US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry have sent congratulatory messages to His Majesty, marking the 70th anniversary of the King's accession to the throne Thursday
In his message, Mr Obama said:
"On behalf of the American people, I send my heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand as they celebrate the 70th anniversary of the King’s accession to the throne. On this historic occasion, I want to express my admiration for His Majesty’s leadership and his many contributions to deepening the enduring bonds between our peoples.
"As I saw first hand during my visit to Bangkok in 2012, His Majesty’s leadership has helped our two countries promote peace and prosperity throughout the Asia-Pacific region. His Majesty has served as a source of strength and inspiration for many in our two countries over the past seven decades. As the only reigning monarch born in the United States, His Majesty shares a special connection with the American people. King Bhumibol Adulyadej Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, his birthplace, serves as a testament to the close ties between our two countries.
"We look forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship between the people of the US and Thailand in order to further increase mutual prosperity and address regional and global challenges together."
- See also: A 70-year reign, in photos
Mr Kerry's message said:
"I join President Obama and the American people in extending His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej warm congratulations on the 70th anniversary of his accession to the throne. As the Thai people celebrate His Majesty’s many achievements, we also express our deep admiration for his tireless work to advance health and prosperity throughout the Kingdom of Thailand."
The Ruen Yod Barom Mungkalanusaranee pavilion glows as it is lit up against the evening sky close to the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. The pavilion was built to honour the 70th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne Thursday, and the seventh-cycle birthday of Her Majesty the Queen on Aug 12, as well as important events associated with the royal family. (Photo by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)
Faces from the past: People pictured with the King in the past are brought to the Thailand Cultural Centre in honour of His Majesty's 70 years on the throne. The people, from various provinces, were located by the Culture Ministry. (Photo by Patipat Janthong)