Thailand expressed its condolences to the people and government of Singapore for the passing on Monday of Lee Kuan Yew, its founding father and first prime minister.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha sent his condolences to his counterpart Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
On behalf of the Thai people and government, Prime Minister Prayut expressed his "profound condolences" to "you and your family, and through you, to the people of Singapore for this irreplaceable loss."
The message said that Thailand remembers Lee's "exemplary statesmanship, whose resoluteness, sacrifice and far-sighted vision has successfully transformed Singapore into a modern and prosperous nation, along with his significant contribution to building close ties of friendship between Thailand and Singapore with the establishment of our diplomatic ties 50 years ago," the prime minister's letter said.
"By laying a solid foundation in the development of Singapore based on the principles of good governance, meritocracy, and placing the community before oneself, (the late) Mr Lee has left and indelible legacy on the Singapore nation and its people.
"These invaluable fundamentals will continue to live on in the spirit of the Singapore nation for many more generations to come," Prime Minister Prayut's message said.
In his letter expressing his condolences, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn said Lee "has left behind an everlasting legacy on Singapore and the region.
"He will always be remembered for his bold and visionary statesmanship in developing Singapore into a stable and prosperous nation," the minister said.
"We in Thailand are very grateful to Lee Kuan Yew for his significant role in the establishment of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Singapore 50 years ago, in which the seeds of friendship have fully blossomed today.
"We also pay tribute to Lee Kuan Yew for his contribution to the formation of Asean," he said.
Meanwhile, the Singaporean embassy in Bangkok yesterday announced that it has opened a book of condolences for Lee inside the embassy, starting today to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and on Sunday from 10am to 3pm.