George Bush in Bangkok for the last time as US President

US President George W. Bush along with his wife, Laura, and daughter, arrives in Bangkok to start his 2 day official visit. President Bush hailed strong ties between Thailand and the United States, which celebrate the 175th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, while pledging to work closely with Thailand to foster education, public health and science.



During his trip to Bangkok President Bush will stay at the Four Seasons Hotel, Bangkok. Amusingly, I just came across a review of Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok by a certain person calling himself George Bush. The review says "Not very good.Poor service.reccomend u to stay away from it.it is a bad experience.the rooms had a stinky smell.i did not like it at all.was very unpleasent.go to the grand hyatt.it is much more better!". Click here to read the entire review.

After arriving in Bangkok Bush immediately travelled to meet with Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej at Government House. In a joint press conference, President Bush praised Thailand and the US in their military and security related cooperation. He also appreciated Thailand's active role in human rights, providing shelter for refugees from its neighbouring countries.

On Thursday, Bush will visit Father Joseph Maier, a 69 year old American Catholic priest who has been running a non-profit organization and AIDS charity called Mercy Center working for children in Klong Toey, Bangkok's largest slums. The Mercy Center was established in 1974. Bush will also meet Myanmar dissidents. US First lady Laura Bush will travel to a Thai border camp which houses thousands of Karen refugees.

On Thursday Bush is to deliver a keynote speech on Asian policy at Bangkok's Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, before flying to Beijing, China for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics later in the day.

Bush is making what is expected to be his last trip to Asia as US president.

The White House has already released in advance the text of the remarks President Bush plans to deliver in Bangkok tomorrow. Here is an excerpt below:

"Laura and I are delighted to be back in Bangkok. We appreciate the gracious welcome extended by His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen.

Above all, I bring America's warmest wishes to our oldest allies in Asia, the people of Thailand. Our friendship began 175 years ago this spring, when President Andrew Jackson dispatched an envoy to Siam. Negotiators soon concluded a treaty of peace and commerce and sealed it with a lotus flower on one side and an eagle and stars on the other. Generations of close friendship followed. At one point, the Thai King offered to send elephants to America. President Abraham Lincoln had to politely decline."

Click here to read the entire planned speech.