"I also join with all the citizens of your noble nation in recognising the many blessings you have received over these last six decades, an in expressing appreciation of the loving service you have rendered to all your subjects through your assiduous care to promote unity, religious tolerance and compassion for the poor," Pope Benedict XVI said in his message.

United Kingdom's Queen Elizabeth II said, "Please accept my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the 60 th anniversary of Your Majesty's Accession to the Throne."

The Queen said she sent to HM the King, the Royal family and to the Thai people my best wishes for the future and my sincere hope that the bonds of friendship between our countries will continue to strengthen.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulation message to HM the King. "During the decades of Your Majesty's rule, Thailand has made considerable progress in its political, social and economic development has become an active and influential member of the world community, at the same time having retained its national identity and unique cultural and historic heritage," Putin said.

HM the King has always enjoyed well-earned authority and respect in the world, Putin emphasised.

Other world leaders who sent the messages on this auspicious occasion included US President George Bush, Chinese President Hu Jintao, South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong, Philippine President Gloria Arroyo and North Korea's President of the Presidium Kim Yong Nam.

The Nation, Agencies