At the end of the year, most of us take time to look back and remember. This brings a mix of thoughts and emotions. For me, it is particularly appropriate as we reach the end of 2014.
This Friday 26th December I will be in Phang Nga Province to take part in the Remembrance Ceremony organised by the Thai government in memory of those who lost their lives in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. It will be 10 years since the Tsunami, in which almost 300,000 lives were lost including 151 British nationals (130 of whom died in Thailand). At the same time, wreaths will be laid at the Indian Ocean Tsunami Memorial at the Natural History Museum in London. It will be a very poignant day, and a number of people have recounted their own experiences to me. Our thoughts will be with all those affected by this terrible tragedy.
This year also saw the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. This was commemorated in ceremonies in August and November here in Thailand. And in the spirit of the 1914 Christmas truce, Football matches were hosted around the world to remember and to show how once warring nations can come together. We held a small tournament in Bangkok, with British, German and Thai teams earlier this month. There will be further commemorative events in the UK and abroad over the next four years. In this context I should pay tribute to the work of the Royal British Legion here in Thailand. Aside from organising various events, including the 11 November Remembrance ceremony in Kanchanaburi, they do a lot of welfare work with the British ex-service community here. The Embassy works closely with the Legion – Bert Elson BEM British Honorary Consul in Pattaya is also Secretary of the Legion. If you would like to contact them to join or offer help, you can do so here.
Looking back on the past is not just marked by quiet reflection on tragic events. It can also provide the foundation stone for celebration and future plans. The coming year offers a number of anniversaries in the enduring partnership between the UK and Thailand . The British ship The Globe visited Siam in 1612. The ship carried a letter from King James to the Siamese King Songtham. King Songtham replied in October 1615, a date which arguably marks the confirmation of diplomatic relations between the two countries 400 years ago. We already celebrated with our French colleagues and the Thai MFA last month the 330th anniversary of the first Thai diplomatic mission to London and Paris. And next year will also mark 160 years of the signature of the Bowring treaty, which opened up trade between Britain and Siam. We will be marking these anniversaries with a series of events next year to commemorate entering the fifth century of UK/Thai relations. Please watch out for more details.
And not forgetting the here and now, December is the high season for British tourist visitors to Thailand. Most people have a very enjoyable stay. But our consular staff do see an increase in people needing our help at this time of year – please read our Travel Advice for some of the issues to be aware of. Please be especially wary when travelling on the roads at this time, when there is a peak of accidents. Should you need to contact us in an emergency, details are here.
Finally, Merry Christmas to all those celebrating in Thailand and best wishes for the New Year from me and colleagues at the Embassy.