The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok held an Independence Day party last night at the Hyatt Erawan Hotel yesterday where they reportedly paid homage to Thai and American agriculture traditions.
Chargé d’affaires W. Patrick Murphy reportedly “honored the U.S. Constitution’s equality and rights and highlighted several landmark moments in U.S. history to defend individual liberties,” the embassy announced.
We say “reportedly” because access to the press didn’t seem to be a principle on display. Our planned Periscope coverage was nixed due to overly restrictive conditions to attend the event they invited us to.
Subjecting handbags to doglicks and imperious-polite security contractors was fine and expected, but then it was announced press would be unable to participate in the cool Americanism, be confined to a small space to take photos of VIPs shaking hands and not be able to move without a minder being present.
Not just our reporters, but all media covering the event.
Meanwhile in Singapore, Coconuts staffers were free to mill about and glad-hand with everyone including Ambassador Kirk Wagar.
At least it was consistent and brought back memories of how embassy staff treat visa-seekers.
Anyhoo, the event also (reportedly) recognized the recent US Supreme Court decision establishing same-sex marriage as a right nationwide, which was totally awesome.
Looks like the Washington Apple was there too along with a growth-hormone-saturated dairy cow.
Photos: U.S. Embassy Bangkok
Related:
Watch Thais struggle to eat American ‘food’ (VIDEO)
Reader Interactions