by Weena Kowitwanij

Glyn Davies, a former Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Vienna, met with Thai Prime Minister Pyaut Chan-ocha, last Friday. The two countries have had diplomatic relations for 182. The Thai prime minister promised reforms and democratic elections.

Bangkok (AsiaNews) – After a hiatus of ten month, the United States has a new ambassador to Thailand. Thai Prime Minister Payut Chan-ocha welcomed with Glyn T. Davies last Friday at Government House in Bangkok.

The meeting marked a new chapter in the diplomatic relations between the two countries, which go back 182 years, at a time when Thailand faces new challenges at home and in South East Asia.

Government spokesman General Werachon Sukonthapatipak told the media that Thailand’s military junta had full confidence in Davies, a former Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office, Vienna, and stronger US-Thai relations will be positive for the whole region.

General Sukonthapatipak noted that the Thai government is proceeding with promised reforms (policy, administration, justice, education, etc.) and that democratic elections will be held as announced (2016).

For his part, the new US ambassador, Glyn T. Davies, noted that Thailand, as ASEAN’s second largest economy (after Indonesia), is, despite some issues between the two countries, a major partner for the United States. The US is ready to boost economic ties. US businesses have confidence in the country and will continue to invest in it in areas like technology, human resources, trade and health.

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