"The world has changed dramatically since you first ascended to the throne in 1946, and your great nation has been fortunate to have your quiet wisdom and compassionate and steady hand to guide it ever since," Bush said in his message.

"The American people have been particularly touched by your humanitarian works, including your generous aid following Hurricane Katrina last year," Bush said.

"The United States and the Kingdom of Thailand share a special relationship that reaches back 173 years. The bonds of friendship between our two nations remain as strong as ever, and the American people join the Thai people in wishing you many more years of health and happiness," read Bush's message. The US Congress is also drafting a statement to commemorate the 60th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kitti Wasinondh said. The statement is likely to highlight His Majesty's recent Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award, which was personally conferred by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan two weeks ago, Kitti said.

The New York City Council and the executive committee of the Washington-based US-Asean Business Council had already issued resolutions congratulating the Thai people and His Majesty the King on the anniversary, Kitti said.

"It is a good sign that there are several American organisations sending congratulatory messages to His Majesty the King," Kitti said. Numerous heads of state, including Chinese President Hu Jintao, South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Singaporean President SR Nathan, Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong, Philippine President Gloria Arroyo and North Korea's President of the Presidium Kim Yong Nam had already sent messages of congratulations to His Majesty, the spokesman said.

Sopaporn Kurz

The Nation