Reception For Thai King Birthday
By Grace Jiu

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Thai Embassy in Brunei celebrated the 78th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of the Kingdom of Thailand on December 5, which was also observed as Thailand's National Day.

The Ambassador of Thailand, Mr Sornsilp Polteja, in his speech at the birthday celebration said: "Thailand has ample reasons to celebrate this day of joy as all Thais share their feeling of gratitude for the highly revered monarch.

"As the kingdom's pillar of stability, binding together the cohesiveness and unity of Thai people, King Bhumibol Adulyadej has contributed greatly towards the peace and prosperity of our country."

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, now the world's longest-reigning monarch, was born on December 5, 1927, in the United States. He became the ninth king of the Chakri Dynasty in June 1946.

And ever since the king has continued to work tirelessly to improve the quality of life and the standard of living of the Thai people.

He is particularly interested in the significance of soil and water problems, considering that the two are essential elements in agricultural development in Thailand.

There are about 2000 royal initiatives on soil and water resource development projects all over the country.

His guidance in the philosophy of the `Sufficiency Economy' which was developed over many years of study and experimentation to enable Thai people, particularly Thai farmers, to be able to take chart of their own destiny has contributed greatly in the enhancement of sustainable agriculture, economic growth and competitiveness of Thailand.

"In the next two years, the Thai people will be celebrating an auspicious and rare dual anniversary, that is, the 60th anniversary or diamond jubilee of His Majesty's accession to the throne in 2006 and His Majesty's 80th birthday anniversary in 2007.

"I am confident that through our closer cooperation in all fields, the relationship between Brunei Darussalam and Thailand at both bilateral and multilateral levels will be strengthened.

"While I am confident that the cordial relations, both official and personal, that have happily existed between our two countries will be maintained and strengthened further, I should also like to reiterate once again that ultimately it is the special close contact between our monarchs and leaders that has given our relations enduring strength.

"The many similarities of our way of life and traditional links between people of both sides also underline our relations.

"I, on behalf of the Royal Thai Government and the people of Thailand, wish to take this opportunity to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the people of Brunei for their continued support, friendship and wonderful cooperation rendered to Thailand and the Thai people during the last 22 years of our diplomatic relations."

Gracing the birthday reception was Pehin Dato Hj Awg Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong, Minister of Communications of Brunei. About 240 guests comprising diplomats, senior government officials, prominent business and corporate figures attended the lavish function.

The National Anthem of Brunei, followed by the Royal Anthem of Thailand were played at the start of the celebration.

Besides the cutting of' he birthday cake by the guest of honour and the Ambassador of Thailand, the night also saw the presentation of gifts to Pehin Dato Hj Awg Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong and Datin Paduka Hjh Jahrah bte Hj Mohamad.

Mouth-watering Thai trademark dishes were served, such as seafood Tom Yam soup, mango fish, green curry beef, Mee Khop (crispy vermicelli) and Phadthai kai (fried noodles with chicken).

Sweet Lemon Grass Restaurant, a Thai restaurant in Brunei, catered the Thai delicacies for the night.

The Thai-Brunei joint traditional musical programme, `Alai Kratong', held in June this year at Chiang Mai, was played on the big screen for guests to watch as they enjoyed the Thai food delights.

Mr Sornsilp Polteja said the joint musical served as a consolidation to the existing excellent relationship and cooperation between the two countries. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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