Following the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, in the 17th General Election, H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, sent a congratulatory message to the Prime Minister of the Republic of India as follows:

       Excellency,

                  On behalf of the Royal Thai Government and people of the Kingdom of Thailand, I have the honour to extend to Your Excellency my warmest congratulations on your landslide victory in the 17^th General Election of India. This impressive victory clearly demonstrates the rock-solid trust and confidence that the people of India have in Your Excellency’s vision and dedication to the progress and prosperity of India.

                   I believe that the Republic of India, under your strong leadership and astute guidance, will continue to thrive as an active player in the regional and international arenas. I, therefore, would like to take this opportunity to reiterate Thailand’s determination to work closely with India, as our key partner in South Asia, to further enhance our amicable ties and close cooperation at both the bilateral and multilateral levels, for the mutual benefits of our two countries and the international community.

                   In this connection, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my invitation to Your Excellency to pay an official visit to Thailand in the near future, to enhance our comprehensive and constructive bilateral relations. As the current Chair of ASEAN and Country Coordinator for ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations, I also very much look forward to welcoming India’s greater engagement with ASEAN.

                   I wish Your Excellency every success in all your future endeavours.

                           Accept, Excellency, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.

                                                                            General Prayut Chan-o-cha (Ret.)

                   Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand