The visit to Thailand, less than 18 hours long, is a gesture of friendship to
a long-standing partner and major non-NATO ally.
Still, the two countries have faced strains, most recently after the 2006
military coup that deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and Obama’s
visit offers an opportunity to restate and broaden the relationship.
Later in the day Obama will receive a royal audience with 84-year-old,
US-born, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the longest serving living monarch.
The centrepiece of the Asia trip comes Monday when Obama travels to Myanmar,
the once reclusive and autocratic state that has begun instituting
democratic measures.
Mr Obama has eased sanction on the country, also known as Burma, and his visit
will be the first there by a sitting US President.
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