United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Bangkok last night Nov. 16 for a whistle-stop tour.
She met with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra last night at Government House for news briefing and meeting, where she pledged USD10 million for flood aid in Thailand.
Diplomatic sources sited by the Bangkok Post said the aid money would go to repair Don Mueang Airport, rebuild 10 police stations, and restore World Heritage sites at Ayutthaya.
“Assessment teams are on the ground now to prepare for U.S. contributions to help Thailand restore vital infrastructure and services and address public health needs. We are providing direct medical services and improving hospital readiness. One of our ships, the USS Lassen, is now in port, with crew and helicopters to assist in the recovery efforts,” Clinton said according to TANN.
Yingluck also gave thanks to the US for its assistance. “I wish to place on record our thanks and appreciation to President Obama, as well as the government and people of the United States for the assistance extended to us to support our flood relief effort. The assistance, be it financial, technical or in kind, was not only generous but timely.”
Clinton visited flood victims at Rajamangala Stadium today before jetting off to Bali, where she will join US President Barack Obama for the ASEAN summit.
Video from the US State Dept. of the press conference with Clinton and Yingluck is here:
