Whereas the Kingdom of Thailand (once commonly known as the Kingdom of Siam ) and the United States of America first established relations in 1818, and entered into the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, signed on March 20, 1833, which formalized diplomatic relations between the 2 countries; Whereas Thailand was the first treaty ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region, has a relationship with the United States that is built upon a commitment to universal values, and remains a steadfast friend of the United States; Whereas through the Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty, done at Manila on September 8, 1954 (commonly known as the Manila Pact ), the United States and Thailand expressed a joint desire to strengthen the fabric of peace and freedom and to uphold the principles of democracy, individual liberty and the rule of law ; Whereas, in 1962, the United States and Thailand signed the Thanat-Rusk communique, through which the United States pledged to provide assistance to Thailand if it faced aggression by neighboring nations; Whereas through the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations Between the Kingdom of Thailand and the United States of America, done at Bangkok on May 29, 1966, along with a diverse and growing trading relationship, the United States and Thailand have developed strong economic ties; Whereas the United States recognizes Thailand as a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (commonly known as ASEAN ); Whereas, on November 12, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden and the ASEAN leaders elevated United States-ASEAN relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to open new areas of cooperation vital to the future prosperity and security of the United States and ASEAN member nations; Whereas Thailand successfully served as host for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in 2022— (1) to revitalize economic recovery; (2) to restore connectivity following disruptions from the COVID–19 pandemic