US secretary of state Rice congratulates PM

The letter signed December 15 was addressed to him when he was elected as Thailand's 27the prime minister by the Parliament.

Rice said that the US welcomes this important milestone in the development and integration of Southeast Asia and applauds the Charter's focus on respect for human rights and good governance.

"We hope that all Asean citizens enjoy peace, stability, prosperity, and freedom," Rice said adding that the United States looks forward to working closely with its Asean friends.

She also expressed her confidence that together the US and Asean will be able to address successfully the regional and global challenges that affect them.