Obama arrives on whirlwind tour

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US, Thailand to start talks on TPP trade accord

Published: 19 Nov 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra reaffirmed yesterday that Thailand and the United States will cooperate in talks on the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement and security issues.

President Barack Obama took a photo album for His Majesty the King to the audience - containing photos and details of all the US presidents His Majesty has met, dating back to Dwight Eisenhower in 1954. Mr Obama joked he had left the last page blank for this photo. (Photo Courtesy of the Royal Household Bureau)

The pledge was made at a joint press conference held last night only hours after President Obama arrived in Bangkok in the first leg of his Southeast Asian tour. The trip, which also includes stops in Myanmar and Cambodia, is aimed at reinforcing the US presence in the region.

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abbub
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Discussion 9 : 19 Nov 2012 at 11.269
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Was the Nitirat group allowed to hand over their recent proposals which, although legally bound to debate them, the government refused to even discuss?
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El Ala Orzo
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Discussion 8 : 19 Nov 2012 at 11.248
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Did Barack Obama hold a press conference or make himself available to the local Press? And, if so, I wonder what types of questions they asked him about TPP, etc.?

By comparison, I would be certain that any questions by the Thai Press were more pointed and direct then any question the US Press has posed with regard to the 'who?" ; "what?" ; "where?" ; "when?" and "why?" about Libya and associated issues.

The Thai Press would likely ask such pointed questions as it is concerned with issues of its own national security, unlike its American counterpart.
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Khrunthep
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Discussion 7 : 19 Nov 2012 at 11.127
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Where is the commitment for democracy Obama is expressing?
Where is the democracy in Thailand?
Yes, there is a government legaly elected by the Thai people. DEMOCRACY!
But this government has to fear any little mistake or criticism because there are power hungry forces, driven by selfishness and a fear that they might lose power, that are ready to stop any progress in politics and society.
There can't be any commitment for democracy as long as those forces have too much power!
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somnamna
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Discussion 6 : 19 Nov 2012 at 11.116
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I am so upset. I just wish Madam Hillary lead this country for just one year only.
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RogerRed
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Discussion 5 : 19 Nov 2012 at 10.465
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I watched last night's address by Obama but the thing that impressed me was the dignity and stature that Prime Minister Yingluck brought to the occasion. Thais should be proud of such an overwhelmingly democratically elected leader.
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bluebkk
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Discussion 4 : 19 Nov 2012 at 10.424
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While expressing his appreciation for the government's firm commitment to democracy, rule of law and governance....LOL and LOL... has he been briefed by a bunch of blind amateurs??? This is a camouflaged dictatorship run by a convicted criminal on the run, Mr President!
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eldarden
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Discussion 3 : 19 Nov 2012 at 09.473
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Wish that President Obama could have spent a bit more time in Thailand. I know that he's a VERY busy world leader, but flying in for just a few hours (some of which necessarily must be spent sleeping)seems like such a wasted opportunity to get to know the country and the people. Oh, well, perhaps he'll return some time soon. I certainly hope so. He's an extraordinary man, an uncommon leader. I hope that Thais will have the opportunity to have more than glimpse at him at some time in the near future.
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Eric
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Discussion 2 : 19 Nov 2012 at 08.562
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Good to see the King looking so well. Listening to the Q & A session at Government House, as usual Obama speaks well and eloquently. I must say that PM Yingluck has improved a lot on her ability to articulate impromptu questions in English too.
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apachepat
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Discussion 1 : 19 Nov 2012 at 04.291
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must try the four seasons myself on my next visit to bkk
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