Photo: Reuters

Thailand is the first leg of the first foreign trip of US President Barack Obama after his re-election. Obama arrived in Bangkok yesterday to begin the official visit to 3 Southeast Asian countries. President Obama held talks with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in Bangkok. In a joint press conference after the talks, Yingluck described Obama’s visit as a “perfect opportunity” towards the 180th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Yingluck also said that Thailand will consider joining the negotiation for Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and ensuring related domestic legal procedures. President Obama said that Thailand’s wish to create foundation to join high standard TPP will draw the US opinion towards a region where trade is free and fair and every nations respect the rule of the game. Bangkok’s security was tightened with thousands of police and security staff deployed near the Government office where the talks between President Obama and Prime Minister Yingluck took place.