THAI CONDOLENCE MESSAGES ON THE DEATH OF FORMER

UNCLAS BANGKOK 007627 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL US SUBJECT: THAI CONDOLENCE MESSAGES ON THE DEATH OF FORMER PRESIDENT FORD REF: STATE 203066 ¶1. On December 28, we received from the Thai MFA unsigned, faxed copies of condolence messages from Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram. The texts of the messages follow. BEGIN TEXT OF PRIME MINISTER'S LETTER: Dear Mr. President, I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of former President Gerald Ford. He will be remembered by all of us for his courage and honesty in uniting his great nation. His long public service, marked by true devotion to duty and national interest, will continue to occupy a special place in the memory of American people and ours. Many countries including Thailand have benefited from his legacy in bringing peace and unity to the United States of America and the world during a most challenging time in history. His integrity and honest leadership have moved America forward, and will continue to elicit our highest admiration and respect. On behalf of the Royal Thai Government and its people, I join you in sending our deepest condolences through you to Mrs. Ford and the Ford family, and to you and the American people for this great loss. Yours Sincerely, General Surayud Chulanont Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand END TEXT OF PRIME MINISTER'S LETTER - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - BEGIN TEXT OF FOREIGN MINISTER'S LETTER: Dear Secretary Rice, It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing away of former President Gerald Ford. We all recognized him as a great leader of integrity who brought peace and harmony to America during a tumultuous time in world history. For that legacy, he will be long remembered by all of us for his courage and decency, and will be greatly admired for his honesty and devotion to his presidency. Thailand and its people have benefited from his vision and leadership in unifying a great nation like America. We will continue to share his thoughts and dreams. His reputable integrity will guide and inspire us for generations to come. The Thai people join you and all American friends in mourning the loss of such a great leader. In our sadness, I seek your kind consideration in conveying to Mrs. Betty Ford and the Ford family our deepest sympathies. Yours Sincerely, Mr. Nitya Pibulsonggram Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand END TEXT OF FOREIGN MINISTER'S LETTER ARVIZU