[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Pages 3860-3861]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

SENATE RESOLUTION 77--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS RELATING TO THE 
COMMEMORATION OF THE 180TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN 
             THE UNITED STATES AND THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND

  Mr. MENENDEZ submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
to the Committee on Foreign Relations:

                               S. Res. 77

       Whereas 2013 marks the 180th anniversary of the March 20, 
     1833 signing of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the 
     United States and the Kingdom of Thailand (formerly known as 
     Siam), which initiated diplomatic relations between the two 
     countries during the administration of President Andrew 
     Jackson and the reign of King Rama III;
       Whereas Thailand was the first treaty ally of the United 
     States in the Asia-Pacific region and remains a steadfast 
     friend of the United States with shared values of democracy, 
     rule of law, universal human rights, human security, open 
     societies, and a free market;
       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 30 years, Thailand has been the host 
     country of Cobra Gold, the United States Pacific Command's 
     annual multinational military training exercise, which is 
     designed to ensure regional peace and promote regional 
     security cooperation;
       Whereas Thailand has played a leading role in the 
     development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations by 
     helping the regional group develop into a more cohesive and 
     comprehensive entity that ensures regional security and 
     prosperity and serves as a valued partner in Asia for the 
     United States;
       Whereas on December 5, 2012, the people of Thailand 
     celebrated the 85th 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 July 3, 2011, the Royal Thai Government held 
     nationwide parliamentary

[[Page 3861]]

     elections, the results of which affirmed Thailand's 
     commitment to the democratic process;
       Whereas approximately 500,000 people of Thai descent live 
     in the United States, joining in the pursuit of the American 
     Dream;
       Whereas Thailand is a valued trading partner of the United 
     States, with bilateral trade totaling approximately 
     $40,000,000,000 per year; and
       Whereas the bonds of friendship and mutual respect between 
     the United States and Thailand are strong:
       Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) commemorates the 180th anniversary of diplomatic 
     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 their affirmation of 
     the value of democracy;
       (3) commemorates the 85th 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.

                          ____________________