On 31 July 2008, Mr. Eric John, Ambassador of the United States of America  to Thailand, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Tej Bunnag , Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of the latter’s assumption of office.

     The Ambassador congratulated the Foreign Minister and reaffirmed US support for bilateral talks between Thailand and Cambodia to peacefully resolve the situation in the border area adjacent to the Temple of Preah Vihear.  On the occasion of Thailand   assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship for next 18 months, the US Ambassador looked forward to Thailand’s ratification of the ASEAN Charter and its active role as Chairman.

     The Ambassador thanked Thailand for its preparation for the upcoming visit of President and Mrs. George W. Bush as guests of the Royal Thai Government during 6-7 August 2008, before joining the Opening Ceremony of Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing. The Ambassador gave his assurance that the US stood ready to cooperate and work closely with Thailand to further strengthen the two countries’ relations.