Duterte emerges, welcomes Thai envoy

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday received the credentials of new Thai Ambassador Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng, which comes ahead of the hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related summits in Bangkok next month.

“I am very happy of your presence today and congratulations to your new deployment. I understand this is the first ambassadorial assignment that you have for the Republic of Thailand,” Duterte said. 

It was Duterte’s first public appearance since May 13, when he cast his vote for the midterm polls in Davao City.

Duterte apologized to the Thai ambassador for being late. “Your Excellency, I was informed that you’re already here. Pardon for about two minutes late. I was just signing some papers,” he said. 

The Thai official was given arrival honors at the Palace grounds before he signed the guestbook. 

“I’m sure that you would learn so many things along the way. You won’t have a hard time. We are similar in all things, including our desire to have a peaceful southeast Pacific region,” Duterte said. 

Duterte also accepted his credentials.

“I accept your lettre de créance and just a few minutes may I invite you to a room so we can have a little tête-à-tête and before that, I’d like to have a picture with you. I learned that a very handsome guy from Thailand visited my country,” he said.