[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 187 (Wednesday, December 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE SEVENTH CYCLE BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY OF KING BHUMIBOL 
                               ADULYADEJ

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                         HON. DANA ROHRABACHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2011

  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the people of 
Thailand in celebrating the seventh cycle birthday anniversary of His 
Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on December 5th. During his reign of 
over 65 years, Thailand continues to be the United States' long-term 
military ally, trade and economic partner, and friend in southeast 
Asia.
  King Bhumibol holds a special relationship with our country beginning 
with his birth in Cambridge, Massachusetts while his father was 
attending Harvard University. As part of his continuing efforts to 
strengthen the ties between the United States and Thailand, the King 
visited America in 1960 and 1967. Under King Bhumibol's stewardship, 
Thailand has become a model of democracy and economic development in 
the region. Thailand's role as a regional democratic leader is a 
critical factor in the development of a stable Bangkok-Washington 
relationship.
  I had the distinct honor and privilege of visiting King Bhumibol on 
my past visits. His continued efforts to provide guidance to improve 
the lives of his people were evident. Fittingly, he was awarded the 
United Nations Development Programme's first Human Development Lifetime 
Achievement Award in 2006.
  Mr. Speaker, I extend my best and warmest wishes on his 84th birthday 
and for a long life of good health. I am pleased to join our Thai 
friends in recognizing this special day.

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