The United States’ top diplomat in Thailand toured the Eastern Seaboard last month to review port security in Laem Chabang and review Pattaya’s public- and private-sector efforts to assist tourists.
W. Patrick Murphy, charge-d’ affaires at the US embassy in Bangkok, met with the Pattaya Mail’s Sue Kukarja to talk the objectives of his visit, saying Pattaya was an important stop due to the large number of Americans visiting the city.
W. Patrick Murphy, charge-d’ affaires at the US embassy in Bangkok, chats with Sue Kukarja for PMTV.
Laem Chabang, Thailand’s center for maritime trade, was also the venue to show off the US Energy Department’s MegaPorts program and US Customs Service’s Container Security Initiative, which aim deter trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials, as well as thwart terrorism and crime.
Asked if there were particular grievances from US nationals that had to be addressed, Murphy said that, “in general Americans have a very enjoyable time when they visit this part of the country or come to live and work here.
“We certainly talked about challenges that exist anywhere in the country or anywhere in the world when it comes to Americans in need of hospital care or law enforcement assistance,” he noted. “In that regard, (Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome) assured us that Pattaya has its new tourist court and hospital services provided for Americans when they find themselves in circumstances they didn’t anticipate and need medical care.”
Speaking broadly about port security, Murphy said the US has “a number of government cooperative programs where we assist countries. In this case, with Thailand, ensuring that their cargo is secure and safe from those who do harm either to the US, Thailand or other countries.
“For example, there might be radioactive or nuclear materials that might be shipped by terrorists or other criminal activity that could affect cargo. What we are able to do is at the point of departure, we provide a level of security that increases our homeland security in the US, and that facilitates and enhances trade and commerce.”
Murphy said his busy three-stop tour, which also included a visit to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, would not be his last in Pattaya.
“I can say on a personal level that I’ve been with my family to Pattaya and we enjoyed it a great deal. We have some very fine American hotels here among others and they have a lot to offer,” he said.
“In addition to security and the needs of U.S. citizens, there’s quite a bit of American business here in Chonburi Province and I’ve had other visit opportunities to go to some manufacturing sites,” Murphy noted. “There are some American businesses that are quite successful here, whether its paint, food, or automobiles. We cover quite the range here and are proud of the finest of American companies that are working here.”
