The Summit, to be held at Government House, will be kicked off with a welcome speech by H.E. Mr. Noppadon Pattama, Minister of Foreign Affairs followed by opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Samak Sundaravej, Prime Minister of Thailand. US Ambassador Eric John and Undersecretary Christopher Padilla, US Department of Commerce, will also make remarks.

The Summit, followed by a reception, is in celebration of 175 years of Thai-US Relations. “We want to showcase the success stories of the many US companies in the Kingdom over the years,” stated Mr. Matthew Daley, President, US-ASEAN Business Council. “We are honored to have been asked to work with AMCHAM, MFA and the Royal Thai Embassy on this historic event.” Mr. Daley, who will be in Thailand with a large business delegation for meetings on 29 and 30 April, will introduce the panel discussion. Mr. Thomas White, President, AMCHAM, and Representative of the Thai Private sector, will moderate the discussion and wrap up session. “American companies have invested upwards of US$23 billion in the Kingdom and continue to see opportunities for future investment. The summit highlights their investment stories and the positive collaboration between U.S. and Thai business, ” noted Mr. White.

The remainder of the Summit will consist of a panel discussion with a group of US and Thai Business representatives. The American panel is made up of Mr. Mark Wilson, President and COO, AIA, Mr. Tara Tiradnakorn, President of Chevron Thailand, Mr. Glenn Jordan, President & COO Pacific Group, Coca-Cola, Mr. John Parker, Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific & Africa, Ford Motor Company, Mr. Stu Dean, President, Southeast Asia, General Electric, Mr. Steve Carlisle, President, ASEAN Region, General Motors, Mr. Ralph Gerson, CEO, Guardian International Corp., and Mr. Sajeev Jesudas, President for International Activities, Underwriters Laboratories.

Ms. Laura Hudson, Chevron and Chair of the US-ASEAN Business Council’s Thailand Committee, will moderate the panel discussion.

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The US-ASEAN Business Council and affiliates are dedicated to strengthening bilateral and US ASEAN relations and building strong economic and commercial ties. Members of the Council include Fortune 1000 companies in support of promoting trade, investment, and technology cooperation, advancing US ASEAN relations through strong participation in public-private partnerships, and committing to development and corporate social responsibility. The Council's members are represented in diverse industries, including aerospace, agribusiness, automobiles, computers and information technology, consumer goods, energy exploration and development, express delivery services, financial services, health care and pharmaceuticals, media & entertainment, mining, software, and telecommunications.

For information on the US-ASEAN Business Council or general information visit www.us-asean.org.