‘Birthday boy’ Duterte regaled by Thai PM, OFWs in advance
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Thailand Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-o-chan hold a toast during the state dinner at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand on March 21, 2017. RICHARD MADELO/Presidential Photo
BANGKOK—It was a surprise gesture for President Rodrigo Duterte when Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha offered an early birthday cake for him during their official dinner at the Government House here.
Prayut, who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, hosted an official dinner for Duterte after two hours of bilateral talks.
During their official toast at the dinner, Duterte assured Prayut that the Philippines is a “faithful friend” of Thailand.
“As Thailand continues to its own onward advance, rest assured that the Philippines will be there as a friend and as a brother to support. As I have said earlier, we are a faithful friend, Sir,” he said.
Duterte, who will turn 72 on March 28, shared before the Filipino community here how he was humbled by Prayut’s surprise.
“Alam mo, birthday niya kagabi. Pero alam niya birthday ko rin malapit na. Alam mo, kaya pala tumindig, sabi niya sandali lang ha, nagpagawa ng cake para sa akin happy birthday so hiyang-hiya ako,” he told close to 2000 overseas Filipino workers at the Thai Navy Headquarters on Wednesday night.
(It was his birthday last night, but he was also aware that my birthday was coming. So he stood up, asked me to wait, then presented me with a birthday cake. I was quite embarrassed.)
After learning that he would celebrate his birthday next week, the crowd cheered and started to sing him a “Happy Birthday” song.
Duterte smiled after hearing the song and thanked the Filipino community. His response though was injected with humor.
“Salamat po. So yung pinaka-maganda diyan na walang atraso, pwedeng tumindig at makapag beso-beso lang naman,” he said as his remark drew laughter and applause from the crowd.
(Thank you. So all the single pretty women out there, please present yourselves, and perhaps offer me a kiss.) IDL/rga
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