British ambassador David Fall and his wife Gwendolyn recently hosted receptions in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Vientiane, Laos in celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's official birthday.

Wishing the queen a very happy 81st birthday were a large number of guests including the deputy commander of Chiang Mai Immigration Pol Col Krit Piakaew and the Phuket Chamber of Commerce chairman Eam Thavornvongwongse.

Music at the Bangkok soiree was kindly provided by the Royal Thai Navy String Quintet, part of the Royal Thai Navy Band. A variety of traditional and the not so traditional British food was at hand to satisfy everyone's appetite, ranging from miniature fish and chips to summer pudding crammed full of delicious red fruits.

Ambassador Fall and his wife used these events to bid farewell to all their Thai and Lao friends. This year marks the conclusion of their 36-year career in the British diplomatic service, a third of which they have spent in Thailand.

The couple thanked the Thai people for their friendship and hospitality and announced that they look forward to returning frequently in a private capacity to Thailand, a country that has, in many ways, become their second home.