Thai Ambassador salutes men and women in uniform for their sacrifices for the country and for their active contributions to international peace on Thai Armed Forces Day

On February 2, 2016 Ambassador Pisan Manawapat saluted the courage and sacrifices of men and women in uniform who have given their lives to defend the country and praised them for their contributions for the cause of international peace throughout many decades.

He made the remarks at the reception to mark the Thai Armed Forces Day which he and his Madam, together with Senior Colonel Phisit Likitsupin, Captain Suvin Janyodsuk and Group Captain Krisda Supich and their spouses hosted at Fort Myer, Virginia. Ambassador Scot Marciel, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs joined the event as Guest of Honor from the U.S. Government. The event was attended by over 400 people from the U.S. military agencies, military attaches and other friends of Thailand.

Ambassador Pisan highlighted the active roles that Thai armed forces have played in helping to enforce and keep peace, and rebuild societies that were torn apart by conflicts around the world. Since joining the UN in 1946, over 20,000 Thai military personnel have served in more than 20 UN Peace Operations. And Thailand is ready to do more in future UN operations as pledged by the Thai Prime Minister at the recent Peacekeeping Summit hosted by President Obama in New York last September.

Thailand has a solid diplomatic track record of being an effective bridge builder and consensus maker, said Ambassador Pisan. He added that, with support from friends and allies, Thailand will be able to further contribute to the cause of international peace and security as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Thailand is running for a seat in this important body for the terms 2017-2018. The elections will take place in New York in June 2016.

Ambassador also emphasized the strong defense ties between Thailand and the United States which have been a cornerstone of the enduring ties between the two countries. He underlined that Thai and American forces have fought alongside each other in many past conflicts and have until today continued to work together to address many challenges facing the Asia-Pacific and beyond, befitting a true 21^st century partnership.

For full speech, please click here

Credit Photo : Mr. Suchart Suksamran