9 May 1947

First US Embassy opens in Bangkok

The Throne Room of the Grand Palace was the scene of colourful ceremonies as Edwin F. Stanton officially presented to the Council of Regency his credentials as the first United States ambassador to Siam.

In his presentation speech Stanton said that in elevating its diplomatic mission to that of an embassy, the United States ‘desired not only to manifest the high regard and esteem felt by the people of the US for the people of Siam but also recognised the increasingly important part in which the Kingdom of Siam is in a position to play in international affairs, particularly since her entry into the United Nations.’

The letter of credence was presented to Prince Rangsit of Chainat, President of the Council of Regency. The same month, Prince Wan Waithayakon became the first ambassador of Siam to the United States. The British Legation also became an embassy in 1947. Geoffrey Harrington Thompson, former minister and envoy extraordinary, was appointed as the first British ambassador to Siam that same year.

9 May 1947

First US Embassy opens in Bangkok

The Throne Room of the Grand Palace was the scene of colourful ceremonies as Edwin F. Stanton officially presented to the Council of Regency his credentials as the first United States ambassador to Siam.

In his presentation speech Stanton said that in elevating its diplomatic mission to that of an embassy, the United States ‘desired not only to manifest the high regard and esteem felt by the people of the US for the people of Siam but also recognised the increasingly important part in which the Kingdom of Siam is in a position to play in international affairs, particularly since her entry into the United Nations.’

The letter of credence was presented to Prince Rangsit of Chainat, President of the Council of Regency. The same month, Prince Wan Waithayakon became the first ambassador of Siam to the United States. The British Legation also became an embassy in 1947. Geoffrey Harrington Thompson, former minister and envoy extraordinary, was appointed as the first British ambassador to Siam that same year.