His Majesty pays tribute to Bush Snr

His Majesty the King has sent a letter of condolence to US President Donald Trump on the passing of former president George HW Bush.

“In profound sadness, the people of Thailand and I join all our American friends in mourning the passing of former president George HW Bush, the 41st president of the United States,” the King wrote. “A much loved leader of his countrymen who devoted his life to public service, former president Bush was equally admired as a world statesman who helped shape and determine the course of peace, security and the world order as we know it today.

“Thailand has been a direct beneficiary of his tireless work for a ‘kinder and gentler world’. He came to us in 2005 as we were one of the countries hard-hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami. Together with former president Bill Clinton as a co-emissary of the United States, he brought much-needed humanitarian relief, warmth and compassion.

“Indeed, cherished memories will linger for a long time of a later visit he made as presidential envoy in December 2006, with the late Mrs Bush by his side, bearing the best wishes and felicitations from the American people for our beloved King — my dear father, His late Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, to mark his 60th anniversary on the throne.

“On behalf of the Thai people, I wish to express my sincerest sympathy and condolences to you, Mr President, and through you, to the American people, to former president George W Bush and to all members of the esteemed Bush family, for this so very great loss.”