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Congratulations to H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.

I offer sincere congratulations to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand today, on the occasion of his 78th birthday. On this auspicious day of His Majesty's birthday, I pray for further health, prosperity and progress for His Majesty, the Thai royal family and all the people of Thailand.

At the time the coup suddenly broke out in September this year, the situation was unclear, which caused me concern, but it is much to my delight that the conditions were quickly brought under control and political stability was regained. I have no doubt that the adoration of the Thai people toward His Majesty produced national unity and was the source of an early calming of the situation. I earnestly pray that in the future there will be a smooth transition to parliamentary government under the new Constitution, as publicly pledged by the new government.

Needless to say, exchange between our country and Thailand has been actively carried out, starting with the Imperial Family and Thai royal family, in various areas of politics, economics and culture, and we have built up a close relationship over many years. Emperor Akihito's visit to Thailand in June this year to attend celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol's accession to the throne remains fresh in my mind.

On a societal level, the feeling that Thailand is a very familiar country has become established in Japan, and I understand this is the reason the yearly number of Japanese who travel to Thailand has reached 1.2 million, making Japanese the largest group of foreign travelers in Thailand.

On the economic front, Japan is Thailand's biggest trading partner and the biggest recipient of investments. For Japan, too, Thailand is an important partner in investment and trade. It is greatly anticipated that economic ties between both countries will become stronger though an economic partnership agreement, although the signing of this has been extended due to political reasons in Thailand.

Next year Japan and Thailand will mark 120 years of friendship, and various commemorative events are being planned with a focus on cultural exchange, bringing expectations that this will deepen mutual understanding.

I conclude my congratulatory message on His Majesty the King of Thailand's birthday with the earnest desire that in the future the relationship of trust between both countries will develop into something unshakeable, founded on the many years of close relations between Thailand and Japan.

-- Mr. Ken-ichi Suematsu, President, The Japan Thailand Association

Source: mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp

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