[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 40 (Monday, March 10, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S1822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN 
                           U.S. AND THAILAND

  Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign 
Relations be discharged from further consideration of S. Con. Res. 66.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The clerk will report the concurrent resolution by title.
  The bill clerk read as follows:

       A concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 66) commemorating the 
     175th anniversary of the commencement of the special 
     relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of 
     Thailand.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
concurrent resolution.
  Mr. REID. I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolution be 
agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid 
on the table, that there be no intervening action or debate, and that 
any statements relating to this matter be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 66) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The concurrent resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                            S. Con. Res. 66

       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.

                          ____________________