Speech of H.E. Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya,
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of the Philippines
On the Occasion of the 83rd Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej

3 December 2010
Ambassador?s Residence

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Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat.? (A pleasant evening to everyone.)

Please allow me to extend my warmest greetings to the Thai community, our Filipino friends, distinguished fellows and ?Friends of Thailand? gathering here as the Kingdom of Thailand celebrates the auspicious occasion of the 83rd Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The Thai people admire His Majesty the King for his extraordinary developmental work which has benefited all Thais and contributed enormously to Thailand?s economic and social development. This is primarily the reason why H.M. King Bhumibol is widely recognized among the Thais and other nationalities as the ?Developer King.?

His Majesty?s ideas, translated to more than 4,300 Royal Projects, focus on uplifting the lives of the people, particularly those who are less privileged in life.? The King?s projects cover all aspects of development, concentrating on water resources, agriculture, environmental conservation, alternative energies such as bio-ethanol, occupational promotion, public health, public welfare, communication as well as the concept of sufficiency economy.

Moreover, Thailand is proud to share with the rest of the world the success of the Royal Projects, which have been extensively acknowledged as best practices both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, Thailand gladly welcomes all ASEAN representatives, including representatives from the Philippines, to attend the annual visit under Buakeaw Roundtable International Program to learn the best practices and development experiences of the Royal initiated projects. ?



Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Philippines is one of the first country in Southeast Asia in which Thailand established diplomatic relations with as our two countries share many common values. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1949, Thailand and the Philippines have continuously enjoyed close, peaceful and fruitful bilateral relations which have been ripened by regular exchange of high level visits and meetings. Rest assured that our two countries will work closely with each other for a more fruitful, dynamic and stronger bilateral relation. ?

Recent examples of high level visits and meetings showcasing our two countries? strong diplomatic relations include the attendance of H.E. Mr. Ongart Klampaiboon, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister?s Office, as a representative of the Prime Minister of Thailand, to join the Filipinos in congratulating the Inauguration of the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines, H.E. Benigno S. Aquino III from 29 June ? 1 July 2010. Furthermore, H.E. Benigno S. Aquino III met with H.E. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of Thailand, during the ASEAN Summit last month in Hanoi.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The close collaboration between Thailand and the Philippines also extend to the private sector as reflected in the two countries? substantial bilateral trade and investment. Indeed, the trade volume between Thailand and the Philippines has increased at over USD 5 Billion. Moreover, statistics show that the total trade volume between our two countries during the first half of this year increased by 80% to USD 2.8 Billion at the year on year basis.

Here in the Philippines, the Thai private sector investments cover a wide variety of industries from agriculture, banking, healthcare, paper, ceramics, energy to food. I am proud to say that Thai investments here have attached great importance to business transparency, ethics as well as the practice of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the return of benefits to the Philippine local communities and society through various programs such as scholarships, livelihood, public health and worthwhile activities for the youth.

On this note, Thailand?s biggest agricultural company, CP, has announced the plan to expand its investment in the Philippines by USD 45 Million. It is our hope that this investment will further enhance the Philippines? capacity in terms of food security.? It is also worth noting that there is a considerable number of well-known Philippine businesses such as San Miguel Corporation, Universal Robina, Liwayway Marketing, and Top Blend International Company investing in Thailand.
In terms of tourism, I am glad to convey that there have been an increasing number of exchange tourists between Thailand and the Philippines. In 2009, the number of Filipino tourists who travelled to Thailand reached 217,705. Meanwhile, the number of Thai tourists who visited the Philippines reached 34,212.

Particularly, one of the selling points for Thai tourism is our hospitality. Through ?Amazing Thailand? and cultural diplomacy, the Embassy has successfully campaigned our tourism here, especially many visits and the performances of the Thai Cultural troops in various occasions, Thai Food and Fruits Festivals as well as introducing new tourist destinations in Thailand.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thailand and the Philippines are also close partners in the international fora as our two countries share the same values of democracy and freedom. Both are currently members of regional and multilateral organizations like ASEAN, ACD, ARF, APEC, ASEM and FEALAC. Also, both share the same vision and commitment to work for ASEAN integration to achieve an ASEAN community in 2015 and ASEAN connectivity for regional peace and prosperity.

Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

In this special occasion, may I propose a toast to the continued good health and success of H.E. Benigno S. Aquino III; the strong bilateral relation between Thailand and the Philippines; the prosperity of the Republic of the Philippines; and, the everlasting friendly relations between the people of Thailand and the Philippines.

