After dilly-dallying for some time, President Joe Biden informed the Thai government that he will not attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' meeting (APECLM) on Nov 18-19. The reason is quite simple: He is attending the wedding of his granddaughter at the White House. Instead, he is sending Vice President Kamala Harris to represent the US at the two-day meeting in Bangkok.
For the host, it rang hollow, as the US frequently refers to Thailand as a "great and good" friend. It is unfortunate and extremely disappointing. Mr Biden is choosing to skip the leaders' meeting at his peril. When former president Barrack Obama missed the APECLM 2013, he said without any qualms: "It's like me not showing up at my own party." Lest we forget, it was former president Bill Clinton who enthusiastically pushed for the Apec meeting at the leaders' level at Blake Island, Seattle in 1993. Mr Clinton knew that the Apec platform was pivotal for economic opportunities and growth for the American business community.
