[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 39 (Wednesday, March 20, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 163-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE TREATY OF AMITY AND COMMERCE

                                 ______


                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 19, 1996

  Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 163d 
anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United 
States and the kingdom of Thailand. This treaty was the first of its 
kind between the United States and an Asian nation.
  The United States has had a close relationship with Thailand dating 
back before 1833 when this treaty was signed. Scores of teachers, 
Christian missionaries, and medical personnel were instrumental in the 
19th century in building schools, churches, and leprosy clinics and 
hospitals throughout the kingdom, often working closely with the Chakri 
Dynasty of kings, including the current monarch, King Bhumibhol 
Adulyadej, who was born in Boston while his father attended Harvard 
Medical School. Americans helped bring Thailand its first X-ray machine 
and printing press.
  While there have been successors to the 1833 Treaty of Amity and 
Commerce which have been accorded status as the ruling documents of 
diplomacy between our two nations, I would like to emphasize that this 
particular treaty was the foundation for 163 years of close personal 
and political friendships. The United States and Thailand have 
reaffirmed their commitment to conduct bilateral relations in a manner 
consistent with the spirit of this treaty.
  Thailand's culture and Government go back thousands of years, and it 
is the only nation in Southeast Asia that was never colonized. For this 
reason, our long friendship holds a special significance in the region. 
I believe that as we approach the 21st century it is important to 
recognize our old, close friend throughout the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sure that my colleagues are aware of the 
differences of opinion we have with Thailand over a number of trade-
related issues. However, I hope that we remember that Thailand is a 
long-time friend to the United States and prompt us to work together to 
solve these problems in a manner befitting our long cordial friendship.

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