Muli, taos puso akong nagpapa-salamat sa inyong pagdalo upang makibahagi sa pagdiriwang ng kaarawan ng aming Mahal na Hari. Maraming salamat! Mabuhay! (Again, I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks to everyone for being with us today to celebrate our beloved King?s birthday. Thank you very much! Live!)

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Welcome Remarks by
H.E. Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya
Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of the Philippines
at the Amazing Thailand Travel Fair
SM MegaMall Atrium
30 July 2010

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Hon. Samsern Ngaorangsri, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Amazing Thailand Travel Fair in the Philippines. Today?s event will present a unique opportunity for all of you to realize the potential and strength of our tourism industry, through amazing cuisine presentations and various cultural performances.

The tourism industry of Thailand has played a very important role in its social and economic development. In fact, the tourism industry has significantly contributed to the increase of Thailand?s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate to 3.5% - 4.5%, from last year?s - 2%.

Moreover, the tourism industry has generated US$ 16 Billion last year through sound and effective coordination between the Royal Thai Government and the business sector as well as our partner countries.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As part of its national agenda, the Royal Thai Government and the private sector have put all efforts of re-strengthening the tourism industry, which was affected by the political situation last May. To this end, the Government has launched measures such as:

1. Promoting domestic travel;
2. Subsidizing travel agencies, especially small and middle enterprises;
3. Promoting travel opportunities to Thailand in targeted countries; and
4. Building confidence measures among stakeholders.

To facilitate more tourists to Thailand, I am very pleased to inform you that Thailand?s free tourist visa regime will be extended until March 2011. Furthermore, the Royal Thai Government is providing travel insurance in the amount of up to US$ 10,000 per person for those who were affected from the political incident until March 2011.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On a positive note, the tourism situation in Thailand has returned to normal. In fact, countries including the Philippines last June 4, have already lifted their travel advisory to Thailand. This was made possible due to the efforts exerted by the Royal Thai Government and the support of the business sector, our partner countries as well as travel agencies.

Last but not the least, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to travel agencies for their active role in supporting the Thai tourism industry.

Once again, welcome to the Amazing Thailand Travel Fair and I wish you all the best and success.

Thank you very much.

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Speech by
H.E. Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya
At the Celebration on the Occasion of
The 78th? Birthday Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit
12 August B.E. 2553 (2010)
At the Residence of the Ambassador of Thailand,
14 Jacaranda Street, North Forbes Park, Makati City

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Ambassador Josue Villa,? Former Ambassador of the Philippines to Thailand,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand in the Philippines, I wish to extend my warm welcome and felicitations to the Thai community, our Filipino acquaintances, distinguished fellows and ?Friends of Thailand? gathering here tonight as the Kingdom of Thailand graciously celebrates the auspicious occasion of The 78th? Birthday Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. I am sure that our friends who used to reside in Thailand would know very well how special this occasion means.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Throughout our history, the Thai Royal Family has earned the unreserved love and respect of the people. Ever since the coronation of His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadel on 5 May 1950, the monarchy has been an example of self-sacrifice and hard work in the service of the nation. Led and guided by His Majesty the King himself, the Thai Royal Family has now contributed more than three thousand development projects nationwide.

For decades, Her Majesty the Queen has learned a great deal from His Majesty?s projects, which has been very beneficial to the Thai people. It can be said that Her Majesty?s immense compassion for the poor and the sick grew while accompanying His Majesty the King on journeys throughout the Kingdom.

Her Majesty the Queen?s projects focus mainly on helping families, especially in supporting women and people in rural areas to help them earn supplementary income. Since the early 1960s, Her Majesty?s projects have widened from handicraft to forest conservation and empowerment of the underprivileged sector of the Thai society.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Her Majesty the Queen has also promoted women and family rights to make women and their families feel proud of their role in society. Through Her Majesty?s excellent foresight, she has done nearly every possible thing to raise women?s social status such as the promotion and creation of organizations as well as the initiation of projects to educate and train women ? to enable them to raise their economic status and social welfare while encouraging them to appreciate their Thai Heritage of traditional art and culture.

As part of Her Majesty?s effort to uplift the plight of rural women and promote Thai traditional handicraft, she established the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques or ?SUPPORT Foundation.? The Foundation has been very active in all parts of Thailand since 1976.

