At a recent fellowship lunch at the Rotary Club of Bangkok, I had the distinct honour of introducing the Irish ambassador HE Patrick Bourne who spoke to us on the important topic "Thailand and Ireland Relations: The next 50 Years." The Ambassador is a career diplomat who has served in the Irish Foreign Service since 1990. He has vast experience at the highest level both home and abroad and has been Ireland’s ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand since 2022.

As a proud Irish citizen and a long-time Rotarian, this occasion was particularly meaningful. Our roots in Ireland run deep. Our family home on Shrewsbury Road in Ballsbridge reflected the elegance of Edwardian Dublin. The Ambassador exhibited in abundance all the cultural traits that make our nation unique - warmth, wit and unwavering sense of community.
The lunch was held just a few days before the celebrations for St Patrick’s Day.

Following a warm and enthusiastic welcome for the Ambassador, it was only natural that a few Irish jokes were shared. However, beyond the laughter, there was enormous appreciation for the all the insights he shared. Thailand and Ireland have a long history of mutual respect and cooperation and his vision for the next five decades was most thought-provoking. As global dynamics shift, these relationships will play an ever-greater role in diplomacy, trade and cultural exchange.

Rotary thrives on fellowship, service and meaningful dialogue and this event exemplified all three. It was an honour to contribute to such a memorable occasion.

Tá súil agam go raibh lá fhéile Pádraig iontach agaibh go léir! ☘

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