[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 114 (Friday, June 30, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE 190TH ANNIVERSARY OF U.S.-THAILAND ALLIANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD McCORMICK

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 30, 2023

  Mr. McCORMICK. I rise today to commemorate and honor the 190th 
anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the 
Kingdom of Thailand. As our two nations celebrate this historic 
milestone, I want to acknowledge the enduring bond of trust and 
collaboration since the signing of the 1833 Treaty of Amity and 
Commerce.
  I want to reflect on the remarkable journey we have shared with our 
oldest treaty ally in the Asia-Pacific region and celebrate the 
invaluable partnership that has flourished between our nations. 
Thailand was designated a major non-NATO ally in 2003 and is one of the 
strongest security partners of the United States. The annual Cobra Gold 
Exercise remains the largest multinational military exercise in the 
Indo-Pacific region. Our two countries have fought side by side in 
countless conflicts such as the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and most 
notably Thailand was one of the first Asian nations to commit troops to 
Afghanistan and Iraq.
  The longstanding friendship and partnership between The United States 
and Thailand has been a cornerstone of stability and progress in the 
Asia-Pacific region with multilateral agreements that have furthered 
our shared commitment to democratic values, human rights, and economic 
cooperation. This is reflected in the U .S.-Thailand Communique on 
Strategic Alliance and Partnership, signed last year, and the first 
ever U.S.-Thailand Strategic and Defense Dialogue held last year.
  We must recognize Thailand's unwavering commitment to our shared 
values throughout the ebbs and flows of shared adversity and 
prosperity. Therefore, I warmly thank the Royal Thai Embassy in 
Washington, D.C. for organizing the Sawasdee Thai Festival, which 
commemorates the enduring friendship between our two nations.
  As we celebrate this significant milestone, it is essential to 
recognize the individuals who have contributed to enhancing the 
understanding and strengthening the ties between our nations. I want to 
extend my heartfelt appreciation and recognition to Park Boonnuch, who 
has provided invaluable assistance to my Congressional Office and been 
a valuable help in various matters of Foreign Affairs.
  Through Mr. Boonnuch's dedication and expertise, we have gained a 
deeper understanding of the Thai people's rich culture, history, and 
aspirations. Mr. Boonnuch has also demonstrated a strong passion for 
understanding the intricacies of the United States government system. 
We have witnessed his desire to acquire knowledge and share this 
newfound wisdom to improve U.S.-Thailand cooperation .
  As a result of his tireless efforts, not only have we witnessed an 
enhanced spirit of cooperation between our nations, but we have also 
borne witness to the blossoming of a profound fellowship that unites us 
ever closer.
  As we look ahead, let us reaffirm our commitment to the enduring 
friendship between Thailand and the United States--``as long as heaven 
and earth shall endure''--as reflected in the Treaty's preamble. May 
the next one thousand years be marked by even deeper diplomatic 
relations, cultural exchange, and mutual respect. Together, we can 
build a future that upholds our values and paves the way for continued 
prosperity and friendship.

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