On 21 August 2009, a 9-member congressional staff delegation paid a courtesy call on Mr. Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The congressional staff is on a visit to the country as part of a programme organized by the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington D.C.
During the call, Foreign Minister Kasit said that Thailand and the US have always enjoyed close and cordial relations and close cooperation both bilaterally and within the UN. Thailand wished to enhance cooperation with the US, an important strategic ally, on the military front, where the US has an edge in expertise and hardware. The Foreign Minister also briefed the delegation about the Government’s key policies, such as the domestic economic stimulus package, the 15-years-free education policy, and the role of Thailand as chair of ASEAN.
The delegation said that the US regarded Thailand as one of the most important strategic partners in Southeast Asia. The delegation expressed interest in the Laotian Hmong issue as Hmongs make up an important constituency in the US. Foreign Minister Kasit responded that Thailand and Laos, as good neighbours, will collaborate closely to resolve the problem. One of the congressional staffers expressed concern over the violation of intellectual property rights in the country despite the commendable efforts of the Thai authorities. Foreign Minister Kasit said that to address the problem at its root causes requires education that inculcates respect for intellectual property and more capacity building for the agencies concerned. As the US was strong in this area, it might consider providing such support and training through, for example, the USAID or US Chamber of Commerce.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th