[Congressional Bills 113th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 77 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

113th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 77

 Expressing the sense of Congress relating to the commemoration of the 
180th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and 
                        the Kingdom of Thailand.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 18, 2013

Mr. Menendez submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                   the Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Expressing the sense of Congress relating to the commemoration of the 
180th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and 
                        the Kingdom of Thailand.

Whereas 2013 marks the 180th anniversary of the March 20, 1833, signing of the 
        Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and the Kingdom 
        of Thailand (formerly known as Siam), which initiated diplomatic 
        relations between the two countries during the administration of 
        President Andrew Jackson and the reign of King Rama III;
Whereas Thailand was the first treaty ally of the United States in the Asia-
        Pacific region and remains a steadfast friend of the United States with 
        shared values of democracy, rule of law, universal human rights, human 
        security, open societies, and a free market;
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 30 years, Thailand has been the host country of Cobra 
        Gold, the United States Pacific Command's annual multinational military 
        training exercise, which is designed to ensure regional peace and 
        promote regional security cooperation;
Whereas Thailand has played a leading role in the development of the Association 
        of Southeast Asian Nations by helping the regional group develop into a 
        more cohesive and comprehensive entity that ensures regional security 
        and prosperity and serves as a valued partner in Asia for the United 
        States;
Whereas, on December 5, 2012, the people of Thailand celebrated the 85th 
        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 July 3, 2011, the Royal Thai Government held nationwide 
        parliamentary elections, the results of which affirmed Thailand's 
        commitment to the democratic process;
Whereas approximately 500,000 people of Thai descent live in the United States, 
        joining in the pursuit of the American Dream;
Whereas Thailand is a valued trading partner of the United States, with 
        bilateral trade totaling approximately $40,000,000,000 per year; and
Whereas the bonds of friendship and mutual respect between the United States and 
        Thailand are strong: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) commemorates the 180th anniversary of diplomatic 
        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 their affirmation of 
        the value of democracy;
            (3) commemorates the 85th 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>