US celebrates 200 years of friendship with Thailand in Songkran message
With the entire nation under partial lockdown and night-time curfew, Songkran this year is bound to be a very muted affair.
However, despite festivities being put off in line with the government’s efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19, the US Embassy has still issued a statement wishing the people of Thailand the best in the new year.
“Our countries have enjoyed a profound friendship for over 200 years. Our friendship and decades-long health partnership has given us the resilience to address this global health crisis caused by Covid-19,” read the statement from Morgan Ortagus, spokesperson for the US Department of State.
In the statement issued on April 9, Ortagus also referred to 40 years of partnership Thailand has had with the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention – a partnership that has helped with innovative advances that has “prepared both our nations to combat the current pandemic”.
“This collaboration is but one piece of our broad partnership and alliance that includes cooperation on security, law enforcement, business and trade, education and many other areas,” the statement said.
“As we begin our third century of friendship, we affirm our commitment to the US-Thai alliance as we work together to bring about shared prosperity and well-being to our people and the Indo-Pacific region.”