Secretary Tillerson Engages With Thai Officials and Pays Respects to Late King

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is greeted with a traditional garland of flowers given to him by Mrs. Nantana Sivakua, Director General of the Department of American and South Pacific Affairs upon his arrival in Bangkok.

Today, U.S. Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson traveled to Bangkok, Thailand to pay respects to His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and engage with Thai officials on the enduring U.S.-Thailand partnership as well as regional issues.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson pays respects to His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej at the Red Room of the Chambers of the Bureau of the Royal Household at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand.

While in Thailand, Secretary stopped by the Ambassador’s Residence for a meet and greet to thank U.S. Embassy colleagues and their family members for their hard work. Acknowledging the efforts of the embassy staff, Secretary Tillerson said, “Your patriotism is clear to all of us. And your commitment to the mission here in Thailand is quite evident…”

During his remarks, Secretary Tillerson also emphasized the long and historic nature of the U.S.-Thailand relationship. He said:

“The U.S.-Thailand relationship, I think as you know, it is a historic one. We want to continue to grow that relationship, even in its ups and downs, which has been the history of this country. We have been treaty partners for over 184 years, and we’ve been allies for over 60. So next year the U.S., I think most of you know, will mark 200 years of relations with Thailand.”

“I think that’s significant because elections are scheduled here in Thailand next year, as well, to return the country to civilian control. We certainly hope those elections proceed as scheduled. And I think it’ll be meaningful that we’re celebrating 200 years at a time when the country is returning to civilian control.”

Secretary Tillerson also had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha at the Government House to discuss regional issues and bilateral cooperation. Follow his meeting with the Prime Minister, Secretary Tillerson met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Don Pramudwinai at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss topics impacting the Asian Pacific region and the two countries’ enduring ties.

Secretary Tillerson will end his travel to the Asia-Pacific in Kuala Lumpur, where he will meet Malaysian officials to discuss strengthening cooperation on a range of issues as we mark the 60th year of U.S.-Malaysia bilateral relations.

Follow the Secretary’s Trip on Twitter @StateDept and Facebook @USDOS.

Originally published on blogs.state.gov on August 8, 2017.