Majesties' message moves US envoy

Majesties' message moves US envoy

US ambassador Glyn T Davies expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the message of condolence from Their Majesties the King and Queen in reaction to the shooting tragedy in Florida on Sunday.

In an interview with the Bangkok Post Tuesday, he said, "I did not expect this … it's a very beautiful and heartfelt gesture."

The ambassador was referring to the expression of sympathy and solidarity from Thailand, describing His Majesty the King and the Queen's message as "very touching".

Moreover, he also expressed his appreciation for the initiative taken by members of the local and foreign LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community to light candles outside the US embassy on Monday during a vigil to remember the people who were killed in the Orlando massacre.

"Both gestures mean a lot to the American people," he said. "I tried so hard not to cry," he added.

US Ambassador Glyn T Davies spoke with members of a vigil established on Sunday night by members of the Bangkok LGBT community. (Photo by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

A gunman armed with a semi-automatic rifle opened fire inside Pulse Orlando Nightclub on Sunday, killing 49 people and wounding dozens.

Mr Davies said it was too early to draw conclusions over the motive, pending an investigation.

However, he noted that if the shooter was motivated by LGBT rights, "President Barack Obama has said it's in our foreign policy to speak out on this issue and do what we can to continue to speak out and support LGBT groups."

Reports from survivors said the shooter expressed no resentment against gay people, and tried to spare blacks in the club.

He said while Americans have made constant progress on the issue, the incident is "a very sad and tragic chapter" in the American struggle for human rights.

This is the letter, as provided by the Royal Household Bureau.

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