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A DJ in his college days, US Ambassador Eric G John shared some of his favourite songs with young listeners on Eazy FM this week.
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Voice of america
US ambassador goes on local radio show to reach out to young Thais
Published on March 9, 2008
US Ambassador to Thailand Eric G John visited Maleenont Tower as a special DJ for Eazy FM 105.5 on Thursday. He hopes his unorthodox approach will open a new communication channel between Thai and American students. John played some of his favourite songs, including Leona Lewis's "Bleeding Love", Alison Krauss's "I Will" and Uncle Kracker's "Follow Me". He expressed his liking for artists such as The Beatles, Norah Jones and Maroon 5 while chatting with a DJ during his visit. "It was sanuk. I really want to speak to younger Thais who don't traditionally speak with the US embassy," says the ambassador, who was a DJ while he was in college. Although still learning Thai, he can speak Korean and Vietnamese from having been stationed in both countries. He hopes to speak Thai more fluently the next time he is on air. Although this was his first time on air in Thailand, he has also started Web chat programmes. "As a DJ, you are talking a lot. As a diplomat, you need to listen a lot, and one thing I'd like to do here is listen a lot to Thais. Hopefully, I can use opportunities like this to do so," he says. He cited the New York Philharmonic's recent performance in North Korea as one way that music can promote peace. John also announced that the 175th anniversary of Thai-US relations would be celebrated at Chatuchak Market on March 20. His son will join Thai children in planting 175 trees as a symbol of the growing friendship between the countries.
Watch him at http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/lisnaree
By Lisnaree Vichitsorasatra sunday Xpress
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