US 1st lady to visit Mae Sot

Sally McDonough said over the last few years, Mrs. Bush has had the opportunity to meet with Burmese activists and human rights advocates. "She has found the people of Burma to be lovely with a gentle manner," she said, responding to written questions.

Her visit to the border is an opportunity for her to let them know that the American people stand with them and than those who are working to protect and promote freedom for Burma.

She said that the Fist Lady has been interest in Burma and Aung San Suu Kyi for quite sometime and will remain committed until Suu Kyi is free and the end of government sponsored persecution in Burma.

During her stopover in Thailand, the First Lady will have a separate traveling plan that will take her to Mae la refugee Camp situated along the Thai-Burmese border. Mae la Camp, 600 kilometres north of Bangkok, is considered the capital of Karen refugee with more than 48,000 people. The camp was established in 1984 to accommodate the Karen who fled the Burmese military offensive.

Laura will also visit the clinic operated by a Karen doctor, Dr. Cynthia Maung, at the border.

President George Bush is scheduled to have a working dinner with Prime Minister Samak Sundraravej on Wednesday night.

He will deliver a speech on the US foreign policy on Asia on Thursday's morning at the Sirikit Center. After lunch at the residence of US ambassador Eric Jone, the presidential delegate will leave for Beijing to attend the opening ceremony of the summer Olympic Games.