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span class="inline inline-left">Long live the king: Thai Ambassador to Indonesia Thanatip Upatising (left) toasts with Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Wardana at the celebration of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 84th birthday. In his opening speech, Ambassador Upatising underlined the significance of Indonesian-Thai relations as the main driving force of ASEAN. JP/ Jerry AdigunaThai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, celebrated his 84th birthday on Monday.

Despite the ongoing nationwide flood recovery efforts, the Thai Embassy in Jakarta commemorated the day with great joy at the Borobudur Hotel in Central Jakarta on Monday evening.

Thai Ambassador to Indonesia Thanatip Upatising, along with his wife, Monthip Upatising, personally welcomed all guests, including several ambassadors of ASEAN countries and Indonesia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Wardana.

Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa did not attend the festivities. However his wife, Thai-born Sranya Bamrungphong Natalegawa, was among the dignitaries.

“This day, Thais from all walks of life celebrate the 84th birthday of their king, who has put the well-being of his people above all else for the last 65 years,” Thanatip said in his opening remarks.

King Bhumibol was born on Dec. 5, 1927, and has reigned since June 9, 1946.

He first visited Indonesia in 1960 with his wife, Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara, as guests of then-president Sukarno.

Most recently, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, King Bhumibol’s granddaughter, visited Palembang and Jakarta to cheer the Thai teams participating in the 26th SEA Games.

“Thailand owes much to His Majesty the King [Bhumibol Adulyadej], including the creation of close ties of friendship between Thailand and Indonesia in all fields of cooperation, not only for the benefit the two countries, but also for the ASEAN community and the world at large,” Thanatip said.

Thanatip and Wardana led guests in a toast for the health and well-being of both King Bhumibol and
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Special Thai delicacies and drinks were served at the reception, including Pad Thai, Tom Yam Goong, steamed Pak Mai and Thai satay.

Recognizing the country’s flood recovery efforts, Thanatip said that the flood served as a wake-up call for ASEAN countries to improve their disaster preparedness.

Thanatip said Thailand looked forward to continuing its cooperation with Indonesia and other ASEAN friends to build a more resilient community. (mim)