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[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 538 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

111th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 538

   Affirming the support of the United States for a strong and vital 
                        alliance with Thailand.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 24, 2010

 Mr. Webb (for himself, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Bond, and Mr. Durbin) submitted 
      the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
   Affirming the support of the United States for a strong and vital 
                        alliance with Thailand.

Whereas Thailand became the first treaty ally of the United States in the Asia-
        Pacific region with the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, signed at Sia-
        Yut'hia (Bangkok) March 20, 1833, between the United States and Siam, 
        during the administration of President Andrew Jackson and the reign of 
        King Rama III;
Whereas the United States and Thailand furthered their alliance with the 
        Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty, (commonly known as the 
        ``Manila Pact of 1954'') signed at Manila September 8, 1954, and the 
        United States designated Thailand as a major non-North Atlantic Treaty 
        Organization (NATO) ally in December 2003;
Whereas, through the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations, signed at Bangkok 
        May 26, 1966, along with a diverse and growing trading relationship, the 
        United States and Thailand have developed critical economic ties;
Whereas Thailand is a key partner of the United States in Southeast Asia and has 
        supported closer relations between the United States and the Association 
        of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN);
Whereas Thailand has the longest-serving monarch in the world, His Majesty King 
        Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is loved and respected for his dedication to the 
        people of Thailand;
Whereas Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjaijva has issued a 5-point roadmap designed 
        to promote the peaceful resolution of the current political crisis in 
        Thailand;
Whereas approximately 500,000 people of Thai descent live in the United States 
        and foster strong cultural ties between the 2 countries; and
Whereas Thailand remains a steadfast friend with shared values of freedom, 
        democracy, and liberty: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) affirms the support of the people and the Government of 
        the United States for a strong and vital alliance with 
        Thailand;
            (2) calls for the restoration of peace and stability 
        throughout Thailand;
            (3) urges all parties involved in the political crisis in 
        Thailand to renounce the use of violence and to resolve their 
        differences peacefully through dialogue;
            (4) supports the goals of the 5-point roadmap of the 
        Government of Thailand for national reconciliation, which seeks 
        to
                    (A) uphold and protect respect for and the 
                institution of the constitutional monarchy;
                    (B) resolve fundamental problems of social justice 
                systematically and with participation by all sectors of 
                society;
                    (C) ensure that the media can operate freely and 
                constructively;
                    (D) establish facts about the recent violence 
                through investigation by an independent committee; and
                    (E) establish mutually acceptable political rules 
                through the solicitation of views from all sides; and
            (5) promotes the timely implementation of an agreed plan 
        for national reconciliation in Thailand so that free and fair 
        elections can be held.
                                 <all>
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