Asia the focus of Obama's first post-election trip

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Jewel Samad / AFP - Getty ImagesPresident Barack Obama boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on Saturday en route to Bangkok, the first leg of his three-nation Asia tour. Obama hopes to demonstrate rising US clout in Asia on his first foreign trip since his re-election, with a tour of three countries including a once unthinkable stop in changing Myanmar.By NBC News wire servicesBANGKOK - President Barack Obama kicked off a three-country Asia tour with a visit to Thailand on Sunday, using his first post-election trek overseas to try to show he is serious about shifting the U.S. strategic focus eastwards.

Obama's schedule was packed with cultural sightseeing, a royal audience with Thailand's king and a private meeting with the country's prime minister, a joint press conference and an official dinner.

Follow @NBCNewsWorld But his attention will be divided during his travels as he faces a simmering crisis in the Gaza Strip pitting Israel against Hamas militants and also contends with a looming fiscal crisis at home.

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