[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 66 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







110th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. CON. RES. 66

Commemorating the 175th anniversary of the commencement of the special 
  relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

             February 7 (legislative day, February 6), 2008

Mr. Webb (for himself, Mr. Biden, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Warner, Mr. Dodd, Mr. 
     Hagel, Mrs. Boxer, and Ms. Murkowski) submitted the following 
 concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign 
                               Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
Commemorating the 175th anniversary of the commencement of the special 
  relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand.

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
    Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), 
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.
                                 <all>