Gale Bailey MBE Pages

My time in Bangkok

By Gale Bailey MBE

In May 1997 the Baileys arrived in Bangkok for 3 years to make a fortune, return to UK, pay off mortgage and have thousands in the bank!

First night in Bangkok

Needless to say this did not happen which is why we are still here! In June 1997 I joined BWG as a friend told me that I would need friends of my own ilk as this was our first time living abroad. As I was working, I attended the coffees and lunches whenever I could but took on the role of coffee morning lady and also carted the second hand books around in my little Honda Civic. When I went part time in my job (Assistant Regional Manager, Druck Asia Pacific) I became chairman of BWG in 2002 and was the first person to do a 3 year stint (crazy!). We held some fantastic events and raised millions of Baht too.

Chairman at the 2002 AGM

I continued to be involved with welfare and also joined the BCTFN committee to help with Ploenchit Fair and it was at Fair in 2014 that the then Ambassador, Mark Kent, informed me that I had been awarded an MBE (supporting the British community and charity work in Thailand) I am still humbled and honoured by it!

Joining BWG made such a huge difference in my life as I met some wonderful people, made great friends plus it has allowed me to become involved with so many worthy causes. As I have always said, if you put nothing in, you get nothing out and I have certainly gained so much even from prison visiting which has surprised some., making friends with those on the inside, their families on the outside and even The Last Executioner, Khun Chavoret Jaruboon.

Life in Thailand is what you make it - enjoy the diversity - like me!

Gale with the 2005 outgoing committee