His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send a congratulatory message to King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej on the occasion of the Thai king's 81st birthday celebration, according to a press release.

In the monarch's message, he warmly congratulated King Bhumibol and appreciated his leadership and commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties and long-standing friendship between Brunei Darussalam and Thailand.

His Majesty also looked forward to continuing to strengthen the traditional friendship and cooperation so happily shared by the governments and the people of both countries.

The monarch wished for the Thai king's continued good health and happiness.

Meanwhile, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in a similar message to Thailand's Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chaovarat Charnveerakul, said, "I have much pleasure in sending my deepest respect to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and all members of the royal family, together with my warmest congratulations to the people of the Kingdom of Thailand on the 81st Anniversary of His Majesty's Birthday." - Borneo Bulletin (5th Dec 2008)