94 December 2011 BTM BTM: To the outside world, Thailand would appear to be a democracy that has matured during the last year. How is this seen within Thailand? H.E.: Despite recent political challenges, Thailand has emerged stronger and more united after the general elections held in July 2011, which produced the highest voter turnout in the country’s history. The enthusiasm shown by the Thai people during the elections reaffirms the country’s commitment to participatory and multi-party democracy and its aspiration to achieve a full-fledged democracy. On its part, the government is committed to fulfilling the democratic aspirations of the people and will be expediting political reform, whilst ensuring broad based public participation. It will also foster harmony and pursue reconciliation with a view to furthering the political, economic and social development of the country. BTM: How has the Thailand economy recovered from the global financial crisis? H.E.: Thailand’s dynamic economy has shown remarkable resilience due to the country’s strong fundamentals: a growing market based upon a rising middle class, an open and flexible approach to investment and global markets, a strategic location with extensive infrastructure and a service-oriented culture, and a highly skilled and dedicated workforce supplying both creativity and productivity. With its progressive foreign investment policies, Thailand’s commitment to free and open markets and the implementation of policies geared to further raise the country’s competitiveness will help secure Thailand’s place as a key player in the ASEAN community and as a regional hub for international trade and investment. BTM: How is Thailand recovering from the recent flooding that attracted worldwide attention? H.E.: Thailand has a long reputation as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. With its stunning landscapes, diversity, rich cultural heritage, world-class cuisine and developed infrastructure, the visitors to the Kingdom are returning as the floods have subsided. The celebrated hospitality of the Thai people leaves a lasting impression on international travellers, and will keep them coming back year after year. Bahrain This Month talks to the Thai ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, H. E. Vichai Varasirikul, following a momentous year for his country, both politically and economically. BTM: How does Thais assess the contribution of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej since his coronation on 5 May 1950? H.E.: For more than six decades, His Majesty the King has carried out his duties and responsibilities both as a constitutional monarch in accordance with the country’s constitution and as a Thai king in keeping with the traditions and deep-seated beliefs that have evolved over the seven centuries of the country’s existence. Throughout the years, His Majesty the King has worked tirelessly and devoted his life to aiding the development of the Kingdom and the improvement of the Thai people’s livelihood, placing people at the centre of all developmental endeavours. BTM: What would you say has been the guiding the principle behind the way in which His Majesty has conducted his role? H.E.: His Majesty has remained faithful to a statement he made during a Royal address at Commencement Ceremony, Kasetsart University Auditorium, on 19 July 1974. “…It is extremely important to encourage and help people to earn their living and support themselves with adequate means, because those who are gainfully employed and self-supporting are capable of meaningfully contributing towards higher levels of development…” diplomatictalk xxxxx His Majesty the King has worked tirelessly and devoted his life to aiding the development of the Kingdom and the improvement of the Thai people’s livelihood, placing people at the centre of all developmental endeavours. Strong Fundamentals Thailand celebrates an important milestone this month, the seventh cycle birthday anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Thailand's National Day. H. E. Vichai Varasirikul
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