His Excellency, Mr Nopadol Gunavibool, Ambassador of Thailand

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

                        I am honoured to be invited by the Royal Thai Embassy to deliver the Opening Remarks at this exhibition of "Father of the Land: A Tribute to King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand", an exhibition to mark the celebrations of the 80^th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand.

2                      It has been sixty-one years since His Majesty King Bhumibol started his wise and benevolent reign. It is clear for all to see that His Majesty is widely revered by all the people in Thailand, and we can understand why. As the longest reigning monarch in the world, His Majesty has contributed immensely to Thailand's stability and prosperity.  His love and concern for the Thai people had brought him to every province in Thailand to ensure that he understood their needs and condition.  His projects to enhance rural development in Thailand have brought much benefit to all in the country, and are renowned throughout the Kingdom and beyond.  

3                      It is a privilege and a precious opportunity for Singaporeans that an exhibition to celebrate the 80^th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol is taking place in Singapore. I recall that Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited Singapore in April this year. Singaporeans were struck by the graciousness and kindness of her Royal Highness and had a glimpse of why the Royal Family of Thailand is well-liked and respected by the Thai people. This exhibition, which features rare photographs of His Majesty and the Royal Family, will allow Singaporeans to better understand and appreciate the life and accomplishments of the Thai monarch. This will in turn help them put in perspective the respect and reverence that all Thais have towards His Majesty. Such understanding can only bring the people of Thailand and Singapore closer together.

4                      I am very happy that this exhibition is a joint effort between the Singapore National Library Board and the Royal Thai Embassy. It demonstrates once again the strong spirit of cooperation between officials of both sides, which will further strengthen the people-to-people link between Thailand and Singapore. This will definitely contribute to the multi-faceted and longstanding relations that the two countries enjoy.   

5                      I would like to take this opportunity to wish His Majesty King Bhumibol good health and happiness.   Under his reign, I am confident that Thailand and Singapore will continue to build on the deep and longstanding friendship between the two countries.   Also, I hope that everyone will enjoy this exhibition.

6                      Thank you.

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