To mark the 175h anniversary of U.S.-Thai relations on March 20, 2008, U.S. Ambassador Eric G. John and Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, along with senior representatives from the Royal Thai government and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, celebrated 175 Years of U.S.-Thai Friendship with a special tree planting ceremony at Bangkok's Jatujak Park on Thursday, March 20.  The Ambassador and Prime Minister Samak opened this commemorative ceremony with warm, personal remarks highlighting the long standing partnership shared between the United States and Thailand.  Following the remarks, more than 100 local school students assisted the special guests in planting 175 trees in the new U.S.-Thai garden, which now stands as a symbol of the deep and enduring friendship between our two countries.

In addition, the American Chamber Of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM) was honored to host Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and Ambassador Eric G. John at a luncheon at the Conrad Hotel.  More than 250 AMCHAM members and business leaders were on hand to hear remarks by Prime Minister Samak, who confirmed his government's commitment to strengthen Thailand's position as an attractive investment destination in the region. Several measures that the Thai government has taken are, for example, the mega-projects of urban mass-transit routes and suburban dual-rail tracks,  “Thailand Investment Year” and “Thailand Tourism Year” campaigns plus several favorable investment regulations.

The same day, AMCHAM also announced a donation of baht 1.75 million to the AMCHAM Thailand Charitable Foundation. This donation is part of a total pledge of baht 8 million that the Chamber and Foundation will use to fund educational projects around Thailand in 2008, including 175 student scholarships to needy Thai university students.