Page 20 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL11

We believe the continued restrictions on freedom of expression have the potential to hinder the broad debate on issues facing the countryas a watchdog to publicize corruption and other abuses. “We believe the continued restrictions on freedom of expression have the potential to hinder the broad debate on issues facing the country.”The US Embassy on Wireless Road is one of the largest embassies in Asia. A third of the staff work in health projects against maladies such as malaria, dengue fever and AIDS, whose first vaccine trial is being conducted in Thailand. US and Thai officials have many long-term joint initiatives. US missions in Thailand number among the highest in the world, with 70 US government agencies with responsibilities for Thailand and the region. US firms have invested $50 billion in the Kingdom and created 250,000 skilled jobs. Thousands of Thai students get a US education and many students from both countries have beeneducated under exchange programmes such as the AFS education scholarship and Peace Corps.After rubbing shoulders with Thailand’s movers and shakers and offering his views, he plans to explore the country and study the difficult but beautiful Thai language.“I ask myself literally every day, ‘How do I act now? How do I say this? How do I navigate this very complex situation and not come across as somebody wagging a finger?’”Welcome to Bangkok, Ambassador Davies.18 Elite+