On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I offer heartfelt warm wishes to the people of Thailand on the anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Aduyladej’s birthday, this December 5. We note with sadness the passing of King Bhumibol, who would have been 89 years old on this day. We remember His Majesty for the great vision and dedication with which he led Thailand, and for the enduring friendship he nurtured with the United States.

We congratulate His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun on his ascension, and will honor his father’s memory by committing ourselves to working together to further strengthen our relations.

Our enduring friendship with the Thai people spans almost 200 years. We look forward to building on our longstanding, successful partnership to promote peace and prosperity in both our nations, in Southeast Asia, and beyond. I send our best wishes to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun and the people of Thailand for a peaceful and prosperous year to come.