Sunday, October 9, 2005

Arrive Bangkok via Tokyo on commercial flight. Met by Ambassador Ralph (Skip) Boyce and Health Attaché Jordan Tappero. Skip was terrific and we hit it off very well during the trip. He knows Jim Huskey from prior DoS activities. He was in Beijing with Jim during the Tianman Square incident. Stayed at Conrad Hotel. Settled in at hotel. Extremely hot and muggy. This was just at end of rainy season and we expected rain, but got very little throughout the trip. However, I can remember the heat. Visited with deputy Prime Minister in the ornate, but beautiful Government House. Of note, the Deputy PM mentioned how happy he was that Thailand offered assistance to USA during the Katrina Hurricane disaster. Also met with Health Minister Suchai Charoenratanakul and Prat Boonyawongvirat Acting permanent Secretary. Our CDC is not entirely satisfied with the performance of the health ministry. The Thais seemed to be fixated on whether and how much Tamiflu the USA will give them for their stockpile. We celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Thai MOPH – US HHS/CDC (TUC) Collaboration. Had multiple meetings and luncheons with United Nations reps and NGOs. Here and elsewhere, we had numerous Press Conferences. Suzy DeFrancis (Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs) clearly did not want Julie or I in the spotlight (see above comments). She literally kept the press away from us so that they would concentrate on the Secretary. The Secretary was cool about everything; Suzy was the problem. Had a great reception at Skip Boyce’s house. Typical Ambassador’s house and party.