Christmas Party for Children

        
 
On 14 December, my wife Alison and I hosted a staff children's christmas party.  Father Christmas was the guest of honour and brought presents for all the children attending.  There was also a magic show, games and plenty of mince pies.  (There were carrots for the reindeer).  

Christmas Party

On 13 December, my wife Alison and I hosted a Christmas party for staff from the Embassy, British Council and DFID.  Held in the gardens of the Residence, guests enjoyed carol singing and supper before dancing the night away.

Farewell to Ambassador Boyce
 
  
        

I recently gave a farewell dinner at my residence for US Ambassador Ralph Boyce. The distinguished guests included Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont, Arsa Sarasin and Thanpuying  Suchitguna, Anand Panyarachun, Dr. Suvit Yodmani and Khunying Songsuda, Japanese
Ambassador Hideaki Kobayashi and his wife Toshiko, [and Mr Suthichai Yoon].  I complimented “Skip” Boyce on his record as US ambassador to Thailand and presented him with a traditional British farewell gift of a Quaich – a two-handled Scottish drinking cup – from which he drank a toast of single-malt whisky to his friends

Ploenchit Fair 2007

               
 
Returning to Thailand after 25 years, I was delighted to open the Ploenchit Fair, held this year at Shrewsbury School on 1 December. 51 years since it started in 1956, the fair is still going strong: this year more than 10,000 people attended the annual event, and 2,000 volunteers gave up their time to ensure that the day was a success. All of the funds raised will be donated to 30 charities working in Thailand.

I would like to thank Carolyne Tarrant, President of the British Community in Thailand for the Needy (BCTFN), Shrewsbury International School and all the volunteers who made the 2007 Ploenchit Fair such a memorable event.