The Gurkhas guarding the British Embassy have been part of the UK’s presence in Thailand for many decades, but sadly things have changed dramatically in recent years with the demolition of the embassy and its move to an office block on Sathorn Road.
As the Gurkhas will be returning to Nepal shortly, Bangkok St. George’s wanted to bid an apt farewell by holding a curry lunch at Bistro 33 on 11 January. John Hocking, the new President of Bangkok St. George’s Society, coordinated the arrangements between Sgt. Major Hari Lal Pun MBE and the staff at Bistro 33 to make it a most successful albeit emotional afternoon.
It proved a busy event with almost 70 people attending, including representatives of the Royal British Legion, and everybody thoroughly enjoyed the tasty Gurkha curry. After a rather noisy raffle draw presided over by Laura and Martin Smith, the Sgt. Major made a surprise presentation to John Hocking and Gale Bailey. Both were delighted but overwhelmed, especially as the kukuri knives badges they received are regarded as a high honour.
The Sgt. Major then held an auction for a kukuri (Gurkha knife), with the proceeds being shared between the Gurkhas and St. George’s Society. Many bids were made but finally it was won by Andrew Dalton, a former Australian soldier (2002- 2013) who completed three tours of Afghanistan where he worked briefly with the British Gurkhas who he holds in high regard.
To round off the event, a donation was made to the Royal British Legion Chonburi Branch Thailand to help their welfare work. St. George’s Society would like to thank all concerned for making this event so successful, with special thanks to Barry Shea, Susan and staff of Bistro 33 for their generosity and service. Thanks also to the Royal Oak and others who donated raffle prizes as well as R.B.L. representatives.
As the Gurkhas will be returning to Nepal shortly, Bangkok St. George’s wanted to bid an apt farewell by holding a curry lunch at Bistro 33 on 11 January. John Hocking, the new President of Bangkok St. George’s Society, coordinated the arrangements between Sgt. Major Hari Lal Pun MBE and the staff at Bistro 33 to make it a most successful albeit emotional afternoon.
It proved a busy event with almost 70 people attending, including representatives of the Royal British Legion, and everybody thoroughly enjoyed the tasty Gurkha curry. After a rather noisy raffle draw presided over by Laura and Martin Smith, the Sgt. Major made a surprise presentation to John Hocking and Gale Bailey. Both were delighted but overwhelmed, especially as the kukuri knives badges they received are regarded as a high honour.
The Sgt. Major then held an auction for a kukuri (Gurkha knife), with the proceeds being shared between the Gurkhas and St. George’s Society. Many bids were made but finally it was won by Andrew Dalton, a former Australian soldier (2002- 2013) who completed three tours of Afghanistan where he worked briefly with the British Gurkhas who he holds in high regard.
To round off the event, a donation was made to the Royal British Legion Chonburi Branch Thailand to help their welfare work. St. George’s Society would like to thank all concerned for making this event so successful, with special thanks to Barry Shea, Susan and staff of Bistro 33 for their generosity and service. Thanks also to the Royal Oak and others who donated raffle prizes as well as R.B.L. representatives.
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