[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 193 (Thursday, December 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 84TH BIRTHDAY OF HIS MAJESTY KING BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 15, 2011

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, December 5 marked the 84th birthday of His 
Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. I would like to take this 
opportunity to send warm wishes to him and to the people of Thailand as 
they commemorate his 65-year reign as King of Thailand.
  The world's longest-serving monarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol 
ascended to the throne on June 9, 1946. Throughout his reign, King 
Bhumibol has both witnessed and been instrumental in the transformation 
of Thailand into a prosperous, modern state, with a strong agricultural 
sector and modernized manufacturing and services industries. His 
contribution to such progress and the devotion and compassion he has 
for the Thai people has earned King Bhumibol the love and respect of 
his people as well as worldwide recognition for his leadership.
  As a leading advocate for sustainable, human-centered development, 
King Bhumibol has worked hard to address the critical development 
issues facing his country and his people, applying scientific knowledge 
and initiating development projects that take into account the 
topography, traditions and culture of a region. Focusing on 
agricultural development, King Bhumibol has overseen thousands of 
development projects undertaken to improve the food security and 
welfare of the Thai people. His concern about the sustainability of 
Thailand's natural resources has spurred several water resource and 
reforestation projects throughout the country.
  I would also like to celebrate the 178-year diplomatic alliance and 
friendship between Thailand and the United States--one that reflects 
both common interests and shared values, namely: democracy, good 
governance, and the rule of law. Indeed, on March 20, 1833, the United 
States and Thailand (then known as Siam) signed the Treaty of Amity and 
Commerce, making the Kingdom of Thailand the first treaty ally of the 
United States in the Asia-Pacific region. His Majesty King Bhumibol's 
state visit to the United States in 1960 further cemented the excellent 
relations between our two nations.
  Lastly, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the people 
of Thailand for the recent historic floods in Thailand, and reiterate 
my support for both ongoing and additional humanitarian efforts aimed 
at providing civilian and military assistance to save lives, restore 
health, and facilitate Thailand's economic recovery. The United States 
remains committed to supporting Thailand's long-term recovery. The 
United States government has contributed significant humanitarian 
assistance, United States citizens and private sector have donated to 
reconstruction efforts, and the United States will continue working to 
help improve Thailand's capacity to prepare and respond to such 
disasters in the future.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join our long-standing friends, the 
people of Thailand, as they celebrate the 84th birthday anniversary of 
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and his esteemed 65-year reign of 
and dedication to Thailand.

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