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[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 290 Referred in Senate (RFS)]

  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 290

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 12, 2008

      Received and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 
Commemorating the 175th anniversary of the special relationship between 
             the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand.

Whereas the United States will celebrate the 175th anniversary of its 
        relationship with the Kingdom of Thailand since the signing of the 
        original Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1833 during President Andrew 
        Jackson's administration and the reign of King Rama III;
Whereas the Kingdom of Thailand was the United States' first treaty ally in the 
        Asia-Pacific region and

              

 remains a steadfast friend with the Thai and American people sharing the 
values of freedom, democracy, and liberty;

Whereas Thailand was designated as a major non-NATO ally in December 2003, which 
        improved the security of both nations, particularly through joint 
        counterterrorism efforts;
Whereas for more than a quarter century Thailand has been the host country of 
        Cobra Gold, the United States Pacific Command's annual multinational 
        military training exercise designed to ensure regional peace and promote 
        regional security cooperation;
Whereas the United States and Thailand launched joint relief operations in the 
        wake of the tragic 2004 tsunami from Utapao, Thailand, thus 
        strengthening the overall capacity of the forces involved in providing 
        relief and setting the model for effective humanitarian operations 
        throughout the entire region affected by the deadly tsunami;
Whereas Thailand is a key partner of the United States in Southeast Asia and has 
        supported closer relations between the United States and the Association 
        of Southeast Asian Nations (``ASEAN'');
Whereas Congress passed H. Con. Res. 409 in 2006 commemorating the 60th 
        Anniversary of the Ascension to the Throne of His Majesty King Bhumibol 
        Adulyadej of Thailand;
Whereas on December 5, 2007, the people of Thailand celebrated the 80th birthday 
        of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world's longest serving 
        monarch, who is loved and respected by Thai for his lifelong dedication 
        to the social and economic development of the Thai people;
Whereas on December 23, 2007, the Royal Thai Government held nationwide 
        parliamentary elections that should help pave the way for a successful 
        return of stable democracy to Thailand;
Whereas approximately 500,000 Americans of Thai descent are living in the United 
        States and share in the mutual pursuit of the American Dream;
Whereas Thailand is America's 20th largest trading partner with bilateral trade 
        totaling $30,600,000,000 per year; and
Whereas the bonds of friendship and mutual respect between the United States and 
        Thailand are strong: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the Congress--
            (1) commemorates the 175th anniversary of United States and 
        Thailand relations;
            (2) offers its sincere congratulations to the Kingdom of 
        Thailand and the Thai people for their democratic, free, and 
        fair election;
            (3) commemorates the 80th birthday of His Majesty King 
        Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and offers its sincere 
        congratulations and best wishes for the continued prosperity of 
        the Kingdom of Thailand; and
            (4) looks forward to continued, enduring ties of friendship 
        between the Thai and American people.

            Passed the House of Representatives March 11, 2008.

            Attest:

                                            LORRAINE C. MILLER,

                                                                 Clerk.
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