Monday June 11th, 2012

A 50^th anniversary is an auspicious event for the Anglo-Thai Society (the ATS), not least when it is held in the year of a Diamond Jubilee.  On Monday June 11^th, 2012 gathered together at a splendid dinner in the House of Lords, in a room overlooking the River Thames that would have been a perfect spot to see Queen Elizabeth II’s river pageant go by, the members of the Anglo-Thai Society celebrated their half century.

The 50^th anniversary dinner celebrated all of the Anglo-Thai Society’s achievements.  Current chairman David Fall thanked the many sponsors who had not only supported the dinner but ensured that each guest received an amazing ‘going home’ bag of Thai gifts, and H.E. Kitti Wasinondh who completes his time as Thai Ambassador to the UK shortly, gave a splendid speech.   Members and their guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner and were wonderfully entertained with traditional Thai music by the Thai Music Circle and Thai puppetry from the Thai Dance Academy.

In attendance were five former Ambassadors of Thailand to the UK including Sir James Hodge, Quinton Quayle, David Fall (Chair of the ATS), Justin Staples and Derek Tonkin as well as Kevin Thorne, former Chair of the ATS; Lord Geddes, Deputy Speaker of House of Lords and Patron of the ATS; and Bernard Coe, Honorary President ATS, former Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand and former Chairman of the ATS.

Thanks were given to the two main organisers of the dinner, Orapin Dawson and Charlotte Pinder.  The event warmed the hearts of all who attended, protecting them from the cold and damp of a wintery British June.