U.S. govt officials confirm cordial Thai-American relations during courtesy visit to PM Prayut

[webfact]

U.S. government officials confirm cordial Thai-American relations during courtesy visit to PM Prayut



BANGKOK, 31 December 2015 (NNT) - A group of government officials from the U.S. confirmed cordial relations between Thailand and the United States during a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday at Government House during an official trip to Thailand.

The meeting between the Thai leader and the delegates from the U.S. government on Wednesday was the first in more than a year and the PM said it represents a good omen for the two countries’ ties.

Gen. Prayut noted that Thailand and the U.S. have been enjoying strong friendship for 182 years and he appreciates Washington’s recognition of both Thailand and ASEAN while expressing hopes that bilateral between both nations will develop and strengthen.

At the meeting, the Thai premier also tried to explain to his guests how the current government believes it can help Thailand achieve a truly democratic rule that is transparent, always respects the rule of law and the people of Thailand’s rights and freedom.

Meanwhile, the U.S. delegation said that their visit only shows how Washington is working hard to promote the two nations’ good relations while offering a wish for the country to succeed in the political transition and move towards democracy.


-- NNT 2015-12-31

[DKUNPUTAF713]

Here the Thai junta is again putting their spin on the past meeting!

[webfact]

oversized image removed

/Admin

[alant]

The new year blessing from the US of A.

Doesn't it fit well to have your friends do all the things you can't...

[DrTuner]

So what's the deal CIA got this time around?

[Srikcir]

A much more civil photo op by Prayut, albeit with an unidentified US delegate.

This visit is very odd - there is no identification of any of the visiting "government officials," their position in US government and reason for being in Thailand There is no mention of any US embassy representative at the meeting which suggests a low-level government visit. All very benign and nonthreatening to Prayut. Anything said by the delegates will have no official standing.

[Thai Dan]

According to the U.S. Embassy website, it was a U.S. Congressional delegation visit and the Ambassador was with them.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CXejKCFW8AAhIdu.jpg:large

[Garysenior67]

You America haters/bashers: what is your problem? Yes, America, as with all nations, has its share of mistakes, but you seem to think the world would be a better place without America's contributions, really? That seems to be the repetitive, boring message you seem to imply. Wow!

[tbthailand]

You America haters/bashers: what is your problem? Yes, America, as with all nations, has its share of mistakes, but you seem to think the world would be a better place without America's contributions, really? That seems to be the repetitive, boring message you seem to imply. Wow!

Gary, this is nothing so far. Wait till they get their mojo going...

[tomacht8]

Geopolitical clear to see.
Thailand dances not only with the United States, Thailand also like to dance with China.
The coincidence of the third-class actors on the political scene shows that the US is on the decline.

[Balance]

When will the press release people understand that there are simple rules of journalism that must be followed it they want any credibility:

1. Identify the people who were on the trip by name and their positions in the U.S. Government.

2. State the date of the visit

3. If "U.S. govt officials confirm cordial Thai-American relations," then direct quotes are needed from the U.S. official (s) who confirms this.

It is outrageous that the press release people believe all they have to do is SAY that the U.S. officials said something. It simply does not work this way if credibility is wanted.

[Balance]

An update

The guy in the photo with the PM is Tom Cotton, a right wing senator from Arkansaw who has been in the Senate for one year. He became famous for a letter he drafted to the leaders of Iran that, in effect, said that the President of the United States did not set foreign policy. Like any newbie, he has sits on sub-committees and has no power in the Senate. He certainly does not represent Amercian foreign policy with regard to any country, including Thailand.

[derator01]

Please stick to the topic. This isn't about what happened 400 years ago.

[tuanku]

the Thai premier also tried to explain to his guests how the current government believes it can help Thailand achieve a truly democratic rule that is transparent, always respects the rule of law and the people of Thailand’s rights and freedom.

That's a telling word!

[stickylies]

Gen. Prayut noted that Thailand and the U.S. have been enjoying strong friendship for 182 years.

except for that little declaration of war thingy during WWII

[phoenixdoglover]

An update

The guy in the photo with the PM is Tom Cotton, a right wing senator from Arkansaw who has been in the Senate for one year. He became famous for a letter he drafted to the leaders of Iran that, in effect, said that the President of the United States did not set foreign policy. Like any newbie, he has sits on sub-committees and has no power in the Senate. He certainly does not represent Amercian foreign policy with regard to any country, including Thailand.

Thanks. Wonder if Rep. Cotton is spending a few days in Bangkok on a "fact finding" mission, courtesy of the taxpayers. I'm always suspicious of the need for moralizers to investigate the dens of iniquity. Soi Cowboy....I tell you friends, it was horrifying.

[Dustdevil]

Geopolitical clear to see.

Thailand dances not only with the United States, Thailand also like to dance with China.

The coincidence of the third-class actors on the political scene shows that the US is on the decline.

Not yet, although I know it's nice for some people to say whatever makes them feel good.

The US GDP in 2014 was $17.4 trillion. China, 10.4 Tr and UK 2.9 (source: World Bank).

Five largest companies in the world by capital: Apple, Google, Exxon-Mobil, Berkshire-Hathaway and Microsoft. PetroChina is #6. (Price-Waterhouse).

Nobel prizes: US, 257 / UK, 94 / Germany, 80 / France 53 (source, Nobel).

Largest stock markets: NYSE $19 trillion, Nasdaq 7.5, Shanghai SE 5.8, Japan Ex Grp 5, London 4.2 (Source: World Federation of Exhanges).

Scientific publications: US 552,690, China 452,877 UK 60,935 (source SCimago).

Foreign exchange reserves held worldwide: US$ 4.3 trillion, Euro 1.4 tr, Sterling 0.313 tr (IMF).

Weight of IMF currency basket in 2016: US$, 42% (unchanged from 2010), Euro 31% (-6% from 2010), Yen 8% (-1%), Yuan 11%, Sterling 8% (-3%) (Source IMF).

Universities in world top 100: US, 52, including #1 and majority of top 10; UK, 8, China not in top 100 yet (source: ShanghaiRanking.com, The Economist and the UN).

What's really in decline is the quality of GOP presidential candidates, and other internal matters. So, let's be more like China? I don't think so. Let's try reform our own way.

Edited January 1, 2016 by Dustdevil

[Buckwheat Flour]

An update

The guy in the photo with the PM is Tom Cotton, a right wing senator from Arkansaw who has been in the Senate for one year. He became famous for a letter he drafted to the leaders of Iran that, in effect, said that the President of the United States did not set foreign policy. Like any newbie, he has sits on sub-committees and has no power in the Senate. He certainly does not represent Amercian foreign policy with regard to any country, including Thailand.

Thanks. Wonder if Rep. Cotton is spending a few days in Bangkok on a "fact finding" mission, courtesy of the taxpayers. I'm always suspicious of the need for moralizers to investigate the dens of iniquity. Soi Cowboy....I tell you friends, it was horrifying.

Let's not kid ourselves, both sides do this at taxpayer expenses. I've sat next to several office holding leftist Democrats undertaking these so "fact finding" trips. It's a bonus watching them squirm in their seats when I start asking questions.

[DrTuner]

Gen. Prayut noted that Thailand and the U.S. have been enjoying strong friendship for 182 years.

except for that little declaration of war thingy during WWII

What's a few bombs between friends, eh?

[rubl]

Gen. Prayut noted that Thailand and the U.S. have been enjoying strong friendship for 182 years.

except for that little declaration of war thingy during WWII

Clearly that was a misunderstanding. Such things happen amongst the best of friends. It's long forgiven and forgotten, when convenient that is.