Remarks

by H.E. Mr. Kallayana Vipattipumiprates

Ambassador of Thailand

on the National Day

5 December 2017

--------------------------

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

                   Good evening. Salam. Sawasdee Krub.

                   Today I am honoured to host a Thai National Day Reception once again after Thai people in all corners of the world have mourned the great loss of our beloved King, His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.  On 26 October, the Royal Cremation Ceremony was held in Thailand and at all of the Royal Thai Embassies and Royal Thai Consulates-Generals around the world, including here in Tehran.  It was an event where all of the Thai nationals and friends of Thailand came to pay the final respect to His Majesty the late King.  Eventhough His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej may have left us, the memories and his legacies will forever remain in the hearts of Thai people.

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

                   The 5^th of December is one of the most significant days for all Thai people as it is declared by the Royal Thai Government to be the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and Thailand’s Father’s Day. Furthermore, 5^th of December each year also marks a highly important day when the global community celebrates the “World Soil Day” as declared by the United Nations General Assembly, in recognition of the remarkable achievements of His Majesty the late King in this field. 

                        More than this, His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is internationally recognized as “the Development King” as he had worked relentlessly to improve the welfare and the quality of life of the Thai people.  The work and vision of His Majesty the late King were based largely on his Sufficiency Economy philosophy.  This philosophy is based on the underlying principles of moderation, reasonableness, prudence and self-immunity. Today, Sufficiency Economy philosophy is widely acknowledged as a core model of Sustainable Development in all parts of the world.  The legacies of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej shall continue to flourish and contribute to the well-being of the people around the world.

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Kingdom of Thailand and the Islamic Republic of Iran have established diplomatic relations for over 62 years.  However, the history of our relations goes back as far as 400 years when Sheikh Ahmad Qomi came to Thailand as a Persian trader and later became a distinguished statesman. Through these years, the close bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Islamic Republic of Iran have continued to strengthen.

Several exchanges of high-ranking official visits between our two countries are another testimony of our long-standing friendship. In February 2016, His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak paid an official visit to Iran, and later on in October His Excellency President Dr. Hassan Rouhani paid an official visit to Thailand.

Apart from this, our cooperations have also grown in many areas, such as trade and investment, tourism, education, arts and culture.  More importantly, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate Thailand’s firm determination to stand side-by-side with Iran in order to continue working closely together to achieve a better and brighter future for the mutual benefits of both our countries and peoples.

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for honouring us with your presence today.  Before the evening is over, I hope you will have a chance to enjoy authentic Thai food, freshly prepared for all the Friends of Thailand.

Ladies and Gentlemen, May I now propose a toast to His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun and His Excellency Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and to the everlasting friendship and relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you.