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Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring the 190th anniversary of the first agreement signed between the United States and Thailand, the 1833 Treaty of Amity and Commerce. The treaty was also the first between the U.S. and any Asian country.
“This historic treaty represents the U.S.’ first agreement with not only Thailand, but any Asian country,” said Steel.“Since its establishment, the relationship and cooperation between our two nations has thrived, providing benefit to both of our economies and national security. This bipartisan resolution reaffirms our gratitude for our partnership and our continued commitment to building our friendship.”
“It’s wonderful to celebrate the longest partnership between the United States and an Asian country, as this 190-year successful trade relationship with Thailand provides an enduring example of mutually beneficial U.S. partnerships throughout the entire vast region connected by the Pacific Ocean,” said Radewagen.
Background
This resolution was cosponsored by Representatives Amumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS-At Large), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Jay Obernolte (R-CA), John Carter (R-TX), Ed Case (D-HI), and Scott Peters (D-CA).
More than 300,000 people of Thai descent live in the United States. Southern California is home to one of the largest Thai populations outside of Thailand, with roughly 100,000 Thais in the region – according to the Thai Community Development Center in Los Angeles, CA.
Thailand is a valued trading partner of the United States, with bilateral trade totaling approximately $74,000,000,000 per year. Thailand investment in the United States has continued to increase and currently totaled over $11,000,000,000.
