingdom of Siam and subsequent trade motivated the two countries to sign a Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1833. Thailand became the first country in Asia to establish official diplomatic relations with the United States, which marks the 185th anniversary in 2018. The celebration highlighted the close cooperation between Thailand and the United States in all areas, which are centered on the people, driven by the people and benefit the people. 

 

      As treaty allies, the two countries have been working closely together to safeguard freedom, security, and stability in Southeast Asia and beyond. Thailand and the United States are signatories to the 1954 Manila Pact establishing the then Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, and the 1962 Thanat-Rusk Joint Communique, both of which formed the basis of the decades-long security alliance. Since 1982, Thailand and the United States have jointly held the annual Cobra Gold exercise, the largest military exercise in Asia, and Thailand has been designated a Major Non-NATO Ally of the US since 2003.

 

      The bicentennial friendship is also reflected through trade and investment. Today, the United States is both a leading trade partner and investor in Thailand. Likewise, Thai investment in the US’s real sector has been increasing over the years and now exceeds 5.7 billion US dollars, with a presence in 23 states, and employing more than 68,000 workers in sectors such as food and agriculture, automotive, petrochemicals and real estate development. Besides attending the reception, representatives from prominent Thai companies in the US met with Member of the US Congress from the states that they have investments whereby the Thai side reaffirms business commitment that will continue to create jobs and boost the local economy.