Whereas
2008 marks the 175th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and
Commerce between the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand in 1833, during
President Andrew Jackson’s administration and the reign of King Rama III, and
the commencement of the relationship between the 2 countries;
Whereas
Thailand was the first treaty ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific
region and remains a steadfast friend with shared values of freedom, democracy,
and liberty;
Whereas
in December 2003, the United States designated Thailand as a major ally outside
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which improved the security of both
countries, particularly by facilitating 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
in the wake of the tragic 2004 tsunami, the United States and Thailand launched
joint relief operations from Utapao, Thailand, 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;
Whereas
on June 22, 2006, Congress agreed to House Concurrent Resolution 409, 109th
Congress, 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 for his lifelong dedication to the social and economic
development of the people of Thailand;
Whereas
on December 23, 2007, the Royal Thai Government held nationwide parliamentary
elections that are paving the way for a successful return of democracy to
Thailand;
Whereas
approximately 500,000 people of Thai descent live in the United States, joining
in the pursuit of the American Dream;
Whereas
Thailand is the 20th largest trading partner of the United States, with
bilateral trade totaling approximately $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 Congress—
(1)commemorates the 175th anniversary of
relations between the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand;
(2)offers sincere congratulations to the
Kingdom of Thailand and the people of Thailand for the democratic, free, and
fair elections held on December 23, 2007;
(3)commemorates the 80th birthday of His
Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and offers 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 peoples of Thailand and the United States.
Passed the Senate
March 10, 2008.
Secretary