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You plan to deliver a major speech in Bangkok on Asia. Is that your farewell speech? What will be the main theme, sir?

A farewell speech will occur shortly before the next president is sworn in. This will be probably my last speech in the Far East .

 

What is the main theme?

The main theme is that the United States of America has got strategic interests in the Far East. This administration has worked hard to make sure we have good relations with all the countries of the Far East; that there are opportunities to work together to solve problems, there will be moments - and it's - the United States must stay engaged. I will talk about accomplishments, I'll talk about challenges.

And I'm looking forward to giving it. It's interesting that I'm giving a speech about the whole Far East in Thailand.

Right. Why Thailand?

Well, because it's - first of all, the assumption is that when you give a comprehensive speech in the Far East, it would be in, you know, China or Japan or, you know - and Thailand is, one, a long-time friend; two, is an important part of Asean. In other words, there's - the Far East is more than just the countries that dominate the news. And so, therefore, if you're going to give a comprehensive speech, you give it in a country that makes it - just by the sight alone indicates how |comprehensive the policy must be. In other words, you can't ignore other countries if you focus only on a few.

Right. You are also joining the celebration of 175 years …

… 175 years.

 … of Thai-US relations. At this juncture in history, why is Thailand still important to the United States?

Common values, close friends. Hopefully Thailand views us as a reliable ally; we certainly view Thailand as a reliable ally. And, you know, it's just - 175 years is a long time.

That's right - always had been closely related in all major challenges.

Absolutely.

Vietnam War …

Very much so. The Thai - the Thai people were just fabulous, and always have been. And it's a great country, and it's a beautiful country with a great history and tradition, and I'm looking to going again.

What would be the single most important pillar in Thai-American relations, if you can cite one?

Democracy. And obviously we're pleased that democracy is still very much alive and well in Thailand . And I think democracy is the pillar - and the government's respect for human rights and human dignity and individualism.

I understand that you are meeting some Burmese dissidents, too.

I am. Of course, I am. I will, as is my wife.

Yes, the First Lady has shown great concern about Aung San Suu Kyi.

Absolutely, and as should the world. Here is a very heroic woman that was elected overwhelmingly by her people, and has now been under house arrest by a group of military guys that just simply won't allow the will of the people to - to flourish. And so we're concerned about that. And I do want to thank the Thai people and the Thai government for its humanitarian missions on the border. I think it's very constructive and very helpful. And I will be speaking to activists to let them know that the United States of America hears their voices. And, you know, it's a tough issue for some countries.

 

Will the First Lady meet the dissidents and also call for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi?

I'm sure she'll do that. I mean, she does that all the time. You know, I'm not sure exactly what her schedule is. You caught me off-guard about her schedule, but I can assure you it will be comprehensive and she'll make a very good impression.

 

Why haven't sanctions against Burma worked?

Because not every country is applying them. And sanctions - the idea of unilateral sanctions - they're effective only to a certain extent. And therefore, other countries must also join, and frankly, there's some countries in the neighbourhood that aren't interested in joining.

Yes. You are going to Beijing Olympics.

Yes, sir.

What is the signal? Because some people say that you are going there as a sports fan, but are you going as a sports fan or as president of the United States?

I'm going as the president who happens to be a sports fan. (Laughter.)

Right.

No, the signal, look, there's a couple of signals, and it's very important to understand.

One is I don't think the Olympics should be politicised. I mean, it is a sporting event of the greatest calibre.

Secondly, I am going out of respect for the people of China. |This is a big deal for the Chinese people and I'm - and that's why I'm going.

 Thirdly, I will have, and always have had, very frank and candid discussions with the Chinese government on a variety of issues.

 And I'm confident that by showing respect to the people, to the Olympics, it will give me, put me in a position to continue to having frank and candid discussions.

It's when you show respect to a group of people, it gives you credibility when it comes time to discuss difficult issues. And we will discuss difficult issues in a very cordial and respectful way.

(Part two of the interview will be published tomorrow)