[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 127 (Friday, August 2, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E796-E797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        COMMEMORATING HIS MAJESTY KING MAHA VAJIRALONGKORN PHRA 
     VAJIRAKLAOCHAOYUHUA'S (RAMA X) 6TH CYCLE BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD McCORMICK

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2024

  Mr. McCormick. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate His Majesty 
King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of the Kingdom of 
Thailand's (Rama X) 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary on July 28, 2024, 
which marks the completion of 72 years. I would like to take this 
opportunity to offer our most heartfelt congratulations.
  I applaud His Majesty's many accomplishments and contributions to the 
prosperity and welfare of the people of Thailand. Despite the many 
global challenges faced since his ascension to the throne in December 
2016, His Majesty continues to preserve and build upon the Royal legacy 
of his father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX).
  His Majesty's long-standing relationship with the United States dates 
back 64 years to June 1960 when King Rama X accompanied his father and 
Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, during a Thai royal visit 
to the United States. During his address to a joint session of the 
United States Congress, His Majesty's father expressed admiration for 
the United States' ability to maintain harmony among diverse peoples 
and emphasized our nations' deep ties and mutual respect.
  In the 1980s, King Rama X, then the Crown Prince, completed U.S. Air 
Force (USAF) advanced fighter training and conversion courses for the 
F-5 fighter aircraft at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona, logging over 
2,000 hours of flight time. As a Marine Corps helicopter pilot myself, 
I wholeheartedly commend His Majesty's aviation achievements. His 
Majesty's passion and dedication to military affairs is reflected in 
the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand's shared desire to 
elevate our alliance and military cooperation. The U.S. designated the 
Kingdom of Thailand as a major non-NATO ally in 2003, and the annual 
Cobra Gold Exercise remains the largest multinational military exercise 
in the Indo-Pacific region. Participating in Cobra Gold during my own 
military career was a true honor.
  The Kingdom of Thailand remains a key U.S. ally and partner in 
Southeast Asia. The U.S.-Thailand relationship is vital to the 
stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region, and the Thai 
monarchy plays an integral role in cultivating this crucial 
relationship.
  Last year, the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand celebrated 
the 190th anniversary of our shared diplomatic relations, signifying 
the enduring bond of trust and collaboration established by the signing 
of the 1833 Treaty of Amity and Commerce, making the Kingdom of 
Thailand the first Asian nation to enter diplomatic relations with the 
United States. From then on, the Thai monarchy, our governments, and 
our peoples have worked to solidify and modernize our relationship and 
the unwavering alliance that we enjoy today. The anniversary was an 
opportunity to reaffirm our long-standing alliance and commitment to 
facing our shared global challenges together.

[[Page E797]]

  As we celebrate these significant milestones, I'm pleased to 
recognize another individual who has contributed to strengthening the 
diplomatic and cultural ties between our nations. I extend my heartfelt 
appreciation and recognition to Mr. Sribhongse Bunnag, who has rendered 
invaluable service to my constituents and my office this year in his 
capacity as a Foreign Affairs Fellow. Through Mr. Bunnag's diligence 
and compassion, we have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation 
of the Thai people's rich culture, history, and aspirations.
  But perhaps most importantly, we have gained a dear friend.
  As we look ahead, I am confident that the enduring friendship between 
our two nations will continue to prosper and grow as we rise together 
to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
  Today, I extend to His Majesty King Rama X of Thailand my sincerest 
best wishes for his good health, happiness, and long life.

                          ____________________