Message from Charge d'Affairs ad interim

On 5 Dec. 2001, the Thai people and Nation celebrate the 74th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej as well as the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej became King of the Kingdom of Thailand on 9 June 1946. During the Coronation Ceremony, His Majesty uttered the momentous Oath of Succession to the Throne: "We will reign with righteousness for the benefit and happiness of the Siamese people."

His Majesty's activities since then has shone brightly for the Thai people perfecting the truth to those words.

For decades, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has been respected, revered, and loved by Thais throughout the Kingdom. His life's work, spanning more than five decades, covers a vast spectrum of activities which has far-reaching effects on Thai life.

His Majesty the King is more than just a beacon of hope and symbol of unity for Thai people. Through dedication and by example, he has earned not merely the trust and respect of his subjects, but their deep reverence and acceptance of his wisdom. His Majesty is indeed the country's guiding light.

Without His Majesty's timely intervention during periods of political crisis, Thailand would probably not be what it is today. What is often overlooked however, is that for decades His Majesty has played a discrete, yet crucial role in advising governments on legislative, constitutional and, at times administrative matters, and always within the boundaries of his legal and constitutional rights.

His Majesty has also dedicated himself to development work since 1951, personally initiating approximately 3,000 projects in such areas as rural development, agriculture, land and water resources, public health and education, resulting in benefits to the majority of Thais.

Through countless trips around the country, learning at first- hand about the problems and hardships encountered by his people, His Majesty has been able to suggest solutions which have brought them progress and prosperity.

At the same time his very presence galvanizes government officials into action. It is also noteworthy that in the true spirit of the example set by His Majesty the King has also followed the tradition of the Chakri Dynasty in ensuring the well-being of the Thai people and the Nation. Long Live His Majesty the King.

Since the diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of Indonesia was established on 7 March 1950, the bilateral cooperative connections have been developed and broadened without interruption, great thanks to the firm foundation of the historical friendship and mutual interests jointly built upon by both ancestors.

His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen visited the great Nation of Indonesia from 8-16 February 1960 and officially welcomed two Indonesian Heads of State as His Royal Guests in the Kingdom of Thailand. Members of the Royal family have regularly visited various regions of the Republic of Indonesia.

The peoples of Thailand and Indonesia have enjoyed long- standing close relationship, especially on political and economic cooperation as well as in cultural aspect, as illustrated by various cultural similarities of the two countries.

I wish now to highlight some of undertakings in the year of 2001 which have contributed to enhancing bilateral cooperation. On 14-15 May, His Excellency Mr.K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid, the former President of Indonesia paid the 5th official visit to Thailand during which the economic cooperation agreement covering natural gas, oil, rubber and fisheries, was signed by both Foreign Ministers.

After assuming the Office as the President of the Republic of Indonesia in July 2001, Her Excellency Mrs.Megawati Soekarnoputri, paid her first official visit to Thailand on 24-25 August, and discussed several political and economic issues for closer collaboration.

The President of Indonesia and the Prime Minister of Thailand have held bilateral consultations at various regional and sub- regional meetings namely APEC meeting in October at Shanghai, the People's Republic of China, and the ASEAN Summit Meeting in November at Brunei Darussalam. Furthermore, the Prime Minister of Thailand has a plan to pay a reciprocal visit to Indonesia in early 2002 for further consultation in various aspects to further strengthen the existing cooperation and relations between the two countries.

Ministerial and senior officials of Thailand and Indonesia have regularly exchanged their visits in order to work and cooperate closer in various sectors. The Thai Trade Representative visited and discussed with his Indonesian counterpart in October. The Commanders of the Armed Forces of the two countries have made reciprocal visits, joint exercises and trainings are also organized by the two Armies this year in both Indonesia and Thailand.

The Fourth Meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Republic of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Thailand was held on 14-15 June 2001, co-chaired by the Foreign Minister of Thailand and Indonesia.

The Meeting reviewed the progress made in the cooperation agreed in the last meeting, discussed bilateral issues and explored new areas of cooperation between the two countries.

The highlights of the meeting included the regional situations, economic, trade, social and consular cooperation. The Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income between Thailand and Indonesia was signed by the Foreign Minister of both sides during the meeting.

The bilateral trade value is firmly increasing every year. Last year the two way trade value was 2,400 million U.S. dollar comparing with 2,350 million US dollar in the first ten month of 2001.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Account Trade Arrangement between Thailand and Indonesia was signed by Trade Minister of both sides during WTO Ministerial meeting on 10 Nov. 2001 in Doha, Qatar.

The MOU will be an important mechanism for trade financing, bilateral payment account and revolving term credit account, aiming to boost bilateral trade to stimulate industrial production and economic growth of both countries as well as to help reduce both countries' reliance on the US dollar and the risk from exchange-rate fluctuation.

In terms of Thai investment in Indonesia, Thai private companies have continued their potential role in contribution to the greater economic growth of Indonesia in various sectors such as agriculture, agribusiness, fishery, textile, fertilizer, oil and gas, mining etc. I hope that these activities could complement the Indonesian Government's policy in developing sustainable economic growth for the well-being of the Indonesian people.

On this auspicious occasion, I would like to extend, on behalf of the Government and people of Thailand, our best wishes for the well-being and good quality of life the Indonesians could enjoy throughout the year of 2002, in a peaceful and harmonious society, and for a vital and constructive role of Indonesia in contributing to the promotion of regional and international peace, stability and sustainable economic development which will be in the interests of our Nations and peoples of ASEAN.