Bangkok ? On her second trip to Asia as U.S. secretary of state, Hillary Rodham Clinton is carrying a no-nonsense message about American intentions.

“The United States is back,” she declared upon arrival in the Thai capital Tuesday.

And in an appearance this morning on a Thai TV talk show she said, “President Obama and I are giving great importance to this region,” suggesting that the administration of former President George W. Bush neglected U.S. interests in Asia.

Evidence of the new U.S. approach, she said, is the fact that her first overseas trip, in February, was to Asia.

“I believe strongly the United States has to be involved in this region,” she added. Her main aim in visiting Southeast Asia this time, she said, is to “work hard to try to bring a sense of future possibilities” for partnerships to ensure peace and prosperity.