Pillar of strength for Thailand
It is my great honour to be part of the celebration for this very auspicious occasion of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th Birthday Anniversary. This is indeed a great cause for celebration for His Majesty has been the heart and soul of all Thai people for decades.
Upon the Coronation Ceremony on May 5, 1946, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej pronounced the Oath of Accession to the Throne of all Kings stating "We will reign with righteousness, for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people."
In his 60-year reign, His Majesty has not deviated from that pledge. The significance of his reign relates to three main themes: the well-being of his subjects, the security and stability of his nation, and unity. He has indeed earned the love, admiration, and trust of his people.
An extraordinarily gifted man in widely varying artistic and cultural fields, His Majesty's mission to improve the lives of all his people has taken him to all corners of the land.
For up to eight months each year, His Majesty used to travel to remote areas to discuss face-to-face with his people their needs and, together with them, devise strategies to resolve their problems and difficulties, often utilizing his personal funds to finance the projects.
His subjects' loyalty is founded not just on respect for the institution of the monarchy but on his personality and the many works he has undertaken on their behalf. He embodies all that is best in Thai culture and traditions, a symbol of continuity from Siam's past, and of its future.
Furthermore, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has played a significant role in strengthening the bilateral relations as well as deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of Thailand and China. His Majesty also encourages members of the Royal Family to visit China with a view to further enhancing the existing cordial ties between the two countries.
Meanwhile, His Majesty always grants an audience to Chinese leaders when they visit Thailand. The latest one was in 2004 when he graciously received China's President Hu Jintao and Madame Liu Yongqing on a State Visit to Thailand.
Last year the world witnessed the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty's Accession to the Throne, making him the present world's longest-reigning Monarch.
Monarchs and leaders from around the world traveled to Bangkok to join with Thais in a grand celebration to pay tribute to His Majesty's achievements and dedication.
The Chinese government joined in the celebration by making contribution to the Royal Initiative Projects in the northern part of Thailand, which is highly appreciated by the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand.
His Majesty is indeed our pillar of strength and more than anything we could have asked for. He is our national symbol and his face is engraved in every Thai citizen's heart.
I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of all the Thai people in China, to express our loyalty and gratitude to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej for decades of his dedicated work and inspiration.
Long Live the King!
(China Daily 12/05/2007 page21)
