Ambassador Quinton Quayle

I am delighted to be back in Thailand as ambassador. This is my second posting here - my last was almost 30 years ago. It is good to see how strongly Thailand has developed in the intervening period in many ways. But one thing that has not changed is the beauty of the country and charm and grace of the Thai people.

I am now almost half way through my four year posting. The time has flown by. As well as carrying out my official duties in Bangkok, I am glad that I have been able to travel quite a bit outside, both on business and for pleasure. I have made several trips to the North, North East and South of the country as well as to the Central Region. As I am a Thai speaker, I have been able to meet and converse with Thai people from all walks of life, as well as members of the extensive British Community who live in various parts of Thailand. I have been particularly keen to support trade and investment links between Thailand and Britain, drawing on my experience of business during secondments to Price Waterhouse and VT Group (formerly called Vosper Thornycroft).

I am particularly struck on my return to Thailand by the interest that the Thai people have in watching the English Premier League. I am a keen football fan myself and was sorry to see that as well as Prime Minister Abhisit's favourite team, Newcastle United, my own team, West Bromwich Albion, was relegated from the Premier League. But I am confident that at least one of these teams will soon return to the top flight of English football!

Quinton Quayle
25 July 2009