; Whereas the United States has launched the Mekong-US Partnership in 2020, building on the Lower Mekong Initiative, which was established in 2009, to enhance cooperation in the areas of economic connectivity, energy security, human capital development, transboundary water and natural resources management, and nontraditional security among the Mekong countries; Whereas Thailand is one of the founding members of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework; Whereas the United States and Thailand closely collaborate on science and technology and innovation and education through high-level engagements, including, among others, the Joint Committee Meeting on Science and Technology, the Thailand-United States Space Dialogue in Thailand, and the Fulbright Thailand Program which is a binational program for academic exchanges between Thailand and the United States; Whereas more than 300,000 people of Thai descent live in the United States, joining in the pursuit of the American Dream; Whereas Thailand continues to be a friend to the United States and strives to lead Southeast Asia to a new level of economic prosperity and accomplishment; Whereas for decades Thailand has continued to provide refuge for displaced populations, including people escaping war and political repression in countries throughout Southeast Asia and the broader region; Whereas Thailand has played a leading role in the development of the ASEAN, which serves as a valued partner in Asia for the United States; and Whereas the President of the United States launched the United States-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on November 12, 2022: Now, therefore, be it