On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on his 85th birthday and congratulate the people of Thailand on your National Day this December 5.

President Obama and I were honored to meet with His Majesty during our visit to Thailand in November. Soon, our two countries will celebrate 180 years of diplomatic relations. The breadth and strength of our friendship, which spans nearly 60 years of our treaty alliance and 50 years of the Peace Corps in Thailand, continues to grow. As we mark our longstanding and multifaceted relationship, the United States is committed to a bright future of partnership with Thailand.

On this joyous anniversary, I wish King Bhumibol and the people of Thailand a peaceful and prosperous year to come.