Moreover, Her Majesty the Queen?s devotion to the country is widely recognized not only in Thailand but also in the international community. This may be attested by the fact that a number of international organizations had presented her honorable awards like the 1985 Asia Society?s Humanitarian Award, the 2004 Aid to Artisans Award for the Preservation of Crafts as well as the 1979 Ceres Gold Medal of U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the Thais, Her Majesty the Queen has always been ardently devoted to the King?s ideals and has always been instrumental in supporting the King, who is the Nation?s strength. Indeed, Her Majesty the Queen remains active even today at 78 years of age. Over the years, Her Majesty the Queen has played a significant role in following up and supporting the Royal projects initiated by His Majesty the King. In fact, it can be said that her purpose and life?s work has always been to assist the King in fulfilling the Monarchy?s duty to the Thai people.

On a positive note on Thailand ? Philippines relations, Their Majesties the King and the Queen paid a State visit to the Republic of the Philippines in July 1963. On that occasion, Her Majesty the Queen was presented with the Honorary Doctorate in Humanities Degree from the Centro Escolar University and the Sampaguita Medal from the Philippine National Red Cross. The Royal Visit undeniably strengthened the close relationship between the Philippines and Thailand.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On the auspicious occasion of the 78th Birthday Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of Thailand on 12 August 2010, the Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand in the Philippines as well as the Thai Community wish Her Majesty the Queen all the happiness and good health.

Long Live the Queen!

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Message of
H.E. Kulkumut Singhara Na Ayudhaya,
Ambassador of Thailand to the Republic of the Philippines
on the occasion of the Ceremonial Check Turn-Over
of "SCG Sharing the Dream" Scholarship Program
Learning Center, UPPC Plant, Calumpit, Bulacan
28 June 2010

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Excellencies, Khun Montri Mahaplerkpong, Distinguished Guests, Students, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Magandang hapon sa inyong lahat! (A pleasant afternoon to everyone!)

First of all, let me extend my sincere thanks to SCG in the Philippines for inviting me to join this special occasion.? It is my great pleasure to once again witness today?s Ceremonial Check Turn-Over of the ?SCG Sharing the Dream? Scholarship Program. This event only reflects a small part of series of the Siam Cement Group?s continuous effort to sustainably ?return the benefit to the society and community in the Philippines.?

SCG, one of the largest business conglomerates in Thailand, is well known not only in its successful practice of good corporate governance but also in its commitment to corporate social responsibility.? I am very glad that SCG has not only applied its commendable practice at home, but has also extended its approach to all of its investments overseas, including here in the Philippines.

I would like to commend SCG?s initiative in prioritizing the promotion of human development in its social responsibility projects. Especially, its various scholarship programs aiming at providing better access to education for less privileged students ? as education and training can serve as means to empower people in the fight against poverty. Indeed, this philosophy very much resonate the rousing words of the Philippines? foremost national hero, Jose P. Rizal, when he said: ?Por la educacion recibe lustre la patria? or ?Through education a country receives light.? ?
I am happy to learn that the first batch of SCG Filipino scholars from Batangas and Bulacan are now in their 4th Year High School and are expected to graduate soon. This accomplishment by SCG in the fields of corporate social responsibility and education are indeed truly remarkable and inspiring.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Royal Thai Government continues to give priority to ?Education for All? since it believes that human resource development is fundamental for social and economic improvement worldwide. With realization of human resources development, the Royal Thai Government is determined to cooperate with our friendly neighboring countries in enhancing educational cooperation.

For several years, Thailand has offered various kinds of scholarships to many developing countries including the Philippines. In cooperation with SCG, the Royal Thai Embassy shares the vision of promoting a better access to education, particularly for the less-privileged Filipinos, and supports the continued commitment of SCG to Philippine society.

I would like to encourage the participants and local community together with the initiation of SCG and with the Royal Thai Embassy to continue in working together so that we can explore other needs of the communities wherein SCG has established its presence. Our common efforts and teamwork of public and private sectors of Thailand residing here in the Philippines will improve human resources and eventually the quality of life which will create sustainable growth.

With this, let me now congratulate all of the students as well as their families who were granted this unique opportunity from SCG. Maligayang bati sa inyo! (Congratulations to you!) I do hope that the momentum brought today will create better understanding and more cooperation between Thais and Filipinos as well as further people-to-people contact between our two countries.

Thank you very much.

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