Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra affirms that Thailand aims to collaborate with the United States further on technology, education and infrastructure projects. Ms Yingluck particularly highlighted Thailand’s 2-trillion-baht investment in infrastructure development, which includes a high-speed rail link between Thailand, Laos, and China and the Dawei Deep Sea Port and Special Economic Zone project.
Speaking at the gala marking the anniversary of 180 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and the United States, the premier said Thailand is charting the way for a deeper bilateral strategic partnership and enhanced regional cooperation.
Thailand and the US welcomed the continuous high-level and multidimensional dialogue, including the annual Cobra Gold exercise, which now involves participants and observers from 27 countries. She said that the bilateral alliance is rooted in the shared commitment to democracy, rule of law and universal human rights.
US ambassador to Thailand Mrs Kristie Kenney, who also attended the gala, emphasized that Thailand is America’s oldest treaty ally in Asia and that the US is Thailand’s third-largest trading partner and investor. As the US plans to expand its presence in the region, Thailand as a regional hub for ASEAN Connectivity will be included in their drive. Despite the appreciating baht, she added that American investors remained satisfied as trade and investment figures were buoyed this year.
Director-General of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs Sek Wannamethee made known that planned collaborations with the US will focus on the area of technology and innovation, which cover joint research and development on energy and food security.
As the gala was held under the theme “space”, signaling their partnership for the future, organizers have engaged students from Thai and US-sponsored schools in participating in the event. During last year’s official visit by US President Barack Obama, the Thailand-United States Creative Partnership, which connects universities, businesses, and other innovation sectors in both countries, was highlighted as a prime example of forward-looking cooperation between the two nations and a forum to expand new areas of cooperation.
More events are planned this year to commemorate the occasion, such as the USA Fair held at Central World shopping complex from May 31-June 2 and receptions on the US’ Independence Day on July 4.
