I call on Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat on 26 September to congratulate the Thai leader uopon his appointment as the new Thai premier.

 

I was invited by the Office of the President of the Supreme Court to give a speech on "Thailand from the British Ambassador's perspectives" on 11 September 2008. It was well received 60 Supreme Court judges and officers.

 

On 4 September, I and my wife Alison hosted a reception at the Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel to celebrate the Official Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

A large number of guests were present to wish HM Queen Elizabeth II, the second longest reigning monarch in the world, a very happy 82nd birthday anniversary.  Guests included:

• Mrs Panida Thepkanjana
• Mr Pongthep Thepkanjana
• Mr Sahas Bunditkul, Deputy Prime Minister
• Police General Chalermdej Jombhunud
• Mr Vanchai Chirathiwat
• H.E. Mr Samak Sundaravej, Prime Minister
• Mr Quinton Quayle, British Ambassador
• Mrs Alison Quayle
• Mr Chaturon Chaisang

Club opening on 4 September




The £15 million project to redevelop the embassy compound in Bangkok marked an important milestone last month. After 4 years of construction work the final phase, which includes brand new accommodation for 24 families, is nearing completion. So it was the right moment for a group of traditional Thai dancers to bless the development, and welcome those due to move into the new flats and houses.

In addition to the traditional dances I planted a lucky tree on the residence lawn and released 999 fish (an auspicious number in Thailand) into the embassy pond.

In the coming months UK-based staff will start to move into the units, giving them convenient and secure accommodation in the heart of Bangkok.

Facilities on the compound include a gym, swimming pool, tennis court and club, where I pulled the first pint. The "new" Queen Vic - a light and airy glass building, "floating" above the embassy pond - will replace the old club, which has been a focal point of the embassy for the past 30 years.

Staff gave the new club its first test with a celebration buffet lunch. The verdict: a pass with flying colours.