A picture of diplomacy

The students were asked to express their vision of friendship between the two countries through painting.

US Ambassador to Thailand, Eric G John, said it was a great opportunity for him to meet Thai students and he was delighted that the embassy was able to organise the celebration.

"Thailand was the first country in Asia that we ever signed a treaty with. Our partnership and relationship with Thailand is older than those with China, Japan and South Korea. Thailand is our longest and oldest partner in Asia and this is something we are very proud of today," he said.

Relations between the United States and Thailand began in 1883, during the reign of King Rama III and the presidency of Andrew Jackson, when both countries signed a treaty of amity and commerce.

At the end of his speech, Ambassador John helped students with their paintings.

One of the participants, Nicha Manchusree, 14, from Patumwan Demonstration School's English Programme for Talented Students, said she had never thought about the relationship between the two countries but had changed her mind after taking part in the activity.

"I learned many new things about our relationship through the research we did for the painting. And now I feel proud as a representative of our country, celebrating our good and long-lasting relations."

Other schools invited to the event were Yannawet Wittayakom School, the Islamic College of Thailand, Tha-It Suksa School, Horwang School and Nonsi Witthaya School.

Kenneth L Foster, US Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer, said all the paintings would be displayed for a while at the embassy.

"We are thinking about exhibiting all these works at the American consulates in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Pattani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Yala, and maybe at the annual July 4 Independence Party, as well." he said.

"We want as many people as possible to see them."

The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs will later display the paintings at the ministry before sending them to the schools.

The painting activity is one in a series of events that the US Embassy will host this year to celebrate the 175th year of diplomatic relationship between the Thailand and United States.

The next event will be a performance and workshop by the Chicago Jazz Band at Mahidol University's Salaya Campus. The schedule will be confirmed later.

Watchara Saengsrisin

The Nation