It’s not only the overseas Filipino workers who are elated to see the president, but also the Thais, says Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Her Excellency Ms Mary Jo Bernardo-Aragon.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Bernardo-Aragon explains that the Thais were “touched by the gesture” of the president when he paid his last respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej last November 2016. Even after the results of the polls last year, Thai people have been excited about the plans and programs of the president. Thais closely resemble Philippine President Duterte to former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who was tough on drugs and corruption.

“Some of them, I understand, wanted to join the meeting with the Filipino community but of course this is one opportunity for our Filipinos here in Thailand [to meet the President],” she added.

When asked about the warm reception of the President, the ambassador likens Duterte to the said late King who “has always been close to his people”.

Aragon has enlisted over 16,743 Filipinos residing in the Kingdom as of December 2016. Most are in the fields of education, hospitality management and managerial positions.

Source: Inquirer.net