National Day of Thailand

TODAY, the Thai nation celebrates its National Day, which coincides with the 74th birth anniversary of His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thailand is a close partner of the Philippines. They actively cooperate with each other in maintaining political and economic stability in the region.

The King of Thailand is one of the most revered monarchs in the world. King Bhumibol, who is also known as Rama IX, has maintained royal dignity and has done so much for his people. He is the ninth monarch in the Chakri dynasty which was founded in 1782. His Majesty is the source of unity of his people, with whom he has remained close for more than 50 years. He is an indefatigable and compassionate worker for the less-privileged, having launched more than 2,000 development projects since his accession to the throne. He used to spend up to 200 days a year, traveling to visit his countrymen in remote rural areas.

The Thais first began settling their present homeland from the Asian continent in the sixth century A.D., and by the end of the 13th century ruled most of the western portion. During the next 400 years, they fought sporadically with the Cambodians on the east and Burmese on the west. Formerly called Siam, Thailand has never experienced foreign rule. The British gained a colonial foothold in the region in 1824, but by 1896 an AngloFrench accord guaranteed the independence of Thailand.

Thailand occupies most of the western half of the Indochinese peninsula and the northern twothirds of the Malay peninsula in Southeast Asia. Its neighbors are Myanmar on the north and west, Laos on the north and northeast, Cambodia on the east, and Malaysia on the south. Thailand is about the size of France.

The Thai National Day is a fitting occasion to pay tribute to the ever improving relations between the Philippines and Thailand, both memberstates of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Diplomatic ties between our two countries were established way back in 1949. The relations between them have reached a high level of cooperation, especially in the areas of trade and economic activities.

Two years ago, the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. The bilateral relationship has enabled them to overcome various challenges over the years, ranging from the demands of the Cold War to the damage caused by the recent financial crisis.

We congratulate the people and government of Thailand on the occasion of their National Day and the 74th birth anniversary of His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.