Remarks for Thailand National Day by
Under Secretary for Political Affairs, David Hale
December 5, 2020
It is my honor to greet you on occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand. This is an opportunity to reflect on the enduring strength of the American-Thai alliance.
This year marks the 187th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between our two countries. Our relationship is multifaceted, grounded in shared values and interests.
Almost 200 years ago an American missionary, Dr. Dan Beach Bradley, became the first Western physician to visit Thailand, helping introduce critical public health practices like vaccination.
Since then, American and Thai experts have collaborated to develop medicines to fight some of the world’s most harmful diseases, including COVID-19.
In September, we marked 65 years as treaty allies. Our forces have fought together since World War One. Today they participate together in the Indo-Pacific region’s annual flagship military exercise, Cobra Gold.
This year, we launched the United States-Thailand Energy Policy Dialogue and the Mekong-U.S. Partnership. These developments reflect America’s deepening commitment to Thailand’s prosperity, security, and autonomy.
America and Thailand have become friends, partners, and allies over the past 200 years. We look forward to continuing our “Great and Good Friendship” over the next two centuries and beyond.
