Prince, Thailand have mutual adoration
Bhutanese Crown Prince HRH Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck returns a wai to Thai admirers while on his way in a golf cart to an auditorium in Rangsit University, which conferred on him an honorary doctorate in philosophy, politics and economics.
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The Crown Prince of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck has lauded Thailand for its sense of unity, common purpose and identity - qualities he described as "rare in a modern world".
Rangsit University yesterday awarded Prince Jigme an honorary doctorate in philosophy, politics and economics. In his acceptance address, Prince Jigme spoke of his deep love and admiration towards His Majesty the King. The honorary degree was in recognition of the prince's contributions in leadership, wisdom and strategies for development in his country and enhancing his people's quality of life. "Today I'm happy that I have this opportunity to thank you and to share with you some of my works and feelings," the prince said. "It has been a great privilege to travel to Thailand for many years now. The more I talk to the people, the more I feel optimism. I've learned that you love your country, you have a sense of unity, a sense of common purpose and identity. These are rare qualities in today's modern world. The prince referred to his attendance at the recent celebrations for the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King's accession to the throne and of his "deep love and great admiration towards His Majesty the King". "This is a memory I'll always cherish - His Majesty and the people of Thailand whom he loves." Aged 26, the prince completed his studies in the Foreign Service Programme at Oxford University before going on to the National Defence College in India and the Kennedy School of Governance in the United States. Prince Jigme is president of the Royal University of Bhutan. He plays an active role in economic organisations in his country. The King of Bhutan has announced his intention to abdicate in 2008. In his address the heir to the Bhutan throne stressed to the graduates the important of education and its ability to bring growth and progress. He said he had learned much from his travels abroad. "I find there is so much I can learn from country to country - of culture and spirit. I'm not an expert so I rely on personal perspectives. I cannot make conclusions based on complex data and science but instead I base these on my personal meetings with people, particularly the young. "The people of Thailand have always displayed commitment and affection for their country," he said. The prince said young Thais did not have to look far for a role model. "Hard work, kindness, justice, dedication and sacrifice are qualities the youth of Thailand can learn from His Majesty. "His Majesty has a special place in your heart. You must follow His Majesty's principles in your work and in your mind. I believe if Thailand follows His Majesty's footsteps it will always be successful and prosperous." The university distributed information about Bhutan to 3,000 graduates. The package contained the prince's biography as well as background of how the university promoted relationships with the people of Bhutan. A compact disc was included with the song "Precious Prince Of Hearts" composed for the prince. There are 17 Bhutanese students studying at the university, including a younger brother of the prince.
Kupluthai Pungkanon The Nation
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