Readout of Vice President Harris’s Meeting with Prime Minister Prayut of Thailand

Vice President Kamala Harris today met with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of Thailand in Bangkok. The Vice President commended Thailand on a successful Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Host Year and noted that the United States will build on this strong foundation during our 2023 APEC Host Year. 

The Vice President reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the United States and Thailand, one that is rooted in common values, and discussed efforts to strengthen our cooperation across a range of bilateral and global issues. They discussed our security cooperation, including our work to enhance cybersecurity, and the benefits our alliance provides for our people as we promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The Vice President welcomed the Prime Minister’s “Bio-Circular Green Economy model,” as an important effort to accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis and they discussed our shared efforts to raise climate ambitions, reduce emissions, enhance climate adaptation and resilience, and unlock economic opportunities associated with clean energy and climate action—including partnering with the private sector on clean energy and nuclear technology. The Vice President welcomed Thailand’s leadership in the Mekong sub-region, and reinforced the U.S. commitment to promoting peace, prosperity and sustainable development in partnership with Mekong countries.

The Vice President underscored our shared interest in a prosperous and resilient Southeast Asia and discussed enduring U.S. economic leadership in the region. The Vice President and the Prime Minister discussed global issues, including Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine and its violation of the UN Charter. The Vice President emphasized the importance of standing up for international rules and norms. The Vice President addressed the worsening crisis in Burma and underscored the international community’s support for the people of Burma as they seek to restore their country’s democratic transition.  The Vice President condemned the ongoing atrocities and human rights abuses by Burma’s regime and reflected on Thailand’s long tradition of humanitarian generosity. The Vice President made clear that the United States stands with the people of Burma. 

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