THAI PRIME MINISTER'S CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO

UNCLAS BANGKOK 003298 SIPDIS NSC FOR PHU E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV TH SUBJECT: THAI PRIME MINISTER'S CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA ¶1. (U) On November 5, the Embassy hosted a gathering for Thai contacts and students to watch television coverage of the U.S. presidential election, engage with the Ambassador and Embassy officers, and learn more about the U.S. democratic system. (Septel will report on the election watch event in greater detail.) Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat attended, made brief remarks about the importance of elected democracy and the importance of the U.S. to Thailand, and provided the Ambassador with a congratulatory letter to President-elect Obama. We have e-mailed a scanned copy of the letter to EAP/MLS and will forward the original by pouch. The text of the letter follows: BEGIN TEXT 5 November B.E. 2551 (2008) Dear Honorable Sen. Obama, I have the honor to extend the most heartfelt congratulations from the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand on your victory in the Presidential election on 4 November ¶2008. Cherishing democracy and its values, Thailand has followed this exciting election campaign with great interest. It was inspiring to see history in the making and the workings of democracy at its best. I wish you all the best and great success with your new endeavors. With your past experience in Southeast Asia, I look forward to seeing the United States under your leadership enhance its meaningful role in the region. As a treaty ally and longtime friend, Thailand stands ready to work with you and your Administration to further strengthen the close friendship between our two countries and peoples. As the current Chair of ASEAN, Thailand is firmly determined to work with the United States and ASEAN colleagues towards a more vigorous and fruitful US-ASEAN partnership. Please accept, Honorable, the assurances of my highest consideration. //S// (Somchai Wongsawat) Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand END TEXT JOHN