TRAVEL NEWS

Commemorating the Birthday Anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej

05 Nov 2006, The Fifth of December every year is a very important day for the people of Thailand, as it is the day in which we commemorate the Birthday Anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the beloved monarch of the Thai people.

This day is celebrated by Thais abroad as Thailand's "National Day."

On this propitious occasion, I am honoured to extend, on behalf of the Government and people of Thailand, our deepest respect to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress and the Imperial Family, and our sincerest greetings and best wishes for happiness, prosperity and continued success to the Government and people of Japan.

This year is an especially auspicious year for the people of Thailand, as it is the year in which we commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty the King. The grand celebrations, held in Bangkok in June, were attended by monarchs and royalties from all over the world.

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan's presence at the celebrations in Bangkok was deeply appreciated by the people of Thailand, as it was a clear reflection of the close ties and friendship between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Thailand.

This year is also an auspicious year for the people of Japan, as it is the year in which Japan welcomes the latest member of the Imperial Family. The recent birth of Prince Hisahito, son of Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino, is an event that also fills the heart of the people of Thailand with joy in light of Their Imperial Highnesses' longstanding close affinity with the Thai people.

As a constitutional monarch who is above politics, His Majesty the King has devoted his life and his reign to improving the well-being of his subjects. This effort has been internationally recognized on many occasions. The latest occasion was on 26 May of this year when United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan presented to His Majesty the "United Nations First Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award" in recognition of His Majesty's "... extraordinary contribution to human development. As the world's Development King..."

The past 60 years of His Majesty's reign has witnessed the ongoing development and progress of Thailand. The Thai economy has grown and prospered by leaps and bounds. This was in large part due to the confidence that Japanese investors and businesses have expressed in Thailand over many decades. Politically, Thailand has been transformed into a dynamic polity, in which the people now have much greater say in the political process than ever before. Thailand's press and publishing industry is among the freest and liveliest in Asia. The recent political change in September is the latest step in Thailand's ongoing political development as we seek to reinvigorate a political process that has become bogged down over the past two years by soon returning power to the people to bring about new dynamics in Thai politics.

Next year, our two countries will be reaching a new milestone in our bilateral relations, namely the 120th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Thailand and Japan. Not many countries can boast of having 120 years of diplomatic relations. What is most amazing about the Thailand-Japan relationship is that these 120 years refers only to the modern relationship between our two countries. It does not take into account the almost 500 years of relations and friendship that already existed between our two peoples since ancient times.

As such, this upcoming milestone is a timely opportunity for reflections on the challenges and successes of the past, and our opportunities of the future. It is an opportunity to think about how mechanisms such as the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA), which we hope would come into effect next year, would reshape our partnership into one truly capable of taking full advantage of a globalized international economy. It is a time in which Thailand and Japan stands on the brink of a new frontier, a new vista of cooperation with infinite possibilities between and beyond our two countries. That is where Thailand and Japan stands after 120 years of modern diplomatic relations. It is definitely a situation that is truly befitting of the 600 years of rich history and traditions between our two civilizations and one in which I look forward to embarking on in the months and years ahead.

Finally, may I express my gratitude and appreciation to MSN-Mainichi Daily News and its readers for making this year's celebration meaningful.

-- H.E. Mr. Suvidhya Simaskul, Ambassador of Thailand to Japan on the Occasion of the National Day of Thailand,December 5, 2006

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