Obama, Kerry send messages to honor Thai King, Queen

BANGKOK, June 8 (TNA) - US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry have extended their best wishes to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on the twin auspicious occasions of the 70th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne on June 9 and the 84th birthday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen on August 12. Deputy Government Spokesman Major General Werachon Sukondhapatipak told journalists on Wednesday that Obama and Kerry's messages have been publicized through the website and Twitter account of the US Embassy in Bangkok. The message of the US president reads: “On behalf of the American people, I send my heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand as they celebrate the 70th anniversary of His Majesty’s accession to the throne. On this historic occasion, I want to express my admiration for His Majesty’s leadership and contributions to deepening the enduring bonds between our peoples. As I saw firsthand during my visit to Bangkok in 2012, His Majesty’s leadership has helped our two countries promote peace and prosperity throughout the Asian Pacific region. His Majesty has served as a source of strength and inspiration for many in our two countries over the past seven decades. As the only reigning monarch born in the United States, His Majesty shares a special connection with the American people. King Bhumibol Adulyadej Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, his birthplace, serves as a testament to the close ties between our two countries. We look forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship between the people of the United States and Thailand in order to further increase mutual prosperity and address regional and global challenges together.” The message of US secretary of state reads: “I join President Obama and the American people in extending His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej warm congratulations on the 70th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne. As the Thai people celebrate His Majesty’s several achievements, we also express our deep admiration for his tireless work to advance health and prosperity throughout the Kingdom of Thailand. The United States and Thailand have been friends for more than 183 years and His Majesty has been instrumental in strengthening the close partnership between our two nations during his seven decades on the throne. We look forward to continuing our work with Thailand to improve the livelihoods of people in both our countries, the region and beyond. On this historic day, I send our best wishes to King Bhumibol and the people of Thailand for a joyous celebration.” The deputy spokesman said, meanwhile, that the Thai government invites the general public, as well as public and private agencies to fly Thai national flags and special flags designed to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the accession to the throne of His Majesty the King and the 7th cycle birthday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen and wear specially-designed yellow and blue shirts to celebrate the twin royal anniversaries. (TNA)