Irish Ambassador delivers Phuket St Patrick’s Day message

Greetings on St Patrick’s Day from His Excellency Declan Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to Thailand. Best wishes to the Irish Community in Thailand and all friends of Ireland on the occasion of St Patrick’s Day 2012.

PHUKET: I am repeatedly impressed by the pride and enthusiasm with which Irish communities around the world celebrate our national day and heritage. As St Patrick was himself a migrant, a missionary from across the Irish Sea, it is natural that the Irish abroad should have a special connection with him.

I am also proud of the open and welcoming manner in which Ireland and our traditions are celebrated so as draw in people of all backgrounds. I have seen that the Irish organizations in Thailand exemplify this approach.

Let me also use this occasion to underline my appreciation for the role played by the Honorary Consul of Ireland in Phuket, Hélène Fallon-Wood, and the Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangkok, Gary Biesty. The important consular services they provide, throughout the year, for Irish citizens in Thailand and for visa applicants planning visits to Ireland deserve to be recognized.

Declan Kelly,
Ambassador