On August 6 - 7^th 2008, H.E. Mr. George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush visited Thailand . The visit by the President of the United States of America , underlines the strong bilateral ties between the Kingdom and the United States , a relationship that has lasted over 175 years. Thailand is the oldest US treaty ally in Asia . The relationship marked by the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1833 established the first official contact for the Americans in Asia . For nearly 2 centuries the ties have strengthened and expanded covering political, economic, social and military ties. The people of both countries have benefited from the ties sharing common values and common visions in seeing the interest of its citizens fulfilled through a vibrant and open economy, social and religious integration in blossoming democracy.

            During the visit, President Bush presented his assessment of US Asian ties indicating that his visit to Asia, including the Republic of Korea , the Kingdom of Thailand and the People’s Republic of China , is his last in office.  That during his two presidential terms he feels he has strengthened ties with Asia and has enabled the region to feel more secured and confident to move forward in economic, political and social grounds.

            President Bush underlined that Thailand is proof of a successful Asian democracy. Thai-US alliance has benefited regional security and beyond, with Thai troops having contributed to peace efforts in the region and in Afghanistan and Iraq . The US President underlined his trust in the relationship by designating Thailand as a Major Non-NATO Ally, a status that confirms that Thailand is not only a Treaty Ally of the United States but also a close friend. Thailand is one of only five US Treaty Allies in Asia, and the US hold its largest military exercise in Asia- Cobra Gold on an annual basis in the Kingdom.

           During the remarks on US Policy in Asia presented at Queen Sirikit Convention Center in Bangkok , President Bush also reaffirmed his enhancement of ties with ASEAN, which Thailand is presently chairing, his appreciation for Thai generosity in sheltering displaced persons, his desire to resuming trade negotiations with Thailand , and his best wishes on Her Majesty the Queens ’ upcoming Birthday.