http://www.bangkokpost.

com/opinion/opinion/269031/long-live-the-king POST BAG

Long Live the King

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Published: 3/12/2011 at 12:00 AM Newspaper section: News

As a part-time resident of the kingdom for the last 20 years, I wish to express my best wishes and deepest appreciation for His Majesty's wise and devoted leadership, on the occasion of the King's 84th birthday. Each year my affection and appreciation for his leadership and example for the people of Thailand has grown. He has been like a shining lighthouse on a hill, guiding the ship of state through treacherous and often dangerous waters. At times, his advice has prevented potential disaster and, at times, his silence has allowed the government to correct situations of which they were able. His Majesty has led by example, and the kingdom has prospered immensely by his leadership in so many areas. His Majesty's untiring devotion to the people of Thailand has improved the quality and well-being of their lives. He is known as healer of the sick, father of the orphans, benefactor to the poor, and a stabilising and unifying force during the times that the government was deeply divided. Through his leadership, he led in the vast improvement of the educational system. He has pioneered in developing areas plagued by drought, and personally visited rural areas with problems of poverty that only his wisdom could solve. He has brought decades of stability to this great nation. And he has demonstrated humility, compassion and a leadership that has eased periods of great distress. I remember that on one occasion His Majesty remarked that he missed the counsel of his late mother. But I am confident that a greater counsel, that of the Almighty, has afforded His Majesty the wisdom that led myself and countless others to conclude that he is the greatest monarch of modern times. I join others of all faiths in offering prayers for the daily strength of our monarch. On this auspicious occasion, along with all the other loyal citizens and expats of this great nation, we give a thunderous voice to the age-old words, ''Long Live the King.'' DR JOHANNES MAAS International President, Worldwide Faith Missions, USA

http://www.bangkokpost.com/print/269159/

LETTER CAPTURED NATIONAL SPIRIT

I wish to thank Dr Johannes Maas for his very well written letter ''Long Live the King'' in yesterday's PostBag. What he wrote represented all the thoughts and feelings many of us have for His Majesty the King, but no one could express them like Dr Maas. It's wonderful to know that many expats living here share our love, respect, loyalty and best wishes for his good health and happiness. I totally agree with his observation that HM the King is the greatest monarch in the world and that we are so fortunate to be in this Kingdom. Long Live the King. RT Suwan Bangkok