[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S5613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO HIS MAJESTY KING BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ OF THAILAND

 Mr. JOHNSTON. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who will celebrate the 
50th anniversary of his accession to the throne on June 9, 1996. This 
is indeed an auspicious occasion, as King Bhumibol is the first Thai 
king to have reigned for 50 years.
  King Bhumibol has been the overseer and benefactor of remarkable 
change and progress for his nation. From the beginning of his reign, he 
has tirelessly devoted his time and effort to the well-being and 
welfare of the Thai people. Under his stewardship, government has 
become an instrument of progress for people, as evident by the more 
than 1,800 royal development projects he has initiated in the areas of 
agriculture, environmental conservation, public health, occupational 
promotion, water resources development, communications, and social 
welfare.
  During his reign, Thailand has experienced a dramatic transformation 
in its industrial structure to become a leader among developing 
nations. Manufacturing accounts for over 31 percent of the nation's 
economy and exports are booming. Textiles have supplanted rice as 
Thailand's major export item, and Thailand is now a major exporter of 
sophisticated high-technology products. King Bhumibol's leadership in 
diversifying his nation's economy and encouraging foreign investment 
has opened new doors of opportunity and prosperity to his people and 
has propelled Thailand to a place of respected prominence among the 
nations of the Pacific rim.
  Not only are the industrial and technological advances significant, 
but King Bhumibol has achieved these gains while preserving the 
cultural integrity and national heritage of the Thai people. He is a 
much beloved leader and national patriarch, who has created a unique 
version of the modern monarchy. Firmly committed to the development of 
democratic principles, he has always been on the side of peace and 
prosperity and has responsibly guided his nation within the parameters 
of his constitutional authority.
  The United States and Thailand have enjoyed a longstanding friendship 
and economic partnership from which both nations have tremendously 
benefited. I have had the privilege of visiting Thailand on several 
occasions to promote opportunities for trade and investment and have 
been profoundly grateful for the assistance and hospitality I have 
received. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with this 
remarkable nation for the continued peace and prosperity of both of our 
countries.
  I know that my colleagues in the U.S. Senate join me in 
congratulating King Bhumibol for his magnificent leadership and 
prosperous reign, as we look forward to many more years of friendship 
with his great nation.

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