110 HCON 290 EH: Commemorating the 175th anniversary of the U.S. House of Representatives 0 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

110th CONGRESS 2d Session H. CON. RES. 290 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Commemorating the 175th anniversary of the special relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand.

Whereas the United States will celebrate the 175th anniversary of its relationship with the Kingdom of Thailand since the signing of the original Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1833 during President Andrew Jackson's administration and the reign of King Rama III; Whereas the Kingdom of Thailand was the United States' first treaty ally in the Asia-Pacific region and remains a steadfast friend with the Thai and American people sharing the values of freedom, democracy, and liberty; Whereas Thailand was designated as a major non-NATO ally in December 2003, which improved the security of both nations, particularly through joint counterterrorism efforts; Whereas for more than a quarter century Thailand has been the host country of Cobra Gold, the United States Pacific Command's annual multinational military training exercise designed to ensure regional peace and promote regional security cooperation; Whereas the United States and Thailand launched joint relief operations in the wake of the tragic 2004 tsunami from Utapao, Thailand, thus strengthening the overall capacity of the forces involved in providing relief and setting the model for effective humanitarian operations throughout the entire region affected by the deadly tsunami; Whereas Thailand is a key partner of the United States in Southeast Asia and has supported closer relations between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); Whereas Congress passed H. Con. Res. 409 in 2006 commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Ascension to the Throne of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand; Whereas on December 5, 2007, the people of Thailand celebrated the 80th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest serving monarch, who is loved and respected by Thai for his lifelong dedication to the social and economic development of the Thai people; Whereas on December 23, 2007, the Royal Thai Government held nationwide parliamentary elections that should help pave the way for a successful return of stable democracy to Thailand; Whereas approximately 500,000 Americans of Thai descent are living in the United States and share in the mutual pursuit of the American Dream; Whereas Thailand is America's 20th largest trading partner with bilateral trade totaling $30,600,000,000 per year; and Whereas the bonds of friendship and mutual respect between the United States and Thailand are strong: Now, therefore, be it

That the Congress— (1)commemorates the 175th anniversary of United States and Thailand relations; (2)offers its sincere congratulations to the Kingdom of Thailand and the Thai people for their democratic, free, and fair election; (3)commemorates the 80th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and offers its sincere congratulations and best wishes for the continued prosperity of the Kingdom of Thailand; and (4)looks forward to continued, enduring ties of friendship between the Thai and American people.

Passed the House of Representatives March 11, 2008. Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk.