U.S. ambassador to Philippines inserts foot in (big) mouth

What does this story have to do with Mexico and the Gulf region? Absolutely nothing, other than perhaps to serve as a warning to diplomatic personnel wherever they may be stationed.

The BBC reports that at a conference last month, U.S. ambassador Harry Thomas said 40% of male visitors come to the country for sex. Apparently the comment was made in humor, but local officials aren't laughing. Like many Asian nations the Philippines is faced with a serious sex tourism problem, and the U.S. has put pressure on the country to crack down on child prostitution and human sexual trafficking. Sexual tourism involving a minor is a federal offense under American law, and U.S. nationals may be prosecuted regardless of where it occurs. The U.S. embassy in Manila says Thomas has officially apologized.